Mr. Wrestlemania vs. The Streak: Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker

[Y 2 Jake]

I expect a good match, by HBK 2009 standards. But I'm not expecting a brilliant match. Of course I'll log on the morning after Mania and people will proclaim it as the best match of the card, it'll win a WWE best match of the year award. But the simple fact will be that it's very good, but nowhere near as good as any of their matches from '97-98.

I also think that both would be better suited in different matches. The card is so weak I think Undertaker & HBK vs. different wrestlers would have made the card look and feel more special.

 

[weird86]

Three questions.

One: Do you think there may be any type of screwjob here? Because after the Bret Hart one, didn't Undertaker confront Vince and Shawn and get in a legit fight with both, or one of them?

Second: Although their matches 11 years ago were amazing, you don't think they can out perform those ones? Both are in their home state and know they are the saving grace of this PPV. I mean NWO 06 Taker Angle was epic. Shawn can work as well as Angle IMO, and as long as Taker has what he had 3 years ago, I can see this being amazing and possibly toping Angle Taker NWO 06.

Third: Will this be the ME? I ask because they had SD end with these two I believe twice, and Raw once. I sure in hell hope it is.

 

[The Todd]

Three questions.

One: Do you think there may be any type of screwjob here? Because after the Bret Hart one, didn't Undertaker confront Vince and Shawn and get in a legit fight with both, or one of them?

No. Nobody would screw 'Taker ever, EVERYONE backstage respects him, including Vince. Plus why would they end the biggest match up that way? Oh, and 'Taker's streak ended by screwjob? Stupid on so many levels.

Second: Although their matches 11 years ago were amazing, you don't think they can out perform those ones? Both are in their home state and know they are the saving grace of this PPV. I mean NWO 06 Taker Angle was epic. Shawn can work as well as Angle IMO, and as long as Taker has what he had 3 years ago, I can see this being amazing and possibly toping Angle Taker NWO 06.

The sheer spectacle of this will make it better than their other matches. This is up there with Rock vs Hogan (just below it) in terms of appeal. The crowd will make this a classic, even if what happens in the ring may not.

Third: Will this be the ME? I ask because they had SD end with these two I believe twice, and Raw once. I sure in hell hope it is.

If it is, WWE can kiss goodbye Royal Rumble sales in the future. They can't advertise it as "winner gets main event at Mania". They've screwed that up the last three years, this time Orton HAS to Main Event. Rumble winner in a title match Main Events, no questions asked. Rock vs Hogan didn't Main Event though it was the highlight of the PPV. Upper mid card matches are allowed to be good.

 

[Ronin]

If HBK goes over, I riot.

I can't wait until some up and coming person NO ONE expects to beat Taker, takes the streak. Biggest rub in wrestling history.

This is going to be a great match. I can't wait to watch it on youtube. =]

 

[AnthonyMango/NoFate007]

If it is, WWE can kiss goodbye Royal Rumble sales in the future. They can't advertise it as "winner gets main event at Mania". They've screwed that up the last three years, this time Orton HAS to Main Event. Rumble winner in a title match Main Events, no questions asked.

Mysterio won the Royal Rumble and didn't have the final match at WM22.

Undertaker won the Royal Rumble and didn't have the final match at WM23.

Cena won the Royal Rumble and didn't have the final match at WM24.

The past 3 years, the Royal Rumble winner hasn't been the main event. So I wouldn't be too surprised if Orton/HHH didn't main event the ppv - especially if (HOPEFULLY) Orton actually goes over and wins the title. They would rather have faces win the title at the end of the ppv, which is very likely going to happen with Cena. Not having the Royal Rumble winner be the main event hasn't hurt Royal Rumble sales at all so far.

Now, even though Taker/HBK is the only match I'm looking forward to, and the only match that I think will actually deliver and be good, I don't think it should be the main event. I would love if it was, but I think a title change happening at the end of a ppv is the best thing for it cause it sends people home happy that something different might be coming soon. Nothing's more depressing than when a ppv ends with someone retaining in a match, which is very likely to happen with HHH, because, well, its HHH and apparently he's the only person who can beat Orton when it comes to title matches.

 

[Lil Wes]

If HBK goes over, I riot.

I can't wait until some up and coming person NO ONE expects to beat Taker, takes the streak. Biggest rub in wrestling history.

This is going to be a great match. I can't wait to watch it on youtube. =]

I don't know why everyone thinks that's going to happen. It's Undertaker here, he gets whatever he wants backstage and I highly doubt he'll want to lose the streak to some up and coming dude who probably won't be deserving at the time anyways (in his mind, and probably mine too since everyone I've seen on this board and others throw Dibiase's name out there). The streak is arguably the biggest part of his legacy, I doubt he wants to lose it, but if they are going to do that, they better hurry up and start building the star, he's probably 1 major injury away from retirement. Which he really needs to go ahead and do, he's old news and his sporadic appearances aren't that fun anymore.

As for the storyline now, HBK has saved it. I've really enjoyed the build the past two weeks It dragged at first but they did a good job at picking it back up, the RAW (and SD! from what I hear, haven't seen it yet) promo was one of the best I've seen in quiet awhile after watching it again, it'll be interesting to see how they back it up this week and they better not fucking drop the ball. The match won't be last on the card, but it'll easily be the main event in my mind, I expect a good match with fuckloads of near falls for HBK but Taker obviously going over.

 

[Ronin]

I think that because Taker is a WWE man through and through. And think he'll do the right thing for the next big star.

HBK's promo with Taker coming through the ring was awesome. Makes me almost want to order WM25... almost.

 

[kylexxx]

I don't really understand the build up to this, at the start it seemed like they were going to do a one up manship thing up until the decider at Mania. How ever HBK has made Taker his bitch every episode, not necessarily his bitch but HBK has come out on top each time.
Taker traditionally has been the most feared and dominant wrestler in the WWE and he is actually almost the underdog in all of this.
One segment I thought they blew was HBK's tribute to Taker on Smackdown with the white druids. It would have been even more epic if the lights went out and then the flames light the ring and all the druids were now clothed in black robes. It was a great segment but I feel that would have made a true WWE moment.
It just seems like they are trying to hard to make it seem like the streak is threatened that they are almost assuring a Taker victory.
End rant.

 

[The Todd]

No Fate, I said they "screwed it up the last three years" in reference to Rey, 'Taker and Cena not headlining. Therefore my point was if they do it again, when stressing over and over again before the Rumble the winner main events Mania, then the RUmble is defunct. Three times in a row is a disgrace, last year with the shot happening at No Way Out was a farce. This year it has to happen to make up for it.

Anyway, pretty obvious it will Main Event now. And rightly so.

 

[HeartWong]

My prediction : There is no way that the undertaker's streak will be ended this year.. I predict HBK dominate the match but Undertaker manage to overcome the showstopper and be victorious..

 

[Rusty]

First and foremost this should not be the main event of the evening. Two guys who are well past their prime should not hog up the spotlight for the 25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania. Alright well, this is the match that people will remember most when somebody mentions "Wrestlemania 25". It's the biggest match on the card, and everyone is almost certain it will steal the show, and it probably will. The feud has been good actually. Not a lot of wrestling by both superstars, but that's because the WWE can't afford to have one of these guys injured before the big dance.

We have seen a little too many of these "burial" promos that Michaels seems so obsessed with. It's good how the Undertaker is actually getting angry and showing a great deal of emotion in this feud, something we rarely see from the Deadman. It has a big match feel to it, which I guess is very important here. The recent promo on Raw between the two was very well done. There has been a lot of talk about the Wrestlemania undefeated streak of the Undertaker, but it's stupid how HBK feels like he has something to prove here. He's freaking Shawn Michaels, a future Hall of Famer, a legend, a former World Champion. What more does he want to accomplish?

The reason why I initially didn't want this match to happen was because it feels too predictable. Everyone knows the Undertaker will win this match. But with a new guy like Vladimir Kozlov or even Umaga, they have a better chance at ending the undefeated streak than HBK does. But of course, if Shawn wins this match, not only will the Undertakers streak be ruined, but he loses a big part of his accomplishments and Shawn won't even benefit from it. He won at Wrestlemania against Ric Flair last year, but he shouldn't win this match.

I'm predicting a 30 minute match here. A match full of emotion and great counters. It will take not one but two Tombstones to pin HBK. Make no mistake about that. Make just like almost every other Undertaker Wrestlemania match, it will be a terrific match in which Taker reigns supreme.

17-0 here we come.

 

[weird86]

Any thought of Jericho getting involved in this match and trying to attack Shawn but accidently hits UT. UT will prob still win, but that could set a Jericho and Taker feud which I and I think a lot of people here would LOVE to see. Jericho can say he isnt done with Shawn yet, and UT comes out pissed that Jericho interfered and almost cost him his match. Just an idea.

 

[jrf328]

Why are people talking about Kozlov. The man with the headbutt. Please tell me this. He is horrible. He will not last in the WWE so why put it up against him. I do think that Umaga would be a great choice. But here is the issue. Would that match be memorable or would it be Undertaker vs Giant Gonzalez. I dont want to see to big people wearing down half way through the match. Umaga wont carry the match. Lets be honest here people this could be the Undertakers last wrestlemania. Constant injury and age could really make this his last one. Now if I am the Undertaker who do I want to face.
A horrible Russian
A good monster but still is a match we have seen a million times
Or someone who I know will put forth the absolute best match he can. Someone who will make this match memorable.
I think taker knows Hbk is the best choice.
Yes taker will win, no one will ever beat the streak unless the next Austin, Rock, Hogan come along.
And that my friends is no where in sight.

 

[Shocky]

So I can truly say that this is the real Main Event of the night. This is the match that is going to make people buy this pay per view. This is the match that is a treat for people that have watched this company for a long time. Two guys, that are going to give it their all, in one match. Does this match hurt the rest of the card, no. I don't like that people think Taker and Michaels should be in separate matches to spread the card around. This match has been hinted at for over two years now, and if the WWE couldn't prepare the rest of the card around this match in two years, then that's on them.

The build has been fantastic, the story has been fantastic, everything has been fantastic so far. Undertaker has never lost at Mania, HBK has never lost to the Undertaker. The Undertaker can't get his hands on Michaels, HBK has left the Deadman lying in the middle of the ring. It's excellent stuff, and really the only way this build up could be. Shawn Michaels alone is a credible threat to the Streak, but now the average fan honestly believes it could end. Take your damn smark goggles off before you reply to this, or I will rip you a new ass.

The story should be interesting, as I expect the first part of the match to be simply Michaels frustrating and out maneuvering the big man. The interesting part of the match is going to be the reaction of both Michaels and the Undertaker when he gets his hands on him, and the psychology of the match should change.

In the end, the Undertaker should win. I know this match is getting a helluva lot of hype, and most think it won't live up to it, well, Michaels and Angle had a helluva lot of hype, and most consider it to be the best Mania match ever.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

Welp, ehhhh here we are. 48 hours from the war to settle the score. The build has been pretty damn good, especially the last two weeks. HBK has done maybe the most blatant disrespect and disregard for any fear he may have than any man before him. Popping out of the casekt on RAW was excellent. and dont forget, HBK has the home feild advantage, as he is from Texas, and Taker is from Death Valley, CA.

That being said, no one expects HBK to have a chance here. I like the little bit of doubt they have cast with the build, but we all expect Taker to go 17-0. To me, this match will be defined by the amount of moments spent with doubt. How many times during this match will these two have us beliving that the streak is really in danger?? If its a lot, then this lives up. if not, then itll fail. We will see.

NorCal preditction : Undertaker

 

[nthomas504]

If i remember correctly, every streak that the WWE has manged to do has been broken. They could have made Kosluv's streak been so great, but the WWE doesnt kno how to manage a streak. Now they've done a great job managing Takers streak, however, streaks are meant to be broken. When i look bac at tha Undertaker when he retires, im going to think about all the matches he's been in, all the feuds he's been in, all the bodies he's left in tha ring, and then i'll look at tha streak. But the streak will end eventually, and thats wat the WWE wants to do. Ever since they reconized tht Taker has never lost at Mania, they knew that the lucky person who ended it would be forever made in history as one of tha Best they have to offer. Now i EXPECT Taker to win, however, they could have made Shawn the one. Shawn has never been made to be the title man, but he's the man who always steals the show, win or lose.
WM21-Angle Vs Michaels was a pure classic
WM22-He made a match with Vince OMac look good
WM23-A man with a totally different style(Cena)look lyk a chump for half the match
WM24-He took a 50+ year old man to the limit, and made it the second best match of the night(i loved the Edge vs Undertaker).

Other contenders could include
Randy Orton- Orton is destined for greatness and could be tha next Austin. He already lost to the Undertaker, but that could make for a great storyline lyk he could say lyk"I lost to you once, but im the best in tha business kno, and i can beat u. Then Taker could say "I sent you to hell once, I can do it again." It could bring back the Legend Killer status that he had and he could call himself the "Ultimate Legend Killer"

Edge- Top heel of Wrestling, could do tha same storyline of Randy. He'll win by cheating, making his Ultimate Opportunist even better. Taker can be fuelled to send Edge to hell, and you have a good few months of feuding.

Chris Jericho- To my knowledge has never feuded wit Taker(if he has, it hasnt been in his Deadman persona). It would be an incredible upset if he won, which is usually wat Wrestlemania is all about(Rey Mysterio).

John Cena- The man who has been the face of the WWE since 2005, that had in incredibale match at Vengence a few years ago against him. Cena is the hardest worker, most reliable worker, and is great on the mic. He might need to go a lil more over with tha fans to a level that is at that of the Undertaker. If that happens expect this match, if Cena had won at Mania 24, it would have been even better because Cena would have had a Mania streak going into tha match. The top face Vs. The Monster face. Taker could go for the hell's gate, locks is in, AND CENA COUNTERS WITH, either the STFU, or he could turn it into a FU, or watever tha hell's its called today.

If Shawn Michaels cant do it, then it doesnt necessarly mean that the The Streak will remain undefeated, there are a lot of young stars who can raise their level so high if the end tha streak

 

[avi01]

Excellent build up. Two of the very best. I do hope the streak remains. Some interesting speculations about Jericho tho...that would make his wrestlemania interesting.

 

[The Age of Orton]

My Prediction

Undertaker v Shawn Michaels - This match, of course, will be similar to The Rock v Hogan at Mania 18 in that, whilst it is not technically the main event of the night, it will be the match that gets the most noise from the crowd, two ultimate, legendary faces facing off on the Grandest Stage of 'Em All - the Streak vs. Mr Wrestlemania. Despite the slight worry, I have to go with the Streak, I have to go for the Deadman. It has been a very good build-up, making us think HBK has Taker's number so to speak, but this epic match will be won by the legendary phenom, and Shawn Michaels will Rest In Peace.

I want Undertaker to win. Never want to see him lose his legacy, well, unless he loses it to... me

 

[MidNight Rider]

Undertaker goes 17-0 - The pick is a no-brainer, but that speaks volumes about the work of these two. They have had the best buildup to their match, and they will probably end up stealing the show at Mania.

 

[Punk13]

This match absolutely stole the show at Mania! It was fantastic

17-0

 

[aintnostoppin]

The only good thing about this pay per view was this awesome match.

 

[z99zazn]

This was one of thes best matches in WM history easily. I enjoyed some of the PPV, but it was personally a disappointment for me. Besides this match. It easily made this night. WM25 is still playing on my TV right now, and its the Jericho vs Legends match. I'm only watching it to make sure I don't miss Taker vs HBK!

 

[weird86]

If this match wasnt on this card, I could look anyone of you after now actually watching this PPV and say GAB was better. This match saved a portion of the show, but didn't save the whole PPV. Personally I thought Taker Angle NWO 06 was better. Don't get me wrong this was still a 4.5/5 star match and MOTY no doubt, but I was expecting it to top Taker Angle. I guess this just shows how good Angle really is.

 

[Richard]

Great match which lived up to it's hype. Shawn Michaels showed he wasn't afraid of the Undertaker and showed that he is Mr. WrestleMania and put on an incredible show and fight against the Undertaker. Lots of sweet spots and false finishes. Taker kicking out of Sweet Chin Music and Michaels kicking out of the Chokeslam, Last Ride and Tombstone was pretty awesome to see. In the end the Undertaker won which we all knew would happen but HBK looked like he atleast had a chance. It was an epic match which I'm sure will not be forgotten any time soon and we'll just have to see how well it stands up in time in a few years before we can truely say it was an all time classic.

 

[WWEFan2000]

What a match. One of the best matches in WM history IMO. These guys left it all in the ring. Match of the night and of the year so far. I'm glad Undertaker won the match, but there were times I wasn't so sure he was going to keep his streak in tact. I thought the match was going to be over after Takr leaped over the top rope ont othe camera man. I thought the streak was going to end via countout because Taker had trouble getting up.

This match was truly a classic.