Shawn Michaels VS Undertaker (Career VS Streak)

[Shocky]

44 is pretty damn old to be doing what HBK is doing, and has been doing for what, 26 years now? You have to remember that HBK is a smaller guy, therefore he's had to bump a helluva lot more in his career then older guys like the Undertaker, or hell even Ric Flair.

And let's not confuse the issue, Ric Flair retired, and had no dignity. His retirment meant nothing because his career should have been over a decade ago. Instead, he chose to hang on, and pretty much turn his once great career into a mockery.

Shawn Michaels has a chance to go out with dignity, and with a chance of people to remember him just out of his prime, instead of a broken down shell of a man from what he once was.

I don't understand the sentiment that there isn't enough time for this to be built up properly, or give Shawn the proper send off, whatever. Sure, Flair had the stipulation put on him months earlier that lose or be fired, but as far as the match with Michaels, it was probably given less time to build then Taker vs. Michaels II.

There is plenty of time, HBK will get his send off.

 

[Straight Sh00ter]

I have zero interest in this match. Zero interest in the storyline and zero interest in the aftereffects. First off, If HBK wins, he is the wrong guy to end the Undertaker's streak. The streak is basically the only thing Unertaker has left and if - IF - his streak is broken it should be to a decent up and comer who will benefit from it. Shawn does NOT benefit at ALL by doing this, nor does he need the rub.

2nd: If Taker wins, and shawn isn't really retiring, then the whole stroyline is pointless and just a cheap way for WWE to build a bigger match then last year. Everyone knoes he will return at Sumemrslam and start building to a big match at Wrestlemania (probably against HHH) If he IS retiring, I guess this is a decent way to do it. But I know NO ONE who actually believes Shawn is retiring

I think the match with HHH was a better bet - especially considering as of right now HHH doesn't even have a storyline in place for Mania. And don't tell me he will wrestle Sheamus because there has been NO angles put in place to hint toward this. So overall I hate this storyline and I will be personally watching Mania for Edge vs Jericho and Punk vs Rey and somewhat for the Bret Hart return storyline. PEASH!

 

[theHeadliner]

Another thing, this is just my opinion though. They've had Shawn be pinned in his last 2 matches by the Miz and he's looked pitiful, bitter, and pathetic as it relates to his character. Yes I know he's obsessed in the storyline, but if he loses at Mania, it will be all losses, the Miz isn't anyone special yet, I don't see Michaels going out like this. I guess even if he "retires" he can pull an Undertaker as long as they don't do a big Flair send-off for him.

 

[Keitel]

I don't think that it will be a clean victory for Taker, someone is going to screw HBK and the logical scenario is for HHH to screw him by hitting him with a sledghammer. However, instead of HHH simply coming out of nowhere and clobbering HBK, how about if he seemingly attempts to hit Taker and 'accidently' hits Michaels - a la Taker hitting Austin with a chair at the King of the Ring 1998. That way an angle could develop with HHH being apparently wracked with guilt until he admits that he did screw HBK on purpose.

HBK could then return at some point in the future and then challenge HHH in his final fued before finally riding off into the sunset.

 

[Gene]

I think neither Undertaker or HBK will win because I think someone will screw HBK which should leave him out for awhile due to a injury (fake), and by Summer Slam he'll comeback to face the man who screwed him. Like Triple H, maybe? Wouldn't that be interesting? Triple H was thrown out of the Royal Rumble by HBK, lost twice w/HBK w/the unified tag-team belts on the line, showing like HBK doesn't give a damn because of Undertaker. Remember Teddy Long got sweet-chin kicked by HBK on Raw one night? Well, Teddy could of like spoken to Triple H, reminding him of all the things he's been going throw and bought on some strong points to screw HBK at Wrestle Mania.

 

[theHeadliner]

I don't think that it will be a clean victory for Taker, someone is going to screw HBK and the logical scenario is for HHH to screw him by hitting him with a sledghammer. However, instead of HHH simply coming out of nowhere and clobbering HBK, how about if he seemingly attempts to hit Taker and 'accidently' hits Michaels - a la Taker hitting Austin with a chair at the King of the Ring 1998. That way an angle could develop with HHH being apparently wracked with guilt until he admits that he did screw HBK on purpose.

HBK could then return at some point in the future and then challenge HHH in his final fued before finally riding off into the sunset.

I like that idea, and it sounds look it could happen because there will be some loophole for Shawn to come back if he does lose. It could be like HBK trying to hit Bret with the chair but nails Undertaker on accident. I definitely think HHH will play a role in this cus last night Hunter tried to console and support Shawn and Michaels shoved him and stormed off.

 

[ted sheckler]

I think HBK is going over at Mania.. I think its simply going to be Undertaker doing business and returning the favor. Taker and Shawn had a match last year some were calling the greatest WM match of all time. Taker has already said he doesn't care about the streak.. and I think its about time it gets broken. At this point the streak creatively paints WWE into a corner. And as much as some of the smarks want Takers streak to end at the hands of an up and comer there is really no one on that level right now.

 

[Gene]

I'll just look at it on the bright side, Undertaker lose's his streak to a well, respected man like Michaels, (if it lands up that he defeats 'Taker at Wrestle Mania), than to someone I really can't stand, John Cena or Cody Rhodes.

 

[RicSpade]

Well this is the age old question who will end the Undertaker's streak? Many have tried all have failed, and Taker has dealt with casket matches, two on one matches, matches with Kane, he has beaten every top star in the company, but John Cena at Wrestlemania.

There is something valuable to learn from this though who else but one of the top guys of all time should end the streak? If Triple H beat Taker it would look like to the world he put himself in that position, if a mid-card main event riser beat the streak it makes Taker look weak. If Cena beat the streak it looks like Taker got fed to the Cena train like everyone else got fed to Hogan to make him larger than life.

Now you have HBK, a man who time and time again even at his worst stepped up his a game to be at his best. In all the times the streak was on the line HBK was the first person I ever thought was going to beat Taker at Wrestlemania. Diesel didn't do it after two jackknifes, Sid didn't do it, Kane couldn't do it, but HBK was the first person I ever seen put on a memorable match with the Undertaker at Mania. And it was the first time I actually thought Taker would lose the streak.

Honestly I think it would be a let down to all the WWE to end it on a draw or interference or whatever it would be like giving a big middle finger to the fans and saying were going to ruin what will probably be atleast a thirty minute spectacle. I can't see them keeping the streak going only because if the streak did go on would people believe in the streak if someone like Bryan Danielson beat Undertaker or the Miz or Sheamus? I don't think they would.
Honestly the credibility that HBK lost was Flair going to work in TNA, because that win where he ended the career of one of the greatest wrestlers of all time is now meaningless, so what better way to let HBK go out later in his career then to let him end the streak of the only man never to lose on the grandest stage of them all?
People will always remember an undefeated streak because we remember Somoa Joes, and Goldbergs, but what will always be talked about is the first man to ever end it and that is why it has to be the honor of the Showstopper, The main event, Mr. Wrestlemania Shawn Michaels

 

[Sean Valjean]

Well, what a doozy this one's going to be. On paper it seems like an obvious Undertaker win, but when you really think about it, HBK has a legit chance to end the streak. But before I get into it, something I'd like to address:

If the streak ends, who should do it?

As Sid said, only two guys on the roster could get away with ending the streak: HBK and Cena (though not so much Cena) and I completely agree. Everyone's been complaining that an up-and-comer should end the streak, but face facts; the streak is so big now, that anyone less than an firmly established main-eventer ending it just wouldn't seem believable. IMO, the streak isn't just something that should be used to put any old sensation over; it's not a belt. Look at the WWE's upper/mid-card; ANY of those guys ending the streak would be laughable. Dibiase? Swagger? Seriously?? If the streak can't be ended by someone who doesn't have HBK status (you know, someone with CREDIBILITY), then it shouldn't be ended at all. Simple as that.

Anyway, onto the match.

HBK wins: well, he ends the streak and the apocalypse comes two years early for a lot of fans. Obviously Shawn doesn't need the accolade, but with all the talk about HBK retiring, how do we know that this won't be Taker's last 'Mania instead? Taker could be leaving, and wants HBK to send him off by ending the streak. These two have a ton of respect for each other, so I could see UT giving that honor to Shawn. Also, Taker's said he doesn't care about the streak anyway, so we'd not only see the streak end, but Taker's career as well in what would be a huge swerve.

Undertaker wins: either two things will happen. With the reports of him taking time off after WM, he Shawn could lose and "retire", only for him to return at Summerslam. Yes, it'd be lame and basically render this match moot, but it could very well happen. Or HBK really retires for good with a loss; and if he does lose, I hope he really does stay retired. HBK is my all-time favorite wrestler, but I'd rather him stay retired if he loses. I don't want to see him stay around too much longer and become a broken shell of his former self who can't stay retired a la Ric Flair.

Variables

HHH: will not interfere (nor will anyone else for that matter) I'm sure he'll be busy with Sheamus at 'Mania and I simply don't see it happening.

A Draw: could happen but I doubt it. Though if it did, Shawn could snap because he still didn't win and just leave. It'd be a reasonable way to write him off so he can take his break.

So after mulling it over, my prediction is that HBK will LOSE this match. Yes, Shawn will lose twice in a row to the same guy, OMGZ! (Seriously, so what if he does? He loses more WM's than he wins, so I can't seem him objecting to jobbing to Taker again.) I doubt he even wants to end the streak anyway; he probably feels Taker should retire with it (unless Taker says otherwise).

 

[aluren]

I would like to see some interference, since hbk/taker already had a 1 on 1 last year. It would be cool if the match progressed with each of them hitting their finishing moves around the 15 min mark and both kicking out. Then hhh comes to the ring to try to help hbk around the 20 min mark, and taker still manages to kick out. Then at 25 min, Bret comes in, knocks out hhh with a chair, then hits hbk with it. Taker then hits the last ride for the win. Bret ending hbk's career and kicking Vince's ass would make WM26 his ultimate revenge, something I think both Vince and hbk wanted to give him.

 

[Gene]

Neither HBK or 'Taker would win because of interference. It'd save 'Taker's streak and HBK's career. Triple H screws HBK, leaving him out for aehile than feud w/Triple H at Summer Slam maybe, like mentioned. I think that'd be a good idea imo. It'd be HBK vs. Triple H II at Summer Slam.

 

[Datdude2485]

Theres only been two occassions when I seriously thought the Undertaker's undefeated streak was in serious jeopardy. The first one was at WM 21 against Randy Orton and the other one being last year against HBK. In the end, the Dead Man prevailed in both of those bouts and last year I figured the streak would never be tarnished since HBK didn't end it. But with this rematch at WM 26 coming up its got me wondering if HBK is actually going to pull it off. I'm really excited and anxious for this rematch and waiting to see what the outcome is going to be. Personally, I never wanted The Undertaker's undefeated streak to ever end. I think its something unique and special and something that will never probably be duplicated. But if HBK were to end it, I dont think I would have any complaints. I mean if theres a wrestler thats more deserving to accomplish this feat than anybody else it has to be HBK. For everything he's done for and in pro wrestling and all the great matches he's put on throughout his career is remarkable. And its not like The Undertaker's career would be ruined if his WM record was 17-1 instead of 18-0. But losing to Undertaker two years in a row at WM wouldn't ruin HBK's career either. Both their career are solidified and both are future first ballot hall of famers. If I had to pick today as for who is going to win this match I'd go with my heart and say The Undertaker. But...my head is screaming HBK for some reason. In the end, all of us the fans will be true winners because this match is going to be Epic. Btw, I'm usually the type of fan that feels title matches should be the main events on pay-per-views especially at WM...but this should definitely be the main event reguardless of who wins or loses at Wrestlemania.

 

[Orangel123]

I think there is no reason on this match to happen if the streak is not going to end. Here are my reasons:

1) Rumors are that HBK will take time off after mania, but i dont think he will be gone for good. WWE always hypes this kind of matches "career vs whatever" and when the career guy loses, he takes time off and then comes back a few months later. That is ridiculous if u ask me (Warrior - Macho Man anyone?)

2) Their match last year was so good that i feel the only way they can top that is by ending the streak.

So my prediction is HBK ends Takers streak in another epic match, but the WWE has made a good job this year by keeping un guessing who is going to win this one (although i would have rathered taker face Y2J and keep the streak going in a match that would have given last years match a run for its money but Edge's comeback ruined that one for me)

 

[Dman164]

I could see somehow Undertaker winning(which would have shawn michaels retire ) and then Undertaker cutting a promo saying that defeating Shawn two years in a row is enough for him, he then announces his retirement the lights go out and when the come back on. The deadman is gone. and Shawn will come back in say 4 months with some sort of storyline that the WWE can come up with.

 

[theHeadliner]

I think there is no reason on this match to happen if the streak is not going to end. Here are my reasons:

1) Rumors are that HBK will take time off after mania, but i dont think he will be gone for good. WWE always hypes this kind of matches "career vs whatever" and when the career guy loses, he takes time off and then comes back a few months later. That is ridiculous if u ask me (Warrior - Macho Man anyone?)

2) Their match last year was so good that i feel the only way they can top that is by ending the streak.

So my prediction is HBK ends Takers streak in another epic match, but the WWE has made a good job this year by keeping un guessing who is going to win this one (although i would have rathered taker face Y2J and keep the streak going in a match that would have given last years match a run for its money but Edge's comeback ruined that one for me)

Also, the Undertaker "retired" a few years ago after losing to Edge in the TLC match, only to return at Summerslam to beat him at Hell in a Cell. I think Shawn will win, or at least Michaels won't lose in a legit way. I can't see them doing the same outcome 2 years in a row, especially when its the same exact match with no gimmicks involved besides the stipulation.

 

[dudeman2k5]

No matter the situation, this match has to be the Main Event! The world title matches don't really cut it for me, like last year's Mania where Taker/HBK was the only reason I watched it.

 

[Mr Ziggles]

I'm not really sure who i would like to win this match. I really want Undertaker to keep the streak going, however I would hate Michaels to leave after losing twice in a row at Wrestle Mania to the same guy. If I had to choose, though, it would be Shawn.

 

[sordidboySavoy]

God i really hope they have shawn win he has been my favorite since i was like 6. but also that little video package with johnny cash playing is pretty fuckin cool. It makes it seem so much more important than a pre determined match. Please hhh go down on steph one night so creative will have shawn win

 

[Shocky]

Why is it such a big deal that Shawn Michaels loses two years in a row to the Undertaker at Wrestlemania? I simply don't get the sentiment that it somehow makes Michaels look weak or inferior to the Undertaker.

Steve Austin beat the Rock at Two Wrestlemanias. How exactly did that hurt the Rock? Anyone, anyone. Austin and the Rock ended up wrestling 3 times, and the Rock won in the end, I get that. After Wrestlemania 17 was anyone saying, Oh Gods, Steve Austin beat the Rock again, the horror, the horror. No, the two came out of that unscathed and built on their legacy.

No different in this situation. Shawn Michaels loses, big deal. He lost to a guy whose Streak is as much apart of Mania lure as Hogan's dominance the first decade of the event. The Undertaker is 17-0 at Mania, and is billed as unstoppable, how does that hurt HBK if he can't win?

 

[jarredclements]

Also, the Undertaker "retired" a few years ago after losing to Edge in the TLC match, only to return at Summerslam to beat him at Hell in a Cell. I think Shawn will win, or at least Michaels won't lose in a legit way. I can't see them doing the same outcome 2 years in a row, especially when its the same exact match with no gimmicks involved besides the stipulation.

Actually, he did not retire. Vickie Guerrero "banished" him from Smackdown indefinately.

I am not sure what will go down yet. I do believe that if Michaels does lose, he will never wrestle another match. The build up for this match is like nothing I have ever seen. I agree with Jim Ross, the music in their promo's are key. They're doing an excellent job.

 

[SkunkApe]

Why is it such a big deal that Shawn Michaels loses two years in a row to the Undertaker at Wrestlemania? I simply don't get the sentiment that it somehow makes Michaels look weak or inferior to the Undertaker.

Steve Austin beat the Rock at Two Wrestlemanias. How exactly did that hurt the Rock? Anyone, anyone. Austin and the Rock ended up wrestling 3 times, and the Rock won in the end, I get that. After Wrestlemania 17 was anyone saying, Oh Gods, Steve Austin beat the Rock again, the horror, the horror. No, the two came out of that unscathed and built on their legacy.

No different in this situation. Shawn Michaels loses, big deal. He lost to a guy whose Streak is as much apart of Mania lure as Hogan's dominance the first decade of the event. The Undertaker is 17-0 at Mania, and is billed as unstoppable, how does that hurt HBK if he can't win?

And from the other end of the spectrum...

Why can't the Undertaker lose? The "streak" is based in a predetermined "sport" (sports entertainment, I know). So we aren't talking about a Joe Dimaggio hit streak here. The thing is no one expects Shawn to win and I believe that's what they are shooting for. I mean NO ONE expects that stupid "streak" to end. Honestly though, what's wrong with the "streak" ending? More importantly if it does end who better to do it than Shawn Michaels?

 

[420King]

I feel that WWE has become EXTREMELY predictable in the past few years. I told everyone that Edge was winning the rumble without knowing Edge would even be in the rumble and of course he won. ANYWAY I see Taker winning but not a very decisive win. No tombstone for Shawn Michaels, I think It will be a count out Shawn will be grabbing for the ropes at the count of nine after being beaten severely by 'Taker. Shawn will "retire" and have his comeback match within a year. On a sidenote, I would've liked this to be a HIAC match. That's how their rivalry began that's how it should end. I wouldn't mind Shawn ending Taker's streak but they should've done it last year.

 

[Uncle Sam]

And from the other end of the spectrum...

Why can't the Undertaker lose? The "streak" is based in a predetermined "sport" (sports entertainment, I know). So we aren't talking about a Joe Dimaggio hit streak here. The thing is no one expects Shawn to win and I believe that's what they are shooting for. I mean NO ONE expects that stupid "streak" to end. Honestly though, what's wrong with the "streak" ending? More importantly if it does end who better to do it than Shawn Michaels?

It's precisely because it's a predetermined sport that they can't just throw it away. It's not like they've been billing Undertaker's streak as one of the biggest attractions of WrestleMania for the last five years by accident. Seventeen years of work has gone into that streak, so you can't just throw it away on a whim.

That being said - Shawn Michaels is one of a small handful of people that I think is significant enough to take the streak way from The Undertaker. Therefore it wouldn't be throwing it away on a whim. The others are John Cena, Kurt Angle and, I dunno, Sheamus. You were gonna ask, I can tell.

 

[Dave]

This is probably the most intriguing Wrestlemania match that is on this years card. In fact, it may be one of the most intriguing matches of the last ten years. Both of these men have something to lose and something to gain and the great beauty of this match is that no one knows how it is going to end up. Personally, I think that Taker is going to win. For me, it just makes the most sense of all. Sure, Shawn will have to retire and that will be sad. However, both have been contemplating retirement anyway and this ia great way to get Shawn off the roster. That may sound callous but it is true. No one else could put Shawn out, except maybe Triple H and I think that his time has maybe come to hang up the boots.

If Taker plans on hanging around for another Wrestlemania after this one, it would make no sense to have him lose the streak. The streak is a draw and I wouldn't think that the WWE is going to throw that away just to appease Shawn Michaels. Personally, I thikn that Taker is going to win and the streak will continue. I also think that we are in for one hell of a match that really should be the last match on the card this time. It couold go either way and that is more than can be said for a lot of the matches that WWE are putting out at the moment.