QUESTION - Should Shawn Michaels defeat Taker, win MITB, and then win the WWE title?

[Heyman]

QUESTION - Should Shawn Michaels defeat Taker, win MITB, and then win the WWE title?

Yes, the title of this post is ridiculous, but it's also something that *I* think is worth considering if the WWE really intend to have Shawn Michaels defeat the Underaker at Wrestlemania. The whole premise of HBK ending Taker's streak at Wrestlemania, is to pay respect to a man that has delivered more 5 star quality Wrestlemania matches than any other man in wrestling history. The WWE's purpose of having HBK end Taker's streak, would be to make HBK look like an even bigger legend than he is now. However - it's tradition to have the World/WWE title be the LAST match on the card.......and historically speaking, the guy that wins the LAST match on the card at Wrestlemania is generally regarded as the #1 guy in the company at the current time (kayfabe wise).

If Undertaker's streak is destined to be broken, then it can't be just "some match" on the card. It NEEDS to be done right, and the guy going over NEEDS to be made into a guy that looks like he's *definitively* the greatest of all-time. That is one reason why I like the idea of...


Having HBK defeat Taker (4th last match on the card)
Having a half-dead HBK attack the 6th participant of MITB before he comes out, which then allows HBK to take part in MITB on that night (and win) - 3rd last match on the card
After Cena defeats Batista in a hard fought match (last match on the card), have HBK cash in his MITB and beat Cena cleanly. Maybe Bret can even be at ringside (i.e. if Bret is in Cena's corner and Vince is in Batista's corner). After the match, have Bret shake HBK's hand and possibly give the guy a hug.
Unrealistic? Yes. Ridiculous? Probably. A story for the ages? - definitely. I think it's worth considering.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'd rather have Bret Hart win the WWE Title in fluke during a tag match as was the rumor...then HBK cashes in his MITB and wins the belt. WM ends with the classic HBK smirk as Bret cries in the ring.</font>

[HTrain90]

This is a no-brainer. HBK for the win!

I feel like that might be a bit over over-kill, though. But since it's HBK, I can't help but vote yes.

[Jeritron]

Sounds like a whole lot of work, and a very elaborate push at this stage in Shawn's career.
This is the type of thing you'd pull with someone like Lesnar.

[Jordan]

No I don't think HBK will be Taker. It is horrible booking to have him qualify for MITB after "attacking" somebody. How does that give him a right to be in the match?

NO

[Jeritron]

No I don't think HBK will be Taker. It is horrible booking to have him qualify for MITB after "attacking" somebody. How does that give him a right to be in the match?

NO

To be fair, the attacking thing has been done and everyone ate it up

[Heyman]

Bret winning the title in a tag match would be absolutely terrible. Not only is the idea of having a tag match for the WWE title a horrible one, but Bret is in absolutely no condition to be wrestling on a full-time basis. By the way, I'm not saying that YOU are an advocate of that idea, but I just wanted to throw that out there.

As far as HBK goes, why wouldn't an idea like this be awesome? Remember - we are dealing with marks, and marks usually love 'over the top' things (even if it's unrealistic).

My biggest problem with guys like Cena and Edge right now, is that there won't really be that explosive face pop (or mark out moment) if either of those men win their respective matches.

However - can you imagine the type of response HBK would get if *he* cashed in his MITB on THAT night? (after beating Taker and after winning MITB). The marks would cream their pants, and would go even crazier if HBK were to defeat Cena right then and there.

[Zeeboe]

No. I think the Undertaker should either never have his streak broken, or put over some young kid who will hopefully go on to become an icon in wrestling, or at least the top headliner in wrestling in years to come.

[Jeritron]

It's an awful lot to put into a guy who will be retiring soon

[Heyman]

No I don't think HBK will be Taker. It is horrible booking to have him qualify for MITB after "attacking" somebody. How does that give him a right to be in the match?

NO


Remember, it's the WWE. Last year if you recall, Edge 'attacked' someone that was going to be competing in RAW's HIAC and took his spot. Edge then won the match. HBK's been going crazy lately anyways, and so it would definitely be in character for him to do something like that.

[Heyman]

It's an awful lot to put into a guy who will be retiring soon

At this point, you wouldn't be using this as a stepping stone to give the guy a push. Instead, you would simply be doing this to make the guy look like the greatest of all-time....no questions asked (both wrestling wise, and maybe even kayfabe wise).

Hell - HBK could even pull a John Elway and retire right after that (on top).

[Heyman]

No. I think the Undertaker should either never have his streak broken, or put over some young kid who will hopefully go on to become an icon in wrestling, or at least the top headliner in wrestling in years to come.

I hear you, but consider this:

1) IF Taker doesn't end his streak at some point, do you think it will serve the business in any way?

2) Given the lack of promising talent that we've seen coming up in the WWE (i.e. young guys hitting that main-event level and staying there), combined with the pressure that would be on a guy if he ended Taker's streak, my guess is that it *WOULDN'T* be in the WWE's best interest to have Taker's streak be ended by a guy like.......oh I dunno, Drew McIntyre or Kofi Kingston. If a young guy is going to end Taker's streak, he NEEDS to have a legit chance of becoming the next Steve Austin or The Rock.....I'm dead serious.

Sometimes - unilateral 'jobs' can be just as efficient. When Austin jobbed to The Rock at WM 19 for instance, it helped further cement The Rock's legacy. What if Austin had jobbed to a guy like Brock Lesnar for instance, only to have Lesnar leave for the NFL? Austin's job would have been meaningless.

[Jeritron]

Keeping the streak intact will serve the business because there is still money to be made off of it.

A Cena/Taker match next year would be a huge draw. It won't be nearly as much of a draw if Taker isn't going into it with the streak.

From that point on, you're looking at retirement. I think next year WWE will make a final decision as to whether Undertaker will retire with the streak, or lose to Cena.
If they do let Cena snap it, they would have to be prepared to make it mark a major heel turn. I might be for that.
I'd also really like to see him retire with the streak intact though.

[Fignuts]

Michaels is taking time off afterwards. So not gonna happen.

Also, that would be way too rushed. I definitely feel like Michaels should become champion if he beats taker, but it should be a proper build up, rather than just randomly throwing him into the mitb, and then the title match. All in the same ppv no less.

Definitely think the pay off would be better, if they built to a match at a ppv after WM, and had him win it there.

[Wishbone]

I really don't like this Idea it would IMO downplay the epic nature of HBK and Takers match I mean if they end up having a match like the one last year then HBK even kayfabe wise should be at a point where he can't even stand let alone compete in a MITB match with 7 fresh competitors

[Rammsteinmad]

Terrible idea. I mean, besides being ridiculously unrealistic, beating the Undertaker, THEN winning MitB, and still having enough in him to go on and win the title, all in one night... :rofl:

But for real, that would also imply that MitB would be on after Michaels/Taker, and I don't see that happening.

[Indifferent Clox]

If Bret won that'd be amazing, but weird

[Nicky Fives]

That would be awesome..... but it would be better for HBK to lose to Taker, then go bat-shit on the MITB participant, win MITB, defeat Cena, then hug Hart in the ring, only to turn to leave then BOOM! Sweet Chin Music

[McLegend]

<font color=goldenrod>I'd rather have Bret Hart win the WWE Title in fluke during a tag match as was the rumor...then HBK cashes in his MITB and wins the belt. WM ends with the classic HBK smirk as Bret cries in the ring.</font>

This is actually a great idea.

After reading this idea here any ending that happens now for WM will be a huge disappointment.

[311]

HBK goes down to the Taker, streak intact. That's the only way this should work, unless there's going to be a no-decision.

HBK is one of the best workers we've seen, but Taker is an icon. One of the very few people that if you mention his name, everyone knows who you're talking about. He's given more to the business than most people, he's been around, and he's...just a legend.

Taker is the icon right now...HBK goes down man. :(

[TheAdamEvansFan]

Taker and HBK have been removed from scheduling in House Shows after Wrestlemania. They will be off tv until End of Summer/ Fall. There is NO chance of them being involved in any lengthy angles after Wrestlemania, atleast, not in an active role.

Look for Christian, Dibiase, and Carlito to get more involved on Raw for the main event.

[Jeritron]

I won't be looking for Carlito in the main event unless I'm watching Superstars

[south776]

I think this idea would almost be better if Michaels LOST to Undertaker. It could be done with the idea that he is desperate and felt like he needed it.

Not to start another conversation altogether, but I dont think the streak should ever be broken. It's really the last "sacred" thing wrestling has these days.

[TheAdamEvansFan]

Carlito will be getting a push. It's undetermined if it's for face or heel. He was brought back to TV to get him into more of a main event role while the NXT storyline happens.

[Heyman]

I'll make TWO (2) quick comments:

1) Just because HBK is taking time off after Wrestlemania, doesn't mean that an idea like this can't work...or isn't a good idea. Hell - have HBK do all these things, give him some time off (WITH the world title in tact or have him relinquish it), and then have him come back any time he wants. In this case, the anticpated return of the now "greatest legend of all-time" would be pretty decent.

2) Obviously - HBK beating 7 fresh competitors in MITB (right after defeating Taker) would be unrealistic. However -a few things to consider.


The 7 fresh competitors could always beat up each other while a tired HBK sneaks up the ladder and great the briefcase
The WWE's target audience is about 12 year old on average anyways (if that) and so things don't have to be perfectly realistic.

[Rammsteinmad]

Carlito will be getting a push. It's undetermined if it's for face or heel. He was brought back to TV to get him into more of a main event role while the NXT storyline happens.

Well it's about fucking time!

Carlito! :D

[TheAdamEvansFan]

Having HBK win the title and then just relinquish it isn't good buisiness. Unless you set up a tournament like system for people to compete in to win the vacant title. I'm guessing that Edge will be holding the title for awhile as a face since Cena has to take time off due to injury/film shortly. When is the next Draft anyways?

[#1-norm-fan]

The HBK mark in me says I would fucking LOVE for this to happen.

Every other logical part of me says no way. It's just too much. And it makes him ending Taker's streak an instant afterthought.

[KIRA]

What you're suggesting sounds cool and everything but seriously HBK would have to be super human(or john cena) to pull all that off in one swoop you can only suspend belief for so much.

As far as ending Takers streak no,The great thing about really good matches is that both competitors are given tons of acclaim that is to say both the winner and loser are put on a pedestal as great athletes that put on an amazing show.

The WM streak should be Takers stand alone accolade and the thing he takes into the Hall of Fame with him IMO, HBK doesn't really need this in his win column honestly hes already cemented as one of the greatest wrestlers ever just the fact that he had these two matches with taker is all the reward he needs.

To put it simply He's already Shawn Michaels what more does he need?

[Damian Rey]

Absolutely not. Like #1 said, it makes an HBK victory over Taker an afterthought. Not to mention, it pretty much buries everyone else invloved.

If HBK were to win MITB, after what would have to be the match of his life with Taker, it buries every guy in that match. It's pretty much saying that, even though HBK just gave everything he had just to beat Taker, no one in this match is still anywhere near his level.

Then you bury both Cena and Bats by putting the belt on HBK after two "gruelling" matches in which he should have no business standing after participating in them.

You talk about bad business? I can't understand where the good business is in burying 8 to 10 other guys on the roster in one night, at WrestleMania no less.

[Droford]

HBK wins MITB, beats Cena but still can't beat Taker.

thats how Id do it.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I don't like this idea at all. I would have accepted Shawn Michaels in Money in the Bank if he didn't get his match with Taker, and the Dead Man was also World Heavyweight Champion or something. And I can understand how HBK beating The Undertaker could be that final nudge towards immortality on a grander scale for perhaps the greatest of all-time. But what you have suggested is just a bit too much, in my opinion.

1) Shawn Michaels ending The Undertaker's streak is enough. He has been obsessed with it to the point where even World Titles don't matter to him. I could understand HBK beating and then deciding he wants to be a champion; but the way it happens is a little too fast.

2) It makes whoever Shawn Michaels replaces looks like a little bitch. The only one I could see it happening with is Kane. HBK confronts him backstage after beating his brother, and then saying he did what he couldn't do. Kane just walks off, and HBK clips his leg with a lead pipe, or something, and then beats him down.

3) HBK winning Money in the Bank, even the way you have described it happening, makes everyone in the match look dumb, and makes HBK look like a bit of a fluke winner. No one is "made" by the match, which is what it is a perfect opportunity to do.

4) HBK winning a World Title (most likely the WWE Championship) would be cool, but it means we get John Cena's count boosted again for no reason at all. It might lead to a cool rematch on RAW, where Cena wins the title back; but it's just silly. It's giving a redundant amount to a guy who will at least be taking time off after WrestleMania.

5) After WrestleMania XXV, The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels made the WWE come to the realisation that they need to create new stars. Making WrestleMania the Shawn Michaels show x3 is going in an exact opposite direction of where they want to.

6) So HBK retires after he does this? Fucking stupid. He gets three wins at WrestleMania in one night, becomes the WWE Champion and ends The Undertaker's streak -- something NO ONE has been able to do in like 20 years. So HBK is like "Yeah, I don't have it anymore. See ya." Bullshit.

7) I would have no problem with HBK walking out of WrestleMania as the World Heavyweight Champion. Don't get me wrong. But they should have had him win the Royal Rumble and earn his title match. We could have been building up Shawn Michaels challenging The Undertaker since the Royal Rumble. HBK winning the World Heavyweight Title for the first time in 7+ years this way would be fine with me. But they took the WHT off The Undertaker for a reason. And they had HBK get the long, tired way to get here for a reason. The story here is Shawn Michaels is winding down -- not the best he has ever been in anyone's career ever.

[Loose Cannon]

Keeping the streak intact will serve the business because there is still money to be made off of it.

A Cena/Taker match next year would be a huge draw. It won't be nearly as much of a draw if Taker isn't going into it with the streak.

From that point on, you're looking at retirement. I think next year WWE will make a final decision as to whether Undertaker will retire with the streak, or lose to Cena.
If they do let Cena snap it, they would have to be prepared to make it mark a major heel turn. I might be for that.
I'd also really like to see him retire with the streak intact though.

yea, this is what I have said in the past, minus the heel turn. But...you're 100% right. If they actually go Cena/Taker next year and the streak is still in tact, it would be the perfect place for a heel turn.

I've always said Cena or Kane (just because if history) should be the one ending the streak. I wouldn't mind HBK this year because of the story.

You can't give it to a young guy because, like mentioned, he's not a supertar yet and may never be. It would be such a huge waster

Cena is the present and future. You give it to him

[Mr. Nerfect]

I have to agree with Loose Cannon. I mean, it's not that I would be opposed to seeing a young guy do it. I think it means more than winning a World Title at this point, and I think if they had someone they had a lot of confidence in, then it would be a tremendous move. A Jack Swagger, a Drew McIntyre or a David Hart Smith could do well with a win like that. But then you do have a lot of pressure on them, an ego could develop and all that.

John Cena, on the other hand, is tried and tested, but for some reason doesn't feel like that "mega-star" that a Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin or The Rock were. Now, granted, something organically needs to occur for that to happen. But if any kayfabe achievement would put a man instantly into the Hall of Fame; it would be ending The Undertaker's streak.

In my opinion, one of the stupidest booking decisions the WWE has ever made, was when they had Randy Orton successfully defend the WWE Title against John Cena and Triple H at WrestleMania XXIV. I know people found the decision refreshing at the time, but until this point John Cena had a nice little WrestleMania streak going. He was 4-0 at WrestleMania at this point, and his win last year made him 5-1. Imagine if he won the WWE Title at Mania XXIV, and he beats Batista this year. That would give him a streak of 7-0 heading into WrestleMania XXVII against The Undertaker's 18-0 record. That would be a fucking money match.

Kane doing it would make me mark out like a little bitch. Especially if they gave Kane one more title run after it happened. They could even have Kane win Money in the Bank earlier in the evening, and then cash it in against The Undertaker after he defeats someone, and then Kane gets two wins in one night, and wins the World Heavyweight Title. Kane will probably eventually go into the Hall of Fame for his work as a company man throughout the years and memorable character; but this would be a kayfabe achievement that would allow people to think of Kane as one of the greatest of all-time. I think the man deserves that.

[Loose Cannon]

:y:

good point on cena. I didn't even realize that. although did he actually get pinned in that match or did HHH? Cause if not, he could still say he's never been pinned at Mania.

Yes, Kane is just one of those things the mark in me would like to see. The feud would come full circle and I love your idea of him cashing in the MITB. That would be a lot of victories for him in one night. lol

[Emperor Smeat]

No but HBK should get at least another title opportunity before he retires similar to how Undertaker gets a title reign every so often. I would rather have HBK be in a developed title feud since he's one of the few wrestlers who can sell a match just based on name alone. Instead of making it seem like a "cheap" win, WWE can develop the hype for his title win and reign to make it more special.

Money In The Bank should still be used on younger wrestlers or those who could benefit from a monster push than a veteran wrestler since it really helps with character changes (especially with heel heat like CM Punk against Jeff Hardy).

[Mr. Nerfect]

:y:

good point on cena. I didn't even realize that. although did he actually get pinned in that match or did HHH? Cause if not, he could still say he's never been pinned at Mania.

Yes, Kane is just one of those things the mark in me would like to see. The feud would come full circle and I love your idea of him cashing in the MITB. That would be a lot of victories for him in one night. lol

It was Cena who ate the pin, which pissed me off even more, because Triple H always felt like the third wheel in that match. I mean, I'm far from a huge John Cena fan, but him losing at WrestleMania XXIV just felt stupid to me. Especially if they eventually had him go over The Undertaker at WrestleMania. Then they could dissolve The Undertaker's streak into John Cena's, making it this huge streak legacy.

So many people have talked about the possibility of the Money in the Bank Winner cashing in their title shot the very night they did it. Kane is one of the few guys I can actually see doing that. He may not yet be credible enough to headline a WrestleMania, but he is credible enough to make a loop-hole like that work, I feel. He's also got ties to a legitimate headliner in The Undertaker. It'd be Kane's "Hall of Fame night," which would make me very happy to witness. And hey, it's not Shawn Michaels winning three times in one night. :p

[Mr. Nerfect]

No but HBK should get at least another title opportunity before he retires similar to how Undertaker gets a title reign every so often. I would rather have HBK be in a developed title feud since he's one of the few wrestlers who can sell a match just based on name alone. Instead of making it seem like a "cheap" win, WWE can develop the hype for his title win and reign to make it more special.

Money In The Bank should still be used on younger wrestlers or those who could benefit from a monster push than a veteran wrestler since it really helps with character changes (especially with heel heat like CM Punk against Jeff Hardy).

I agree with this. I definitely want to see Shawn Michaels get another title run. There are so many great matches he could have even on RAW or SmackDown! defending the title against an MVP or Kofi Kingston.

[Emperor Smeat]

If WWE wants to be serious about Kofi, would make excellent sense to have him be build up and prepared by HBK if HBK has the title. It would be similar to how HBK's last big title reign ended up helping Stone Cold in the long run.

[BillyBonez]

Short Answer : NO WAY.

Long Answer : It would be dumb for business. You will hurt two of ur biggest stars, Taker and John Cena. Taker is okay because he is old and doesnt have a lot of time in his carrier left. But Cena? No, just no.

Also it makes no sense to put on HBK because he is hurting and needs time off and he got a bad back so there aint no way he can handle being the #1 man in the company.

[Damian Rey]

Noid, I was one of those people cheering for Orton the year he wond the triple threat, but I agree with you 100% with the notion that Cena should've won.

With that said, the last big money match left for Taker is against Cena, which is a match I honesty thought we were going to get this year. IMO, Cena is the only guy in the entire company who is deserving of the being given the rub of ending Taker's streak.

HBK doesn't need the rub. It does nothing for him. HBK will be remembered for the moments he created at Mania and the epic magnitudes of his matches. It's never been about wins or losses, it's always been about the performance and the emotions those performances evoke.

Cena on the other hand has beaten each and every top level guy in the company. He made both HHH and HBK tap in back-to-back Manias. He's currently being given a subtle rub by Bret Hart, and has done pretty much everything you could ever ask a top to do. I'm in no way a fan of Cena the character, but I would admit if I had to pick someone to end it, it'd be him.

But realistically, we all know Triple H will end the streak and avenge his loss at Mania 17:p

[James Steele]

I will fucking vomit if John Cena ends the streak. I don't care if he is the biggest star, I don't care if he is the face of the company. I hate John Cena's fucking character with a passion, and I can only hope John Cena decides to go to Hollywood full-time and fuckoff forever.

[DAMN iNATOR]

I will fucking vomit if John Cena ends the streak. I don't care if he is the biggest star, I don't care if he is the face of the company. I hate John Cena's fucking character with a passion, and I can only hope John Cena decides to go to Hollywood full-time and fuckoff forever.

Even if that would only happen so Triple H can have multiple meaningless runs with the title?

[James Steele]

Even if that would only happen so Triple H can have multiple meaningless runs with the title?

John Cena ruined 2 WrestleManias for me (and will ruin WM26 if he closes it)...He doesn't need to ruin another one.