A potential WrestleMania XXV match

[Mr. Nerfect]

This just occurred to me when I was in the "Steve Austin: One Last Match" thread, and was thinking about WrestleMana XXV. The following scenario popped into my head, and I think we may very well get it (although, of course, it's just a possibility):

Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker

There have been hints dropped for the past two years now, what with their clashes in the Royal Rumble, and the two have mixed it up really well. There has to be some fascination between them of working together again, and a lot of fans seem into the idea -- both marks and smarks alike.

WrestleMania XXV seems like an ideal place to end the streak of The Undertaker. It is sort of a landmark anniversary of the event, and it will take place in The Undertaker's hometown of Houston. If he goes out, it may as well be there. I was thinking of young guys he could put over, but I cannot really think of anyone that could use that sort of massive rub, that is actually likely to be at that level in time for next year's Mania.

Shawn Michaels is retiring Ric Flair this year. If HBK is good enough to be Ric Flair's last opponent, surely he is good enough for The Undertaker too, right? It'd also be a bit of a streak for Michaels, as well. He retires Ric Flair at WrestleMania XXIV, and then ends The Undertaker's streak at WrestleMania XXV. That really is being "The Showstopper" and "Mr. WrestleMania." He will be going into the Hall of Fame, but Shawn Michaels has never really extended his fame to outside the industry. He was that guy that lost to Stone Cold Steve Austin and got punched by Mike Tyson. He's never been a Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Rock or even Andre the Giant. I'm not criticising the guy, I'm just saying he may be the greatest professional wrestler to not mean anything to popular culture.

Going over The Undertaker at WrestleMania, while it may not make any guarantees, is probably the best shot HBK has at changing that. It'd be confirmation that he is the best, no questions asked. It won't make him look like any more of a main eventer, but it might make him look like more of an "icon" of the business, and not just one of its greatest contributors.

Of course, The Undertaker could also go over, as HBK always looks good in losing efforts. Taker would be 17-0, and could go on to WrestleMania XXVI. It gives the WWE two years to build up a young star to get the career-solidifer of beating The Undertaker at WrestleMania. What about having Mania 26 in England, and putting DH Smith over? Just a random suggestion. An Undertaker/HBK match itself would be good enough to justify having the match. And I am not an Undertaker fan.

A big reason I am thinking this coud happen, also, is because both Undertaker and HBK are Texan. Letting them go at it in Texas would probably create a really hot atmosphere for the match. Of course, the atmosphere for a Taker match at WrestleMania will probably always be hot, as would the crowd for an Undertaker/Shawn Michaels showdown.

I don't know, it's just a thought I had. You probably all think it is too early to start thinking about WrestleMania XXV, but yeah, I don't know. It's just a match I could see the WWE doing. As I said, if Shawn Michaels can end Ric Flair's career, he could end the streak of The Undertaker.

[#1-norm-fan]

That's crazy. The thought just popped into my head earlier today that the whole "Mr. WrestleMania" thing along with their history at the past two Royal Rumbles could be used to build to a match between HBK and The Undertaker at next year's WM. When I saw the title of this thread, I was actually going to reply with that. It almost seems too possible. Especially if WM is in Texas next year, it's just too perfect not to happen.

As far as the result of the match, I would LOVE to see HBK end Taker's Mania streak but I doubt it would happen.

[Londoner]

Sounds good to me. Though not sure HBK should be the one to end the streak.

[Jordan]

Some people have said that HBK doesn't need to retire Ric Flair, that it should go to somebody younger... Shawn has been wrestling for a long long time, but he's not an old guy yet, he still has 5/6 good years left, and quite honestly has done a lot of jobs since his return to WWE. I think he should be put over like crazy, he is now the new Ric Flair.

And I also think Shawn would be the perfect guy to end the Undertakers streak, man that match would be amazing.

[Jura]

I don't want to see anyone other than Sting to end Taker's streak. I mean if HBK retires Flair and ends Taker's streak or retire him too and then someone like Cena comes along and retires HBK? Nah.

[Londoner]

I would rather have HBK than sting end the streak.

[Mr. Pierre]

Yeah, great idea :y:. I'd love to see it happen again, especially on a stage like that. I wouldn't have HBK end the streak though. But, I really like the idea of "Last year and I ended the career of Ric Flair, now I'm taking your streak".

[Heros Welcome]

If I could get HBK Taker at Mania XXV, it would be like I died and went to heaven. I want this match VERY BADLY. They bring such an unreal atmosphere when they lockup. I mean I got excited when I saw it on TV, but being there at the rumble and seeing them as the first 2...it was crazy. So I am ALL for this match to happen.

[Destor]

Takers streak doesn't need to end though. Dunno why ever wants it so badly, the streak IS his legacy. It should never end. Besides, he debuted at Survivor Series, he should go out there.

[Y2Ant]

HBK vs. Taker should defo happen next WM, but only because HBK would actually seem like a genuine threat to Taker's streak, unlike previous opponents such as Mark Henry, and that gay shitty tag team match. It shouldn't end IMO, and I like the idea of him retiring at a Survivor Series kinda :o

[Testicle]

Some people have said that HBK doesn't need to retire Ric Flair, that it should go to somebody younger... Shawn has been wrestling for a long long time, but he's not an old guy yet, he still has 5/6 good years left, and quite honestly has done a lot of jobs since his return to WWE. I think he should be put over like crazy, he is now the new Ric Flair.

Michaels does not have 5 or 6 more years. He is turning 43 in June. Taker is 43 right now.

Not only will this not happen, but it would not be surpirsing if both Michaels or taker are retired by the time Mania XXV comes around.

[NYDon]

Michaels does not have 5 or 6 more years

Says who?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Takers streak doesn't need to end though. Dunno why ever wants it so badly, the streak IS his legacy. It should never end. Besides, he debuted at Survivor Series, he should go out there.

I would like to see him retire at Survivor Series, too, but I definitely think the streak should end eventually. His WrestleMania record will not disappear with a loss, and it would put someone over greatly.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I do not want to sell Shawn Michaels short, but I do not see 5 or 6 years at the current pace he is going. I think he will be one of those guys who steps into the ring way into his older years, but I don't think he will be the same Shawn Michaels in 5 years that he is now.

It would not completely surprise me if he did, but every now and then, you hear about Michaels with injuries that will force him to take a lighter schedule, and he's doing interviews now where he questions whether or not he wants to keep wrestling in an era without Ric Flair.

If it were up to me, I'd have a young guy end the streak of The Undertaker, but I just cannot think of anyone anywhere near a position to do it. John Cena is really the only guy I can think of.

[DaVe]

I'd prefer if Taker didn't lose at Mania. It is his legacy as Destor said. Him finishing his career at Survivor Series would be pretty awesome, too.

[Hanso Amore]

I am against ever ending the streak.

When he retires 17-0, it will be one of those things, like Hogan Slamming Andre that will be a tent pole that wrestling history is built on. Once the streak ends its meaningless, and it is too special to let die. Remember Goldbergs amazing streak? it ended, he ended, and no one cares.

[El Fangel]

I have said it before I will have to say it again, no one should ever end Takers streak, If HBK were to end it, your taking Undertakers Legacy, and giving HBK, a past his prime main-eventer a legacy he does not need.

Of course, If his streak were to end, I cant suggest anyone besides Kane, This would be the ultmate rub, 10+ years in the company and One World Heavyweight Title for 24 hours, I think Kane deserves this, and It could be third time lucky.

Here is how I think it should go down.

HBK vs Undertaker at WM25

- This should be epic, Have Taker being beaten down, HHH runs in to assist HBK, and Takers streak is coming to an end, then, the lights go out, Fire erupts from the rinigposts, you can see Kane with his hand around HHH throat, Fire goes out, light comes on, and its Taker and HBK struggling to stand. HBK goes for SCM, and Taker counters lifts HBK up for a Tombstone, reversed into a roll up, but Taker gets his foot on the rope. HBK tries again, and Taker lands the tombstone, lights go out, Fire flashes again, Kane is seen with his hands on both HBK and Takers throats, Lights go out, Lights come on, Taker is laying on the mat, and HBK is up on top, Flying Elbow drop as Kane is seen at the top of the stage, Taker moves, gets up quick, Tombstone, 1-2-3, just as Kane reaches the ring, Taker and Kane start brawling, ends with Kane chokeslamming Taker off the stage.

End Wrestlemania...Now.

Backlash - Taker vs Kane - Hell in a Cell - Taker goes over

Judgment Day - last man standing - double countdown

Vengeance - Last Man standing 2 - Kane

Summerslam - Cage - Kane and HBK vs HHH and Taker - HHH and Taker win

Survivor Series - Inferno Match in Hell In A Cell - Kane

Royal Rumble - Both in Rumble - Last to end, both are eliminated by each other.
- Later in the night, the WWE Champion is injured badly (Kayfabe) and the title is vacated. Taker vs Kane at WM26 for the title.

Wrestlemania 26 - Taker vs Kane - After multiple interference, Vince comes out, and says to lower the god forsaken cell from a previous match. Kane chokeslams Taker from top of it. Kane climbs down, and carries taker on his shoulders into the cell, where he Tombstones him again and gets the pinfall.

EMTs are seen removing Taker from the ring.

- At Backlash a Video package plays, showing footage of Taker and Kanes house burning, and a scrawled message on paper, You will burn again.

Judgement Day - In something straight of a nightmare comes, Satans Playpen, a Cage with Barb wire over the top, laced around the ropes, and the door welded shut, no way out, no way in. Taker goes over

Unforgiven - a falls count anyways match, both fall of titantron. Match ends when neither can get up.

The end of the Undertaker

Survivor Series 2009

The Incinerator Match - The only way to win, is to through your opponent into the incinerator and press the button, this is epic, both battered and bloody, goes an hour or so.

Kane and Taker are battling by the Incinerator, Taker is thrown in, Kane presses the button and starts laughing, turns his back, and Taker draped in flames comes up and hauls him in, screaming is head, a hand reaches over the side, and Kane hideously burned on the face, chest and arms, climbs out, and shuts the door.

Kane looks around, end of of Survivor Series, Takers career, and the rebirth of the Monster Kane, WWE Champion.

[XL]

Judgement Day - In something straight of a nightmare comes, Satans Playpen, a Cage with Barb wire over the top, laced around the ropes, and the door welded shut, no way out, no way in. Taker goes over


Unforgiven - a falls count anyways match, both fall of titantron. Match ends when neither can get up.

The end of the Undertaker

Survivor Series 2009

The Incinerator Match - The only way to win, is to through your opponent into the incinerator and press the button, this is epic, both battered and bloody, goes an hour or so.

Kane and Taker are battling by the Incinerator, Taker is thrown in, Kane presses the button and starts laughing, turns his back, and Taker draped in flames comes up and hauls him in, screaming is head, a hand reaches over the side, and Kane hideously burned on the face, chest and arms, climbs out, and shuts the door.
Did I miss the bit where Undertaker and Kane make a move over to TNA? :p

[Theo Dious]

The Incinerator Match - The only way to win, is to through your opponent into the incinerator and press the button, this is epic, both battered and bloody, goes an hour or so.

And at what point does WCW make its return so that we can see this?

[Innovator]

No Noid....No

HBK should not end Taker's streak, despite it being ridiculous to give a rub to a balding 43 year old, Taker will never put HBK over after the shit he pulled back in the 90s

[Afterlife]

I would be a little hesitant to make Michaels the "Career Ender".

[Mr. Nerfect]

No Noid....No

HBK should not end Taker's streak, despite it being ridiculous to give a rub to a balding 43 year old, Taker will never put HBK over after the shit he pulled back in the 90s

HBK should also not be the guy to end Ric Flair's career, but that's likely what's going down. The 1990's seems like water under the bridge to me now. The two seem to come up with greatness whenever they work, and I think that would be more important to The Undertaker than remembering something from the 90's.

I can not, for the life of me, understand any good that comes from keeping the streak alive. The only person it could possibly benefit is The Undertaker, and if he retires with the streak, not even he gets anything. He'd be done, so it's not like he can use it.

The streak is not The Undertaker's legacy. Being one of the best big men in the history of the business is; having one of the most infamous gimmicks in professional wrestling is. The streak is one of his finest achievements, yes, but as I said, that's not going to disappear with a loss. Goldberg's winning streak didn't instantly fade with a loss. He still had 173 wins on his record, or something like that. The Undertaker will still be something ridiculous like 16-1. Hell, he could keep wrestling if he wants to. Who says Taker's career needs to end with the streak?

Undertaker's success at WrestleMania was not even really documented until WrestleMania X-7, anyway. I think that would have made 8 WrestleManias where no one really picked up or cared that Taker had not lost at the event.

Besides, this is a fictional, perpetual business. The goal is to make money. Why don't we just have Ric Flair go over Randy Orton and retire WWE Champion while we're at it? It can be his "legacy." Guys need to go out on their back to establish new people in their place. The Undertaker should really put someone over at WrestleMania, so the decades he spent in the business do not end up meaning nothing, because the guys hanging around in his place look like jokes.

[NeanderCarl]

FYI, WrestleMania XXVI will be held in the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff and I shall be ending the Undertaker's streak.

Just got off the phone to Vince and it's official.

[Afterlife]

Now that's class! ;)

[Mr. Nerfect]

FYI, WrestleMania XXVI will be held in the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff and I shall be ending the Undertaker's streak.

Just got off the phone to Vince and it's official.

That's what I'd like to see. :y:

Make sure it's a squash.

[The Optimist]

My initial thought: I'd hit it. It'd be a good match at the very least, and an epicly great match if they both brought it. Really, I want Edge to end it this year, but HBK is a good backup plan.

Anyone who thinks that the Undertaker is nothing but his Wrestlemania streak is stupid. And he certainly doesn't have to retire right when his streak ends.

For Fallen Angel, that's a bit extreme but I appreciate the long term hugeness of your plan. Satan's Playpen and the Incinerator fail badly, trying to bring back Mask Kane is awesome.

[NeanderCarl]

There's money to be made from Taker losing the streak. It lends itself to a natural rematch at the following years Mania where Taker tries to avenge the loss.

They could even start to tie the Taker's winning streak in with his career... he makes a point of announcing that should anyone ever end the Taker's streak he will retire at WrestleMania the year after. So when Taker loses, the countdown clock begins, Onita/Terry Funk style. Then Taker retires a year later with a win over the guy who ended the streak.

[Afterlife]

If his Mania streak ends, he should retire the follow year at Survivor Series. Make it an enormous feud with the curse killer.