Wrestlemania 23 – vs. Batista (2007) – 15-0
The Undertaker kicked off 2003 with another landmark for his career: a Royal Rumble victory which secured a title shot at Wrestlemania. UT chose Batista as his opponent by chokeslamming him in the ring at RAW. Tensions mounted as Batista abandoned The Undertaker in a tag team match against John Cena & Shawn Michaels, allowing them to pick up the win. At Wrestlemania 23, the story went a little differently as ‘Taker picked up the win and kicked off a feud that would last the next few months and see neither man able to answer a 10 count in a Last Man Standing Match and see both men escape at the same time in a Steel Cage Match. Batista had been initiated much like Randy Orton before and also became the final piece of The Dead Man’s “Evolution/Wrestlemania Grand Slam,” as he had now defeated all four members of the faction Evolution (HHH, Flair, Orton & Batista). The Phenom also became the first man to win WWF/E and World titles on the grandest stage of them all.
Wrestlemania XXIV– vs. Edge (2008) – 16-0
After winning the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at Wrestlemania 23, Edge capitalized by pinning an already-beaten Undertaker. So, after UT won the Elimination Chamber match to secure a World Title shot against Edge at Wrestlemania XXIV, revenge seemed to be close to reality for The Dead Man. And after the antics of Edge and his Edge-heads, most fans were ready to see the “ultimate opportunist” get his comeuppance. Following the sentimental retirement match of Ric Flair earlier in the evening, WWE went with the “send ‘em home happy” philosophy for the final match. This allowed ‘Taker to pick up his second consecutive Wrestlemania World Title and allowed Edge into the ultimate fraternity of “Streak Victims.”
Wrestlemania XXV & XXVI – vs. Shawn Michaels (2009-10) – 17-0 & 18-0
The initial challenge by Shawn was well-received by most fans. At this point in his career, Shawn didn’t need to win this match by any stretch of the imagination. Before 1998, Shawn might have politicked to be the one to end the streak, but at that time, while it was occasionally mentioned that ‘Taker was undefeated, “The Streak” was never really played up. After 2002 and his remarkable return from what would have been a career-ending injury for most, Shawn didn’t seem to need to feed his ego as he had in the past. He was more content to go out and do what he loved for fans who truly loved and appreciated him. He would be the main event (no matter the placement of his match on the card), he would stop the show, and he would be Mr. Wrestlemania win, lose or draw. And at Wrestlemania XXV, that’s exactly what happened. He and The Undertaker tore the roof off and dared anyone to claim otherwise.
So, when Shawn decide to challenge The Dead Man again at Wrestlemania XXVI, most looked forward to the possibilities of a rematch. Bottom line, we were pretty much guaranteed another instant classic from, arguably, the best big man and, again aruguably, the best overall talent to ever lace ‘em up. And the analysis began: Would Shawn win this time? Would that then set up the rubber match at Wrestlemania XXVII? Or would The Phenom continue his dominance and leave Shawn to other feuds with other wrestlers and maybe someday these two titans of the ring would might meet again at The Show of Shows? Then, the bomb was dropped. Undertaker would accept the challenge, but only on the condition of Shawn’s career being placed on the line as well as the streak. Almost immediately, Shawn accepted. The debate raged: Shawn couldn’t really be retiring, could he? The streak had to end now, right? OK, it’s a No DQ match, so someone will come out to interfere and Shawn will win so he doesn’t have to retire and ‘Taker’s integrity, though not his streak, would remain intact. As March 28th loomed ever closer on the horizon, the rumors came hot and heavy. Shawn was looking to spend more time with his family and possibly become the subject of a faith-based reality show. Some fans were still sure he would end the streak, even if he did retire after the match. Why not go out on top having literally done it all?
Shawn’s decision to retire had apparently been made for a while. Shawn’s respect for the industry, his peers (most certainly for The Undertaker) and for the traditions of the business dictated he go out the right way. His love for his family dictated that he go now. So the show stops for the last time for The Heartbreak Kid, and “The Streak” lives on after exacting its heaviest toll to date.
Looking back at the streak, we can see how and, for the most part, why it has become such a monumental feat. Looking ahead, will the streak end? And if it does, who should be the one to break the streak? Many arguments have been made across the IWC and beyond, but I find flaws in nearly every one. So I now give you my thoughts on the only true way to properly end the streak.
First, let me say I hope this doesn’t happen anytime soon. I’ve been a mark for HBK & The Undertaker for years, and with Shawn packing it in, I’d like to see ‘Taker go as long as his health and desire allow him to go. Also, this should only happen when Undertaker is ready to retire. With that being stated:
The first obstacle is determining who the opponent should be. Some say it should be an established Superstar. HHH, John Cena, Edge, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Batista are just a few of the names I’ve heard mentioned. Others counter that it should be a younger performer, someone who will benefit from the win and use it as a step up to the main event level or to cement their status there once it’s been reached. CM Punk, Christian, Jack Swagger, The Miz, MVP or Drew McIntyre could be potential candidates in the future.
A sentimental choice of mine, and actually the individual I feel should have broken the streak, if not in their initial match, then at their Wrestlemania XX rematch, was, of course, Kane. The storyline lent itself to a natural procession that could have easily handed The Dead Man his first ‘Mania loss. Who would know him better and therefore be able to beat him than his own flesh and blood? Alas, it was not meant to be then and that ship has already sailed.
Instead, my choice for the person to end the streak is sure to be controversial, but that’s what the man lives for anyway. And, ironically, he has a bit of a Wrestlemania steak of his own going as he has yet to win a match in five tries at The Super Bowl of Wrestling. I’m referring obviously to none other than Vincent Kennedy McMahon.
Of course, Mr. McMahon would love for his first ‘Mania victory to coincide with The Undertaker’s first ‘Mania defeat. You think he’s smug now? Just wait. But there’s no way Vince could, or should, defeat The Undertaker one-on-one? True. That’s why this match, like the WM XXVI bout, will carry a No DQ stipulation. It will not be a clean victory by any means. As a matter of fact, it could take nearly every Superstar on the roster to help determine the outcome. McMahon will reward the Superstar who enables him to pin The Dead Man with a guaranteed title shot at a time of their choosing and will make it clear that he will ensure their victory. The heels, and a few surprises from the babyfaces to spice things up, will get involved in the match to help the owner of WWE. Undertaker will fight valiantly and will be able to drive off several of these interlopers. He will also receive unsolicited aid from the majority of the faces as they come out to try and keep order and continue feuds. Big names like Edge, Orton, Cena will have a bit of mystery surrounding their intentions: Will their respect for ‘Taker win out as they try to even the odds or will they be selfish and seek their own glory instead? Kane will come out, and since his one major title run seems to be the only one he’ll get, maybe he now decides to sacrifice his brother’s streak to renew his career. Or perhaps the ultimate opportunist comes out only to be stopped by The Big Red Machine? Maybe the cerebral assassin comes out to help Kane turn back the onslaught of greedy Superstars just to set him up for the swerve? Regardless, the eventual end would see a bloody (sorry PG rating) Undertaker motionless in the ring as one or more of the heels pull a disoriented and equally bloody Vinny Mac over to drape his arm over UT for the win. At least one, OK two, false finish sit-ups from The Dead Man until the urn is brought out one last time to deliver the final blow and bring the first and ultimate victory to McMahon.
Of course, this would close the show and end The Undertaker’s career. Kind of a downer to close a ‘Mania , but can you imagine the heat on Vince and every single heel who assisted him? And that’s not to mention the pop UT will get when he does get to his feet, realizes what’s happened and drops to one knee for the final time as the streak, the career and The Undertaker all, finally, … REST … IN … PEACE
