Opinion
8-Match Tag: The Ballad of Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
I’m Sean. You’re not. Welcome back to 8-Match Tag, my personal compendium of short-and-sweet personal playlists for new and well-read wrestling fans alike from the archives of WWE Network.
Let’s now journey just barely more than 20 years into the past and observe the eight essential milestones comprising a legendary feud that stands up today as a touchstone defining the finest hours in the careers of two storied icons. This cyclical saga’s sun dawns and sets with a show-stopping, controversial supernova of charisma holding an ultimately relentless rival’s destiny in the palm of his hand. The battles falling between the catalyst and culmination of their conflict brought out nothing less than each man’s best, despite nine years passing without their paths crossing and a combined 15 years separating the trailblazing first salvos and bittersweet punctuation of their story.
If I somehow haven’t made this evident, we now chronicle one of my all-time favorite arcs ever to emanate from any era or company in professional wrestling history. This is the ballad of Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker.
WWF SUMMERSLAM – August 3, 1997
WWF CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
The Undertaker © vs. Bret “The Hitman” Hart, w/ special guest referee Shawn Michaels
As the now-former World Wrestling Federation approached SummerSlam in August 1997, few could have foreseen back-to-back marquee matches altering the path for the company’s ensuing 20 years atop the professional wrestling landscape.
In one, a catastrophically botched Owen Hart piledriver nearly crippled “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s and set the stage for the Texas Rattlesnake’s pivotal 1999 neck surgery and the eventual onset of spinal stenosis which would combine to bring the curtain down on the career of wrestling history’s single most popular, impactful and profitable star.
In another, WWF Champion the Undertaker’s second reign with the belt met the challenge of Bret “The Hitman” Hart. Since 1996, Hart’s storylines had blurred backstage acrimony and frustration with a bizarre heel turn that saw Bret booed without mercy in the United States and heralded as practically a conquering national hero in his native Canada. Michaels often dove without hesitation into the center of Hart’s all-too-real professional frustrations and offering an increasingly loathsome character foil, but on this night, he would shape all three men’s oncoming paths. After extensive antagonization, the Heartbreak Kid stepped up as special guest referee just as Hart had declared that, should he fail to wrest the WWF Championship from the Deadman, America would see the last of the Excellence of Execution.
There was just one additional catch: HBK called Hart’s bet by announcing that he too would never again wrestle on U.S. soil if he showed blatant favoritism to the champion.
It truly is a crying shame Hart worked so relatively few major matches opposite the Undertaker. Both displayed a consummate commitment to hard-hitting, physically grueling matches executed to closely resemble a believable donnybrook – yes, even the one portraying a wrestling zombie. This was absolutely no exception. The pair demanded minimal suspension of disbelief. Their pacing rarely allowed the tension to waver for a second. Best of all, the match’s entire narrative wove Michaels’ stakes seamlessly into Hart and the Undertaker’s own, advancing several stories concurrently without one ever seeming poised to overshadow the others. In the end, Hart’s animosity toward Michaels boiled over in the form of a single finely aimed loogie landed squarely in HBK’s face. Michaels offered a receipt in the form of a swing-for-the-fences blast with the steel chair he had only just confiscated from the Hitman – a blow which jacked the Undertaker’s skull when Hart deftly slipped out of the way. Bret went for the cover. His arch-enemy reluctantly counted the fall.
The fallout is the stuff of legend, almost enough so to overshadow one of the most timelessly watchable main events in the company’s history. Hart’s fifth and final reign as WWF Champion would come to an ignominious end three months later against Michaels himself at Survivor Series in the sea-changing Montreal Screwjob, after which the Hitman would end his storied career with a WCW tenure lasting from 1997 until a tragic concussion forced him into retirement in 2000.
As for Michaels? Before holding the WWF Championship for a third and final time, he would embark on a collision course that would eventually lead him through Hell and back.
WWF IN YOUR HOUSE: GROUND ZERO – September 7, 1997
Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
“Shawn Michaels, you’re going to have to look me in the eyes, and you are going to have to pay for your crimes,” the Undertaker prophesied in the wake of SummerSlam.
Unsurprisingly, Michaels wasn’t exactly impressed.
“You’re either with me or against me. Take your pick,” HBK declared. “The Undertaker is going down in a blaze of fire.”
Michaels boldly defined that line in the sand by proudly raining down two thunderous blasts with a steel chair onto the Deadman’s cranium on “Monday Night Raw”, both of which made the assault at SummerSlam look like tee ball batting practice. Naturally, the Undertaker sat bolt-upright and seared a hole in Michaels and HBK’s two newly joined D-Generation X companions Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Chyna with his cold, dark eyes. Appropriately, Michaels and the Undertaker were then tabbed to close In Your House: Ground Zero – a main event somewhat ironically preceded by Bret Hart defending his newly won WWF Championship against The Patriot, match inspired by Michaels previously costing Hart a televised match against the red, white and blue contender.
The Undertaker was a gigantic, heavy-hitting mauler with a relentlessly methodical offensive approach and uncanny agility that seemed fascinatingly misplaced on a man standing 6 feet 10 inches tall and weighing in over 300 pounds. Michaels’ electrifying personality and brash bravado complimented legendary high-flying assaults and no shortage of technical wrestling proficiency – not entirely unlike Hart in many ways except his once-notorious toxic attitude. In hindsight, it should have come as no surprise that these two well-traveled veterans would display instantaneous chemistry far outstripping the theoretical limitations of their differences. Whereas Hart tried to scientifically dissect the Undertaker, Michaels opted to remain abusive and elusive. When he finally had nowhere left to run, HBK proceeded to sell a brutal hammering at the Deadman’s hands.
This was no mindless brawl. It was the prelude to two masters of in-ring psychology diving a level deeper into their bags of tricks. Of the eight milestone matches involving these two men, it baffles me how rarely this first significant confrontation falls under the radar. Before a conclusion marred by interference, Michaels and the Undertaker had made their point: we hadn’t seen anything close to the best of either of them yet. This encounter was violent, wild and more than entertaining enough by a solid margin to top Ground Zero’s bill without a single championship on the line. Still, it left unfinished business neither man could abide. Desperate times called for desperate, unheard-of measures.
WWF IN YOUR HOUSE: BAD BLOOD – October 5, 1997
HELL IN A CELL
Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
A mere ring could not contain the volcanic animosity between these two. When last they met in a one-on-one confrontation, their fight culminated in the WWF locker room spilling onto the arena floor to separate the Undertaker from Michaels, Helmsley and Chyna after an inconclusive no-contest. For their efforts, the assembled would-be peacemakers were wiped out by the Undertaker leaping cleanly over the top rope and flattening them all like bowling pins decked out in late-1990s street clothes. Finality would call for something unprecedented in the annals of the World Wrestling Federation.
It’s one of those moments wrestling fans of nearly any age in the late 90s will never forget. Some were closely familiar with War Games, a covered chain-link cage covering two rings and entrapping rival teams of four or five men who entered one at a time. This was an evolved beast, a mammoth roofed enclosure lowered over both the ring itself and most of the perimeter outside it. The structure’s objective? Seal two fierce enemies locked at their breaking points inside and leave no means for any third party to enter the fray.
Jim Ross, one of the company’s most esteemed announcers, often referred to it as “the Devil’s Playground” with reverent hyperbole. In the beginning, it was simply known as Hell in a Cell.
Before WWE watered down the gimmick into an annual pay-per-view event that hasn’t always featured feuds suited to its violent legacy, Hell in a Cell was the nuclear option. When disdain outlived wrestling’s most torturous stipulations (cage matches, bullrope matches, street fights, etc.) and left two enemies with no other path for conclusively settling a grudge…Hell would await. That was the bar set by Michaels and the Undertaker in St. Louis that evening. Without Helmsley, Chyna or “Ravishing” Rick Rude by his side and a remorseless reaper in black standing across the ring from him, Michaels struggled to survive while the crowd relished seeing the Deadman finally beat vengeful blood from HBK without realistically expecting an interruption. The Showstopper sold a beating for the ages while the Undertaker himself got over Michaels’ own tide-turning offense and experienced cunning to maintain the war’s unpredictability, especially when Shawn eventually finagled an escape from the titanic torture chamber.
Naturally, if a man can get out…a demon could find its way inside. With the Undertaker poised to impact a dent shaped like Michaels’ cranium in the mat with a Tombstone, the lights went black. Flames erupted. The Deadman’s nemesis and former manager Paul Bearer strode down the aisle with a Goliath clad head-to-toe in red and black behind him. The beast tore the door from its hinges, stood face-to-face with the Undertaker and promptly destroyed him with a Tombstone of his own, leaving Michaels to limply cover him for a three-count. Kane, the Undertaker’s presumed-dead younger brother, had come to settle old accounts.
For the time being, the book had been closed on HBK. However, it wouldn’t take long for one consuming feud to entangle itself with another.
WWF ROYAL RUMBLE – January 18, 1998
WWF CHAMPIONSHIP CASKET MATCH
Shawn Michaels © vs. The Undertaker
By the 1998 Royal Rumble, circumstance had upped this seemingly ceaseless rivalry’s ante an additional order of magnitude. In an instant destined to live in infamy amidst the WWF Championship’s hallowed history, Michaels had controversially stolen one last reign atop the mountain from Bret Hart at Survivor Series the previous November. In the meantime, the Undertaker had seemingly made amends with his brother after months of being challenged to a face-off apparently decades in the making. That left the Deadman seemingly free and clear to pursue a third WWF Championship in another specialized encounter he had previously pioneered: a casket match.
In order to win, one man would have to dump the other into an oversized casket situated at ringside and close the lid. No count-out, disqualification, pinfall or submission would otherwise end the match. Keep that in mind. One day, I just might count down my favorite occasions during which that loophole bit the Undertaker squarely on his cold, dead ass.
While a satisfyingly and typically brutal affair between two men seemingly incapable of working a patently unwatchable match together, this main-event spectacle bears unfortunate historical significance beyond being the final clash between Michaels and the Undertaker for nine years. At one point, Michaels took a seemingly routine spill over the top rope and slammed his back against the perpendicular edge where one of the casket’s sides met its lid. On an initial viewing without context, the impact doesn’t appear terribly traumatic – painful, but one wouldn’t think it anything to write home about.
Beneath the surface, that spot herniated two discs in Shawn’s back and completely crushed another. Despite retaining his championship when Kane and Bearer emerged to seal the Undertaker inside the casket and set it ablaze after the match, Shawn Michaels would not wrestle a one-on-one match again until dropping the belt to “Stone Cold” Steve Austin at WrestleMania XIV months later. Putting Austin over would give way to a four-year retirement and the universally accepted belief that HBK would never set foot as an active competitor inside a ring again.
WWE ROYAL RUMBLE – January 28, 2007
THE ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH FINALE
Fate was not yet finished with this tale. Not by a long shot.
I refuse to pretend the closing triad of matches finishing this feud once and for all were already planned three years before the first of them took place. Every so often, things simply fall into order that way. In 2002, Shawn Michaels returned to WWE a drastically changed, redeemed man. Over the course of five intervening years, he rode what was to be a one-off career finale against former friend and DX running mate Triple H at SummerSlam into five years of stellar matches that surpassed even some of his most thrilling matches of the 90s as a standard-bearer for the company, including a brief reign as World Heavyweight Champion and an unforgettable WrestleMania XX main event war with Triple H and Chris Benoit. During that same time, the Undertaker returned to his ominous “Deadman” persona at WrestleMania XX after several years as a no-nonsense biker with a penchant for beating down anyone who dared slide a toe into his yard.
As the field dwindled in the 2007 Royal Rumble match with a punched ticket to a WrestleMania 23 championship match hanging in the balance, time stood still. The bloodied Undertaker sat up. An exhausted, rubber-legged Michaels, appropriately clad once more in the green and black of D-Generation X, kipped up to his feet. For the first time in almost 10 years, they locked eyes across an empty ring – two defiant, battle-hardened Texans renewing their war before a suddenly unglued San Antonio crowd. For seven more minutes of gapless action, both turned back the clock to 1997 and delivered quite possibly the most thrilling Royal Rumble conclusion the match has ever seen. Each narrowly averted elimination over the top rope several times. The Undertaker flattened Michaels with a downright sadistic chokeslam. HBK appeared to turn the tide with pinpoint-perfect Sweet Chin Music. As he found his feet and moved in for one more superkick to seal a record-setting third Royal Rumble victory, the Undertaker ducked under and ousted Michaels for his first.
In Detroit at WrestleMania 23, it was Michaels who would close out the Showcase of the Immortals in a fantastic WWE Championship match against John Cena. Earlier in the evening, the Undertaker would take the World Heavyweight Championship from Batista in an astounding match whose quality was purportedly elevated by both men resenting a perceived backseat taken to Cena and Michaels, complete with Batista allegedly screaming “Let’s see them top that!” as he returned backstage. However, Michaels and the Undertaker perhaps had not yet realized what their performance in January had already insinuated: their story wasn’t finished after all.
WRESTLEMANIA 25 – April 5, 2009
Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
As the road to WrestleMania’s diamond-anniversary celebration drew nearer to its ultimate destination in Houston, HBK walked tall with the backbone of a rejuvenated man with a new-found mission after winning his freedom from a demoralizing period of indentured servitude to John “Bradshaw” Layfield. In the midst of the personal identity crisis that plagued him as the well-heeled Texan held Michaels’ financial soul in the palm of his hand, he was once briefly confronted by his greatest adversary with a succinct, pointed message: “It is sometimes hell trying to get to Heaven.”
With his freedom restored, Michaels trained his gaze toward a WrestleMania homecoming with a single point to prove: he was still the Showstopper…the icon…the headliner…the quintessential main event. As far as he was concerned, there was but one way to leave no doubt. Once more, he would have to do what many declared “impossible” and etch his name upon unbroken ground.
As far he was concerned, he was destined to bury the Undertaker’s unparalleled undefeated WrestleMania record. He would forever be acknowledged as the “1” in “16-1.” A legion of champions, giants and legends had fallen at the Deadman’s feet on the Grandest Stage of Them All. However, the Phenom had never bested Mr. WrestleMania where his unbridled, unrivaled talent had always shone brightest.
In the weeks leading to WrestleMania 25, Michaels reminded the Undertaker time and again that his ever-present psychological warfare had never worn down a fighting spirit or warrior’s will quite like his own. Instead, Michaels repeatedly laid the Deadman flat on his back with his most devastating blow, Sweet Chin Music. If veteran spectators hadn’t known better, we could have sworn HBK had accomplished the unthinkable and planted his own seed of doubt within the Undertaker’s head.
“That might have been the one to end it on,” Michaels would tell a WWE interviewer years later. “If that wasn’t perfect, that’s as close as you can get.”
After over 30 minutes of drama and impeccably paced storytelling by which all headlining WrestleMania bouts henceforth should be measured, Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker had declared they were no longer two proud men vying for one-another’s professional respect. The years had meticulously shaped them into two consummate artists who had risen above and beyond having each earned such respective admiration. Triple H and Randy Orton faced the unenviable mountain that year of having to follow a match for the ages. Both have since conceded, the it was a fool’s errand. Without a single wasted motion, Michaels and the Undertaker imbued every spot and sequence with a deliberate structure. One expression and mannerism after another shaded in each man’s path toward victory and defeat.
This was wrestling artistry. However, it was not how this story was fated to end.
WRESTLEMANIA 26 – March 28, 2010
CAREER VERSUS STREAK
Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
You know something? Absolutely nothing I could conceivably write here would encompass the ascent from WrestleMania 25’s undeniable masterpiece to this poignant chapter better than this. I tried for hours.
When WWE gives enough of a damn, nobody builds a big-fight feel quite like them.
Two years earlier, Shawn Michaels penned the final in-ring WWE chapter of his idol, mentor and friend, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair. It ended with Flair rising to his feet, dukes up, demanding that HBK hold nothing back and finish him as only the Showstopper could. There is a poetic parallel to Michaels, a weathered and crumpled man, pulling himself up the Undertaker’s body to slap the Deadman across the face and deliver his opponent’s signature throat-slice taunt. That Phoenix evening did not surpass their furor from a year prior, despite being a no-disqualification affair. If these two men were to share a ring this way only one last time, they were nevertheless determined to leave an unforgettable impression.
Oh, by the way? This time, they went on last.
Still…the all-encompassing end of an era would have to wait another two years.
WRESTLEMANIA 28 – April 1, 2012
“END OF AN ERA” HELL IN A CELL MATCH
Triple H vs. The Undertaker
Special Guest Referee – Shawn Michaels
Two years had passed. At the very WrestleMania which celebrated Shawn Michaels’ induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, his closest friend met his indomitable rival for the second time at the Showcase of the Immortals. Triple H had declared their match a meeting to determine who was truly WWE’s “last outlaw” of a generation rapidly aging out of professional wrestling’s rigors. In some sense, it was obviously also a matter of avenging the fall of his compatriot’s career a year prior. He battered and abused the Deadman to such a horrendous degree that, despite succumbing to a deftly timed Hell’s Gate choke sunk in by the Undertaker out of instinct and desperation, it was only the Cerebral Assassin who walked out under his own power.
It took weeks on end of assaults on the Game’s pride for the Undertaker to finally receive the rematch he demanded. He could not abide the image of his limp body being carted from the ring to serve as his enduring legacy. Time and again, Triple H turned to his duty as a newly minted WWE executive to justify his refusal to potentially cripple WWE’s most valuable competitor. When at last he conceded, he invoked a stipulation threaded deeply throughout both men’s careers, the only way to bring closure to this journey: Hell in a Cell.
Fittingly, there was a man who had met both the Undertaker and Triple H inside the sadistic cage and lived to fighter another day. His own career had been defined by each competitor. He had been there from the beginning of this acrimony which had united all three indelibly in WWE history.
Shawn Michaels would be there at the end.
“Remember when I told you Shawn was better than you?” the Undertaker said as he stood face-to-face with the King of Kings, adding a pregnant pause. “He is.”
However, the Deadman also issued a warning to Michaels, once perhaps seasoned with memories of how their war had begun: if he compromised the purity of the match’s decision, he would truly end the Heartbreak Kid once and for all.
That isn’t to say Triple H wouldn’t attempt to turn the tables that evening in Miami. He rained down unholy, bone-breaking violence upon the Undertaker and demanded that HBK stop the match. To his credit, Michaels resisted…right up until he seemingly separated the Undertaker from his senses with Sweet Chin Music and scurried into the ropes as Triple H failed to get a decisive three-count. The battle waged on until a spent Triple H leaned into a turnbuckle and defiantly saluted the Undertaker with a classic D-Generation X chop to his crotch, saying without words, “You’ll have to finish me yourself.”
He did. In the end, it was the image Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker, side by side, helping Triple H to the back which will always punctuate this end to an era.
There was no feud like it before. There will be none like it again. Thank you for joining me. If you have any comments or would like to point out some error, feel free to follow @ComerCodex on Twitter and let me know. Until next week, it’s time to tag out. I’m Sean. You’re not. Never dull your colors for someone else’s canvas.
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Opinion
Greg DeMarco’s Top 5: The Final Opponent For John Cena In WWE
It’s obvious that John Cena is nearing the end of his legendary career, and he’s suggested ending it at WrestleMania 41. Who should be his final opponent?
It’s obvious that John Cena is nearing the end of his legendary career, and he’s suggested ending it at WrestleMania 41. Who should be his final opponent?
John Cena recently appeared on the Pat McAfee Show, the Monday after his surprise (but mostly expected) WrestleMania 40 appearance during Cody Rhodes’ win over Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship. During that appearance, he confirmed what many expect, that he is nearly done with his in-ring career. But Cena even tossed out the idea of a time-frame, detailing that his acting schedule will likely take him through Christmas, and maybe Hollywood could “pump the brakes” to allow for one final run.
That run could easily begin at the Royal Rumble with a surprise entrance (or entering himself via TV appearances as part of the build), with a tease for his 17th world title win before finally settling in on his final match.
Fantasy booking and storytelling aside, the goal here is the final match–more specifically the final opponent. With a John Cena, you’ve got a ton of options. As such, it’s hard to narrow it down to 5, and one of your favorites is likely missing–be warned!
Greg DeMarco’s Top 5: The Final Opponent For John Cena In WWE
Honorable Mentions:
- The Miz – A feud with John Cena gave The Mix a WrestleMania 27 main event–and a WrestleMania main event victory on top of it. Miz has been receiving more love than ever lately, and a match with John Cena would not be misplaced. Maybe he can use their WrestleMania 33 contest (and Cena’s personal aftermath) as fodder for it, too.
- AJ Styles – The man who once made it popular to “BEAT UP JOHN CENA” is also nearing the end of his run, and could be the one candidate on this list that could realistically give us a double-retirement match. He would also be the guy who retired both The Undertaker and John Cena (and would probably end up being the guy who lost in both).
- The Rock or Cody Rhodes – Both great options, but you have to figure their dance card for WrestleMania 41 is already full, potentially standing across the ring from one another. Either is an amazing option (including “Thrice In A Lifetime”), but I just don’t think it’s in the cards.
- Trick Williams – Potentially a surprising addition to the Honorable Mentions, but the comparisons are there in terms of in-ring style/ability, promo skills, and the interplay they had in NXT (remember, it was Cena who is credited with encouraging Trick to not be afraid to go for it himself despite his relationship with Carmelo Hayes).
5. CM Punk
The fifth spot on this list was nearly interchangeable between several of the honorable mention names, but it really came down to Punk and Seth Rollins for me (with a hint of AJ Styles). The 2011 feud between CM Punk and John Cena was legendary, and is a moment that will forever be seen by me as the one that truly cemented CM Punk as a member of the growing list of all-time greats in WWE.
Punk is uniquely qualified for this match as he would make it mean more than a showboat for John Cena’s career and final match. It’s entirely believable that CM Punk would want to put John Cena’s career into the ground, and WWE has the video archive to support it.
Despite being #5, this could actually be a dark-horse for the match we get, and I can’t see anyone reasonably being upset about that.
4. Roman Reigns
John Cena and Roman Reigns have had two separate legendary programs. the first saw Cena, at times, embarrass Roman in promo exchanges in a feud that took place in the “pre-Tribal Chief” era. The second is more fresh and likely more memorable, as John Cena put Roman Reigns over in a football stadium in Las Vegas at SummerSlam (although it might be more remembered for the return of Brock Lesnar).
Reigns, a legend himself at his point (he’s featured alongside Steve Austin at the top of the “Forever” portion of the Then/Now/Forever/Together video that recently debuted) would provide a pairing akin to The Undertaker serving as Shawn Michaels’ retirement opponent at WrestleMania 26 9notice I didn’t say “final opponent). The end of Roman’s 1316 day world title reign has brought about a new appreciation for Reigns, which would further enhance this pairing at WrestleMania 41.
3. Bron Breakker
Bron Breakker is the picture-perfect definition of a juggernaut in WWE, a fast rising star who almost seems like a lock to main event WrestleMania one day (you never know–Seth Rollins JUST got his first WrestleMania main event last weekend). Breakker recently said farewell NXT as the natural in-ring competitor makes a transition to full-time main roster competition.
Breakker also fits the category of who “needs it.” Bring the man to retire John Cena would be quite the feather in the cap of Breakker’s early career, and would give him a moment that would be relived for generations to come. The only question mark is WWE “trusting” Breakker with this moment, as a sudden change of character could mean that Cena’s final match wouldn’t be seen or discussed as much. Breakker, to me, has given no reason for anyone to suspect that might happen, regardless of any controversies his father and uncle have been linked to.
2. R-Truth
Despite being 5-years older than John Cena, and making his in-ring debut in the same year (1999), R-Truth’s childhood hero hanging up the boots will undoubtedly be a hard-hitting moment for the man who has basically become the WWE Mascot. Truth emulating Cena in his matches, and of course the RawAfterMania moment with Cena, Truth, and The Miz hitting a Fifteen Knuckle Shuffle (thank you, Michael Cole) on The Judgment Day makes this a near can’t miss final match for both John Cena and the WWE Universe.
R-Truth himself is equally deserving of this match, as it would be a reward for all of his years in the ring as part of a career that seems age defying while proving that age is not only a number, but also a number that can be ignored (see Child Hero, John Cena).
While a rematch of their 2011 WWE Capital Punishment main event is an unlikely WrestleMania 41 match-up, it’s one I believe everyone would love to see.
1. Randy Orton
I mean, is there anyone more perfect? John Cena and Randy were inseparably linked for a good portion of their careers, and have shared the ring more times than Big Show has turned babyface/heel. Both are far into legendary status at this point, and Orton specifically is obviously focused on enjoying this stage of his career.
But Orton is still delivering great performances inside the ring, too.
Randy Orton vs John Cena was an exciting proposition many years ago, became a punchline for WWE booking a few years ago, but is now coming full circle as the perfect match-up to end the amazing career of John Cena. It has my vote, and should have yours, too.
Even if R-Truth would be the most fun option.
What say you? Who is the best candidate to stand across the ring from John Cena in his final WWE match, potentially at WrestleMania 41? Who did I leave out?
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Opinion
Greg DeMarco’s WrestleMania 40 Saturday Results & Review
It’s the Granddaddy Of ‘Em All, WrestleMania! Night 1 of WrestleMania XL and Greg DeMarco has your results and review!
It’s the Granddaddy Of ‘Em All, WrestleMania! Night 1 of WrestleMania XL and Greg DeMarco has your results and review!
It all comes down to this–at least for the first night! A loaded card in front of a packed house, and I’d expect everyone to deliver one hell of a performance.
Women’s World Championship – Becky Lynch vs. Rhea Ripley (champion)
Greg’s pre-show prediction: Rhea Ripley retains
In my opinion, this match should be the main event of Night 1, but The Rock is back and that was going to take precedence (even if I disagree). Becky won this title shot at the Elimination Chamber, even though they were already building the feud before that event in Perth. Ripley herself main evented that event in a stadium, defeating Nia Jax.
- It was revealed during her entrance that this is Becky Lynch’s “Flu Game,” as she has temperatures as high as 102 degrees throughout the week.
- Rhea Ripley enters to a life performance of her entrance theme, which you can tell she dug.
- Prime logo is center ring, just the black outline with “Prime” in the middle, and it is not at all bothersome. I can’t believe people made such a big deal out of bitching about that.
- The stage looks dope, not at all “too small” as some had said. The whole environment looks great, honestly.
- Rhea Ripley has been dealing with a wrist injury. She said on the Pat McAfee Show she didn’t expect to work with the wrist brace on tonight, but there it is.
- Corey Graves points out that Becky’s training was likely impacted by her illness, and Pat McAfee scoffs at him for stating the obvious. I hope that isn’t what we get all night.
- Commentary notes that is is 52 degrees and windy in the stadium, and I am reminded of Nick Khan’s comments about moving an outdoor WrestleMania to late April in the future, if they don’t get an indoor building (he did say “2026” when talking about that, which likely means the 2025 venue is indeed set).
- Rhea’s Prism Trap is a fell of a submission finisher. Add in the body lock the way she did, and it’s even more impressive.
- I just noticed the “Prime” turnbuckle pads and it’s…weird. I just didn’t expect it and can’t think of the last time we didn’t have the WWE/WWF logo on the buckles outside of Black and Gold NXT. WrestleMania 2?
- I am also noticing that Dude Wipes seems to have sponsored the ring posts. Kudos to WWE (and the wrestling industry behind them) for being so damn desirable to sponsors!
- That combo to get into the Riptide was fantastic–and the kickout was even better.
- During the DisarmHer you can clearly see the commentary position, and Michael Cole is legit reclined all the way back. Love it–Cole is living his best life.
- Rhea’s Riptide into the buckle before the proper Riptide was pretty sweet as well. Made Becky look insanely strong in defeat.
Winner via pinfall AND STILL your Women’s World Champion: Rhea Ripley
Hell of an opener, and if you didn’t know Becky was sick, you wouldn’t have known. Props to them both. That would have satisfied as a main event, but can now go down as one of the best openers in WrestleMania history.
Ladder Match for the Raw Tag Team Championships and Smackdown Tag Team Championships – DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) vs. Awesome Truth (The Miz & R-Truth) vs. New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate) vs. A Town Down Under (Austin Theory & Grayson Waller) vs. The New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston) vs. The Judgment Day (Finn Balor & Damian Priest, Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions)
Greg’s pre-show prediction: Awesome Truth (Raw titles) and A-Town Down Under (SmackDown)
As many expected, the belts are hanging separately, meaning we are most likely splitting the tag titles here. Triple H and company have put some serious work into building up the tag team divisions of both brands, and even though I expect the two winners to not be actual “teams,” but either way I actually like the way they didn’t make a big deal out of splitting the titles up, they’re just doing it. They have been defended separately since being unified, albeit rarely.
- R-Truth makes a joke about DIY being DX and that’s now taken off. I love it.
- The Miz is very under appreciated. Can literally do anything.
- Someone is struggling with the “Titan Tron” videos tonight.
- Not gonna lie, I am the biggest Pat McAfee fan, but he’s actually quite annoying right now.
- Sign of the night: SANTA DESERVED IT.
- Lots of green in this match, half of the teams wearing their “WrestleMania Green” gear.
- Also, loving the Consequences Creed gear for Woods.
- God Bless Finn Balor for taking that Airplane Spin into the ladder.
- 205 combined years of experience in this match. That’s an average of 17 years (Waller has the least with 7, Balor and Miz are tied for the most with 23).
- “Dunne Mountain?!?!” Thank you Michael Cole for fixing that.
- HOT TAG TO R-TRUTH!
- Poor Finn Balor, not he takes the AA to the ladder after John Cena’s Five Moves Of Doom
- R-TRUTH WITH THE PIN!
- Hilarious.
- A-Town Down Under gets the SmackDown tag titles!
- And Grayson gets tossed through a ladder, still holding a title!
- The match does continue until the Raw tag titles are also retrieved.
- If Theory also got the Raw tag titles down, I will laugh my ass off.
- Birminghammer is a fantastic name for a tandem (somewhat) Burning Hammer.
- Tornado DDT through a table!
- Air Raid Crash from the ladder!
- And we still have more tables set-up.
- JD McDonagh trying to get Finn–who has taken a beating–to get the Raw tag titles.
- McDonagh through the tables!
- PERFECTLY placed Razor’s Edge onto that chair.
- Dude, that ladder is trashed. (And very unsafe.)
- AA sends Damian outside!
- I think everyone wants R-Truth to get this. EVERYONE.
- YES!
Winners via belt retrieval, AND NEW:
- SmackDown Tag Team Champions – Grayson Waller & Austin Theory
- Raw Tag Team Champions – R-Truth & The Miz
Really good Ladder Match, but it’s hard to have a bad one. The tag team titles are split and it was really well done. It made perfect sense to do it that way, not make a big deal out of it and just let it happen. I am excited to see both teams win–not because I picked both, but because I think one team (Waller/Theory) have amazing futures and the other (Miz/Truth) will be a lot of fun, even if their run will probably be short lived.
Santos Escobar (with Legado Del Fantasma members Angel, Humberto, & Elektra Lopez) & Dominik Mysterio vs. Rey Mysterio & Andrade (with The LWO members Carlito, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro, & Zelina Vega
Greg’s pre-show prediction: Dominik and Santos win, giving Dominik “revenge” for his loss at WrestleMania 39.
Look, this match doesn’t make a lick of sense–Dominik shows up two weeks ago and finds his way into another WrestleMania match with Rey? Definitely shoehorned. But Dominik is outstanding, so if this gets him on the card, I’ll take it.
- More green in this match, and I am here for it.
- Innovative Double Cross Body by Rey & Andrade.
- Dominik showing experience beyond his years, making sure the ref sees his tag with Santos.
- At this moment, I am wondering who turns–Carlito or Andrade. Gotta assume it’s one of them.
- Three matches in and I don’t even notice the Primo logo in the center of the ring or on the turnbuckle pads.
- Santos Escobar trying to unmask Rey Mysterio, as if we don’t all have Google.
- Corey Graves making a great point about Rey taking some responsibility for the issues in his life, and Michael Cole immediately dismissing it.
- It’s so hard to do a really good Dragon Screw Leg Whip, and Andrade (along with Dominik and Santos) just pulled off two to perfection.
- Camera shot of Rey’s cross body shows the heaters above the ring. Good–keep ’em warm!
- This could have easily been an 8-man tag team match. Maybe we get that Monday on Raw (which can also be where the turn happens, making my prediction here likely wrong).
- Joaquin Wilde gets to do his NXT spot at WrestleMania, and that’s probably more important than officially being in the match.
- Two masked men–definitely the Kelce Brothers–are here.
- My bad, it was Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson. Good call, honestly. Great pop for them, too.
- Looking at the reply, Dominik sold that ringpost spot like a champ.
Winners via pinfall (Rey on Santos): Rey Mysterio & Andrade
Fun tag team match that served its purpose. Needed? Maybe not, as I really wanted to get Liv Morgan vs. Nia Jax onto this card. But when you can get Rey & Dominik on the card, everyone will be happy. and of course the Jason Kelce & Lane Johnson appearances.
Brother vs Brother: Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso
Greg’s pre-show prediction: Jimmy Uso follows in the footsteps of Owen Hart and Matt Hardy and beats the “more talented brother.”
They’ve wanted this match all their lives–and the preview video was insane. Very well done.
- Jey in the WrestleMania whites tonight.
- And we get a hot start to the match!
- “Big Brother Jimmy” is always a fun thing to hear.
- More Dude Wipes sponsorship on this one–you have to wonder if having Dude Wipes on the posts for the opener was in error.
- Superkicks. Lots of Superkicks.
- Very enjoyable YEET/NO chants from the crowd.
- Jey just kicking the hell out of Jimmy, including a Jumping Super Kick.
- This has “Fight Without Honor” feels from old school ROH, where the winners have respect after. We will definitely see these guys together again.
- Jimmy apologizing to Jey. Crowd is not buying it.
- Of course it was BS, and Jimmy gains the advantage.
- SPEAR. USO SPLASH. DONE.
Winner, via pinfall: Jey Uso
Jey breaks the babyface curse by beating his heel brother. Thought we might get an embrace between them, instead we faded out. A good match that was more about the story than the in-ring action. I can see some feeling like this hasn’t “lived up to expectations” because of the high expectations you’d have for an Usos match. Their best work will always be as a team, but I know this is a lifelong dream come true for both.
As for all the Superkicks, I mean….it’s an Usos match.
Six-Woman Tag Team Match – Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka, & Kairi Sane) vs. Naomi, Bianca Belair, & Jade Cargill
Greg’s pre-show prediction: Bianca, Naomi, & Jade win when Jade scores the pin (probably on Kairi, who always seems to eat the fall)
This match is all about getting Bianca Belair on the card (she had to be), and Jade Cargill’s debut. It also got Damage CTRL on the card, which they truly deserve–even if it is to lose.
- Respectfully, Dakota Kai. (Good thing the ring and surrounding area is heated)
- Not gonna lie, Jade looks nervous. But this is a six-woman tag, and her portion is likely highly choreographed. Gonna be all good.
- As I watch and enjoy the match (but am not typing much lol), this seems like a match where we’re all just waiting for Jade to come in and win.
- No one has told Jade about the tag ropes yet, apparently.
- And now Jade is in, and Damage CTRL makes her look like a million bucks.
- Dakota Kai nicely gets herself into position for the finish, and Jade gets her WrestleMania win.
Winners via pinfall (Jade on Dakota): Jade Cargill, Naomi, & Bianca Belair
We knew what this one was about going into it, and that’s what it should have been. Jade still ain’t ready. I know it might be an “ego hit” for her to go to NXT, but she needs it. If Giulia can go to NXT, so can Jade.
Intercontinental Championship – Sami Zayn vs. GUNTHER (champion)
Greg’s pre-show prediction: Sami Zayn pulls off the major upset and is the one to dethrone Gunther
Gunther has had a stranglehold on the Intercontinental Championship, defending it like crazy in 2023 but slowing that down here in 2024. It’s not fair to say he’s outgrown the title, but that might actually be the case. It’ll be really interesting to see what happens with Imperium leading up to the draft, and at the WWE Draft itself.
- Sami Zayn was the perfect wrestler to have their journey form backstage to the ring followed by the cameras. From his family to Chad Gable to Kevin Owens, it was all so perfect–maybe too perfect? (Not in that someone will screw him, but in that it might be too heavily foreshadowing his win?)
- Gunther looked oddly nervous standing on that stage.
- You know, the Intercontinental Championship is basically a third world title at this point. And we could see the end of a legendary reign. I think this deserved the Samantha Irvin In-Ring Introductions (aka “Japan Style”) treatment.
- Gunther is smiling confidently now, we’re good.
- Crowd is ON FIRE for these guys (and evenly split with their chants for each guy).
- This is the 21st time the Intercontinental championship is defended at WrestleMania, and it makes you wonder what in the hell they were thinking for the other 11.
- Looks like Dude Wipes is back on the ringpost!
- Hell of a nearfall, followed up by a Helluva Kick from Gunthcr, and one from Sami!
- That finish….AMAZING.
Winner via pinfall, AND NEW Intercontinental Champion: Sami Zayn
The athletes… the moments… the storytelling… professional wrestling is such a beautiful business. Sami Zayn’s win over Gunther was everything I had hoped it would be when I picked Sami to win. Absolutely beautiful.
Cody Rhodes & World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins vs. The Rock & Undisputed WWE Champion Roman Reigns
Greg’s pre-show prediction: Seth & Cody get the win after tons of interference and surprise appearances, making Roman vs Cody on Sunday a match where The Bloodline is banned from ringside.
So much involved in this one. As you know, If Rock & Roman win, Sunday’s WWE Championship match will be held under Bloodline Roles. If Seth & Cody win, then that mach will see ZERO Bloodline involvement. Personally, if Cody is winning the title, I’d rather it be straight up. But I wouldn’t be at all surprised if I am wrong.
- Honestly, after the introductions, I realized I was just watching!
- This was very much Steve Austin vs The Rock inspired, with them fighting all over the stadium, and pushing the envelope.
- I loved The Rock basically neutering the referee–normally I hate that, but here it works.
- That finish and the condition of Rollins both lay perfectly into night 2, I would imagine.
Winners via Rock pinfall on Rhodes: The Rock & Roman Reigns
Per rule, Sunday’s main event will now be Bloodline Rules. And given that, my prediction of Roman retaining might be harder to pull off. This was a good return for The Rock, and perfectly played into the whole story. Job well done.
Greg DeMarco’s Overall Thoughts for WWE WrestleMania XL, Saturday (Night 1)
in a vacuum, this was highly enjoyable show. Night 2 might end up being legendary if both Bayley and Rhodes win, and it could overshadow Night 1. But the scene was fantastic, production was top notch as always, and the fans went home having enjoyed one for the ages. The Triple H Era s well underway, and will likely kick into a higher gear with Night 2.
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Hockey Talk- 2024 NHL Playoff Preview [042224]
Hockey Talk previews the 2024 NHL Playoffs and discuss the stunning news that the Arizona Coyotes are moving to Salt...
Hockey Talk- Metro Mayhem [040924]
Hockey Talk looks at an absolutely wild playoff situation taking shape in the Eastern Conference while, out West, the battle...
The Pick N Roll: Sweet Sixteen
Join Patrick O'Dowd and PC Tunney as they breakdown the sweet sixteen of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
Hockey Talk- Reverse Psychology [032624]
Hockey Talk looks at the resurgent St. Louis Blues & Washington Capitals. Plus, the Rangers stay hot, and can anyone...
Down the Wire: Filling Out Our Brackets and Drafting Draft Busts
Join the Brothers Wortz as they cover professional sports in unprofessional ways!
Bandwagon Nerds #232: Superhero Madness- A Top Seed Falls
Superhero Madness continues and sees the first #1 seed fall!. Plus, a trailer for a new Transformers movie, and a...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (4/20/24)
HPW looks to the horizon.
Bandwagon Nerds #231: Disney News & Superhero Madness
Round two of Superhero Madness begins this week. Cinema Con gives us plenty of Disney news and a trip to...
Bandwagon Nerds #230: Superhero Madness- Resident Aliens
Superhero Madness continues with first round battles in the Aliens bracket, plus Invincible Season 2 comes to an excellent conclusion.
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (4/1/24)
We got five on it!
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (4/24/24)
Anybody can get it!
Mitchell’s Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/23/24)
GO ACE! GO ACE!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (4/23/24)
It's Trick Williams' last shot!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/22/24)
It's a golden Raw!
Mitchell’s AEW Dynasty Results & Report! (4/21/24)
AEW passes through the Gateway City!
Attitude Of Aggression #289- The Big Four Project: Survivor Series ’92
The guys review Survivor Series '92 including a watch-along of an instant classic: Bret "Hitman" Hart v. Shawn Michaels for...
Andrew’s TNA Rebellion Results & Match Ratings: 4.20.2024
Moose takes on Nic Nemeth fka Dolph Ziggler in the main event for the World Championship!!
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (4/20/24)
Kyle O'Reilly is on a Rampage!
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (4/20/24)
A high risk Collision!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/19/24)
Prepare for Backlash!
