March 28, 2010 was the last time we saw arguably the greatest performer in professional wrestling history. Shawn Michaels fell short in his career vs streak match with The Undertaker at Wrestlemania that year and just like that HBK was gone. Fast forward 8 years later and the rumblings are that the show-stopper, the main event, Mr. Wrestlemania is ready to step through the ropes one more time.
For me, a fan since the mid-80s, Shawn Michaels was a guy who I grew up with. HBK and Bret Hart did something for wrestling that people often overlook. They made it believable again. When you watch HBK in the ring, you want to believe. His style, presentation, story-telling, and overall performance can make the most jaded of fans push back the cynicism and believe.
I was in the building to see Shawn Michaels lose to The Undertaker at Wrestlemania 25 in Houston. It was arguably the greatest match in Wrestlemania history. I watched on PPV as Michaels lost a second time and retired after yet another great match with the Undertaker.
If any exit was close to Michael Jordan’s final shot against the Jazz in 1998, it was Michael’s final match against The Undertaker. Of course, we all know MJ returned to Wizards for two years and while it didn’t tarnish his legacy it did in a way take away from what should be our last vision of His Airness on an NBA court.
Could HBK coming back for one or two more matches be akin to MJ and Wizards? Forever putting a bit of fog on the picture-perfect way Michaels closed out his career in 2010?
As sad as I hate to admit it, yes. There is no doubt in my mind that Shawn Michaels now in his early 50’s is probably (on one night at least) better than 80% of the roster but can The Undertaker be? I mean, that is who the signs are pointing to right? I get the potential tag match but it is hard for me to believe that HBK comes back for just one match. Which would lead us to another match with the Undertaker.
Look, the fan in me says YES, I WANT HBK TO WRESTLE ONE MORE TIME!!!! But the realist in me says, leave it the way it is. The money is big for a match in Saudi I get it. Then cash the check and be done. Throw on the DX gear, grab some glow sticks and have some fun. However, it is my humble opinion that there is no need for a singles match unless it is with someone like AJ Styles or Daniel Bryan. Someone who can make sure the match is in the realm of HBK standards.
Do we want our last memories of HBK being in a rear chin lock with a gassed-out Undertaker? I do not mean that as a knock on the Undertaker, but it is likely the reality. There is no way they can touch the set of matches they had in 09 & 10. Thus, there is no reason to revisit it.
