Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker again in Wrestlemania 26? These two WWE veterans gifted the fans a remarkable match last year in Wrestlemania 25. Now only four days away from the grandest wrestling extravaganza, it seems that they are all set to meet each other yet again. The match is being confirmed for a while now. But this year, the challenge is a bit tougher. During the build-up of this match, the storyline showcased a dejected and frustrated Shawn Michaels who is utterly upset with his last year’s performance in Wrestlemania and is keen to meet the Undertaker again. As Taker was the World Heavyweight Champion then, Shawn had to become the No.1 contender to face the Dead Man. But he lost a few open opportunities and was in no position to fight the match. In order to provoke Taker, Shawn appeared inside the Elimination Chamber in WWE’s last Pay per View and super-kicked the Phenom that cost him the title. Taker, no more the Champ now, decides to face Shawn under one condition; if Shawn loses, he must retire. Shawn accepted the challenge and this match now will put Shawn’s career on the line against Undertaker’s undefeated streak at Wrestlemania.

Retirement angles are mostly trivial in wrestling business. Fingers will point towards Ric Flair who is wrestling for TNA nearly two years after “retiring forever” at Wrestlemania 24. Ironically, he lost his ‘last’ match to Shawn Michaels. But Shawn might actually say goodbye to wrestling. He suffered a debilitating back injury that snatched four long years of his career and the 44 year old might not be interested to endanger his life anymore. There are also chances of the Undertaker giving up his streak. Although he is one of the most popular wrestlers in the history of the game, he will turn 45 during Wrestlemania 26 and physically is not in the best of shapes. Storyline wise, this might be a clear indication that age has started taking its toll on him and he might decide not to be around next year. The sensations of the “Attitude Era” are now the senior performers and are considering retirement as an option in real life. This makes the match even more interesting as the result may indicate who is going to say goodbye in near future.

It was no gimmick! Shawn Michaels, the incomparable Heart Break Kid, indeed retired after losing his Wrestlemania battle against the Undertaker. His “Career vs. Streak” matchup against the Undertaker, in spite of keeping Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon’s “No Holds Barred” match under consideration, was perhaps the most interesting matchup in this year’s Wrestlemania. Fans experienced the same match last year and it was an epic battle. This year, these two veterans of WWE excelled their last year’s performance. It seemed the match would never end, neither the fans wanted it to. Numerous Tombstones and Sweet Chin Musics built up the epic clash between WWE’s two of the greatest ever titans. None of the wrestlers was able to beat the opponent down for three counts. Finally Undertaker, apparently stunned by Shawn’s determination, delivered the most deadly Tombstone of his career that stopped the career of the “Show Stopper”.

The atmosphere was just perfect at the backstage to thank Shawn Michaels for all his hard work. The official website of WWE has posted a video footage of Shawn after his retirement match against Undertaker. It shows that Michaels got a standing ovation and a kiss from his wife. It also proved how time mends all wounds. You can see Bret the “Hit Man” Hart offering his genuine respect to the man who played an integral role in his controversial WWE departure years ago and satisfied Michaels graciously embracing Hart’s gesture. As his role of a regular performer is over, both WWE and Shawn is yet to decide the possibilities of his return to the ring for promotions or any special matches anytime soon. After the match, Jerry “The King” Lawler, as a representative of WWE Universe, rightly said, “Shawn, it’s over. Goodbye. We will miss you.”