The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels delivered an all-time classic at WrestleMania 25, but the pair’s rehearsal did not go well for either man.
At the April 2009 pay-per-view event, The Undertaker got the win after countering a moonsault from Michaels that enhanced the Phenom’s WrestleMania streak to 17-0.
On a recent edition of his “Six Feet Under” podcast, The Undertaker said that he and Michaels only pulled off the finish once and that was during the match. He said,
“Only did it once. We practiced it and we could never get it. We just said, ‘F**k it, we’ll do it tomorrow, and we hit it. We tried it three times the night before, I missed him every time. We do it in the show and [it was] perfect.”
The following year, this finish would cause Michaels to seek another match with the Phenom as Shawn believed he would’ve won if he’d not made this one error in judgment.
The rematch at WrestleMania 26 saw Michaels put his in-ring career on the line. Mr. WrestleMania was defeated and retired as The Undertaker went to 18-0.
The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels are two legendary figures in the world of professional wrestling. Both men have had illustrious careers filled with memorable matches and moments. One such moment that stands out is their encounter at WrestleMania 25, where they delivered an all-time classic. However, what many people may not know is that their rehearsal for this match did not go as planned.
During the April 2009 pay-per-view event, The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels faced off in a highly anticipated match. The Undertaker ultimately emerged victorious after countering a moonsault from Michaels. This win further solidified The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania, bringing it to an impressive 17-0.
In a recent episode of his “Six Feet Under” podcast, The Undertaker revealed that he and Michaels had difficulty executing the finish of the match during their rehearsals. He admitted that they only managed to pull it off once, and that was during the actual match itself. The Undertaker’s exact words were, “We practiced it and we could never get it. We just said, ‘F**k it, we’ll do it tomorrow,’ and we hit it. We tried it three times the night before, I missed him every time. We do it in the show and [it was] perfect.”
This revelation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes challenges that wrestlers face when preparing for their matches. Despite their extensive experience and skill, even legends like The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels encounter difficulties in executing certain moves or sequences. It also highlights the improvisational nature of professional wrestling, where performers often have to adapt on the fly and make split-second decisions.
Interestingly, this finish would have significant implications for Shawn Michaels. The following year, Michaels sought another match with The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26. This time, he put his in-ring career on the line, believing that he would have won if he had not made the error in judgment during their previous encounter. Unfortunately for Michaels, he was once again defeated by The Undertaker, who extended his WrestleMania streak to 18-0.
The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels’ matches at WrestleMania 25 and 26 will forever be remembered as two of the greatest in the history of professional wrestling. Despite the challenges they faced during rehearsals, they managed to deliver unforgettable performances that captivated audiences worldwide. Their rivalry and the storylines surrounding their matches added an extra layer of excitement and drama to their encounters.
In conclusion, the rehearsal for The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels’ match at WrestleMania 25 did not go smoothly, but they were able to overcome the difficulties and deliver a memorable performance. This behind-the-scenes insight reminds us that even the greatest wrestlers face challenges and have to adapt in the heat of the moment. Their matches will forever be etched in the annals of professional wrestling history as examples of excellence and storytelling.