Photo Credits: WWE
Wrestlemania 40 is three weeks away, and it is set to be one of the biggest wrestling events of all time.
WWE fans have watched fantastic rivalries and matches over the years at Wrestlemania. These include The Rock vs. Stone Cold, Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels, and Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior.
One match and rivalry that stands out among modern wrestling fans is the “End of an Era” Hell in a Cell match between Triple H vs. The Undertaker, with Shawn Michaels as the special guest referee.
On the January 30th, 2012, episode of Monday Night RAW, the Undertaker returned since Wrestlemania 27 to confront Triple H. The Undertaker came down and looked at the Wrestlemania sign. Triple H did as well, and then, following their staredown at the sign, Triple H turned around, patted the Undertaker on the shoulder, and left the ring.
Weeks went on until the Undertaker got an answer from Triple H, as he kept saying no to another match. It got to the point where the Undertaker shaved his head until Hunter said yes.
On the February 28th episode of RAW, Undertaker finally got a yes from Triple H after Taker told Triple H that Shawn Michaels was always better than him. After Triple H accepted, he added that the only way everything would end is inside a Hell in a Cell.
Shawn Michaels would be named the special guest referee.
The build-up to this match was done perfectly, from the promo package with Metallica’s The Memory Remains to the promos in the ring. Everything felt personal.
That night, the match told a fantastic story about the three men in the ring. I loved the close call when Shawn Superkicks Taker and Triple H hit a pedigree because it felt like the streak was about to end.
But as we all know, Undertaker hit the tombstone on Triple H and went on to be 20-0 at Wrestlemania.
This match is a classic for some fans. WWE uploaded the entire match on YouTube for everyone to watch again.
After the bell rang, a Wrestlemania moment unfolded at the top of the stage. All three men, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, and Triple H, embraced in a hug, embodying the end of an era and their deep respect for each other.
