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Shawn Michaels has become known as Mr WrestleMania over the years, but I’ve never really understood why. Before any HBK fans start berating me, I’m a fan of Michaels and his in-ring abilities, but there are others who have a good argument to be called Mr WrestleMania, so what does it take to be given that moniker?
Over the years, certain superstars have given us those WrestleMania Moments that we all look back on fondly, and talk about over and over again. Many have had some of the greatest matches of all-time, and for some, it’s been more than once. Some superstars may have had classic matches, but how does that compare to longevity? There are so many factors to consider when determining if someone can be called Mr WrestleMania.
First, let’s look at Shawn Michaels.
He had 17 matches at WrestleMania, winning 6 and losing 11. If you were only to look at his win-loss record at Mania, then it would seem like he wasn’t a huge star, and possibly hung around longer than he should have. In theory, big stars shouldn’t lose that many matches at the biggest show of the year.
This is Shawn Michaels we’re talking about though and it doesn’t matter what his win-loss record is, because he’s always been one of the best to ever step foot into the squared circle. All I really need to say is WrestleMania 10. If you don’t know what I mean by that, then find it on YouTube and you’ll understand!
HBK is one of those superstars who didn’t need to win at WrestleMania to make his mark. He did it by simply being one of the best.
How about Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock?
The reason I’ve mentioned them both together is because they headlined 3 WrestleManias together during the boom period of professional wrestling. They were the biggest stars of the Attitude Era and they personified the WWE during the late 90s. They were the Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior of their generation. They sold tickets and made money, which is what Vince and the WWE is all about.
There’s no doubt that Stone Cold had his first Mania moment during his clash with Bret Hart at WrestleMania 13 – a must-see for any wrestling fan. The Rock became the people’s champion and he electrified (pun intended) the crowds everywhere he went.
They’re both in with a shout of being called Mr WrestleMania because they were a part of some of the biggest – and best – WrestleMania events in history.
Then we have Triple H.
Everyone has their own opinion on HHH. Did he get to the top by marrying the boss’ daughter or did he make it through his skills and athleticism? That’s up to you to decide, but no-one can deny he has always given everything he has in the ring when needed.
Up until now, he has matched Shawn Michaels in appearances – 17 – but he’s won more than HBK did. If we were to just look at matches won, then HHH would be considered as Mr WrestleMania more than Michaels, but again, we’ve got to ask some questions.
Were his matches at the same level of his best friend Shawn Michaels in terms of technical ability? How many events did he headline? One of the most important questions in determining if he’s Mr WrestleMania is this – how many times did he steal the show?
Then there’s the man who helped start it all – Hulk Hogan.
He certainly stole the show during the first few WrestleManias and he helped build the WWF/E along with Vince McMahon. The one thing about Hogan though is that he’s never been a great wrestler. He was average at best. To his credit though, Hogan had the charisma that helped launch the WWF/E into the global phenomenon it is today. He could be named Mr WrestleMania for simply being in the right place at the right time.
He did have one stand-out moment that will be talked about forever and we all know what that is. WrestleMania 3 will go down in history as the night Hulk Hogan bodyslammed Andre The Giant. It was, without a doubt, an amazing sight.
At one point in their careers, all of the men I’ve mentioned so far have had WrestleMania Moments but no-one has been as outstanding as one man – The Undertaker. I believe The Deadman truly is Mr WrestleMania.
Over the years, his legend has grown and the Streak has become synonymous with WrestleMania. When we think of WrestleMania nowadays, the first thing that most of us think of is The Undertaker and his undefeated streak. How can we not?
With the exception of Giant Gonzalez, the list of superstars who have fallen to The Undertaker at WrestleMania is a Hall of Fame class in its own right. During his early years, Taker’s matches weren’t the best and weren’t something that you’d look at to study in-ring psychology. But…as time has gone on, The Undertaker stepped up his game.
For the past decade, I believe The Undertaker has set the standard for everyone to follow at WrestleMania. His undefeated streak will never be repeated and it should never be broken. His matches with Shawn Michaels and Triple H were classics and I’m sure the majority of fans will agree with me when I say that The Undertaker has saved WrestleMania for the past few years.
Whether it’s the build-up to his matches, his entrances, his matches or just his presence, Taker knows what it takes to be the best at the biggest show in professional wrestling.
Simply put – The Undertaker IS WrestleMania, which makes him the true Mr WrestleMania.
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