The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels: A Legendary Rivalry
The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels are widely regarded as two of the greatest WWE superstars of all time. Their pair of WrestleMania matches is often cited as among the best in the history of the sport. The two wrestling legends also made history by competing in the first-ever Hell in a Cell match in October 1997. However, a lesser-known match between the two nearly ended Shawn Michaels’ career.
A Career-Threatening Injury
The 1998 Royal Rumble pay-per-view event saw Michaels defend his WWE Championship against The Undertaker in a casket match. Although Michaels emerged victorious, the match had a profound impact on his career. During the bout, Undertaker delivered a back body drop on Michaels from the ring to the outside, causing Michaels’ lower back to clip the casket at ringside. This move, which seemed insignificant at the time, ultimately led to Michaels herniating two discs in his back and crushing a third.
Despite finishing the match, doctors at the time told Michaels that he would never wrestle again. Michaels has since stated that he shouldn’t have competed in his subsequent match against “Stone Cold” Steve Austin at WrestleMania XIV, as he was one misstep away from a catastrophic injury. Fortunately, the injury turned out to be career-halting rather than career-ending, and Michaels was able to return to the ring at WWE SummerSlam 2002.
A Legendary Career Reborn
Michaels has spoken highly of The Undertaker, stating that he holds no ill will towards his fellow wrestler for the injury. Instead, Michaels acknowledges that his back was already severely damaged, and the 1998 Royal Rumble was simply the straw that broke the camel’s back. After his return to the ring, Michaels went on to author a new chapter in his career, one that was arguably better than his first. Ironically, Michaels’ WWE career would ultimately be ended by The Undertaker himself at WrestleMania XXVI.
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