28 Days of 'Mania: A Smirk Is All It Takes to Make Hell in a Cell Even Better

Disclaimer: This will be an ongoing series for the next 28 days leading up to the biggest event in sports entertainment, WrestleMania 28. The idea behind the piece is to build more momentum for the event and give you, the Bleacher Report fan, a chance to read, comment and weigh in with opinions about the WWE, the business and the event. It is my hope this becomes something positive and we all enjoy the ride for the next four weeks to Miami and the biggest event of the wrestling year. Enjoy.

While watching the "confrontation" between Triple H, HBK and Undertaker, it struck me as odd that there wasn't more to it than the words coming out of The Undertaker's mouth. But when I look back on it (and I agree with Drake Oz, by the way that creative could have done a lot more to this), The Undertaker's mind games are working on Triple H pretty well.

But the thing I was most interested in was the half smile HBK had when The Undertaker finally stated that Shawn Michaels is better than Triple H. The crowd erupted, leaving the two long-time "friends" in the ring to confront each other.

It could have been done better, but it was subtle, nonetheless.

Right about now, "The Streak" means nothing in this match, which I assume (I will be careful using that word) is what creative wanted. I get the sense The Dead Man is still dealing with injuries or maybe a loss of skill.

Like I said all along, HBK was brought in to "help" the match, my theory being The Undertaker is not ready to wrestle at full strength. A third wheel in this match helps the transition from a match dealing with the "Streak" to a match that deals with ego and gamesmanship.

These three combatants are perfect for that role.

Right now, we haven't seen The Undertaker in the ring in a year. We have no idea what he is capable of.

We have seen Triple H wrestle. We have seen HBK in what appears to be pretty good shape. The Dead Man looks old and weathered and in need of rest.

But the smirk on HBK's face said it all. When a man like The Undertaker says "you are the best," it means something more than words. But maybe I am too analytical, trying to find a reason why these two "giants" should continue to wage war with each other (Triple H and HBK).

The Undertaker is setting this up nicely. For two friends to become foes and possibly allowing the Big Man to steal a win and continue "The Streak" which really becomes important at 20-0.

Who knows what will happen. But if a smile is worth a 1,000 words, then you have to wonder what was going through HBK's mind when The Undertaker sided with him last night.