Why Shawn Michaels Will Beat the Undertaker at WrestleMania XXV

The Undertaker's streak has become one of the most talked about records in professional wrestling; with 16 wins, he remains undefeated at WrestleMania.

The list of names that have tried to stop him and fallen is breathtaking: Triple H, Jimmy Snuka, Kane (twice), Batista, Randy Orton, Ric Flair, The Big Show and A-Train, Diesel, and Edge to name a few.

To claim that someone will end this streak has become almost blasphemous, but why is it so improbable? Why will Shawn Michaels not be able beat the Undertaker at WrestleMania XXV?

For the past few years at WrestleMania, the Undertaker’s streak has given him an impervious shield, that seems to repel any thought that he wouldn’t win. This year what better of a way can you imagine stamping WrestleMania XXV onto the map than with the ending of the most impressive run of wins in wrestling history.

Vince McMahon loves to shock us; he loves to leave us all with an expression on our face like we’ve been slapped with a very large fish. There would be no bigger turn up for the books than if this one swung Michael’s way come April.

It’s already looking to be the best match on this year’s card, and could possibly be one of the greatest singles matches of our generation. I say take it that one step further, shock the wrestling world, and elevate Shawn Michaels higher than he already is.

I myself have questioned writing this article due to the magnitude of its implications, but I have considered the nature of the beast, and believe this goal is attainable for Shawn.

The Undertaker is almost undoubtedly on the way out of his professional wrestling career, as for some time now he has been wrestling a relatively limited schedule. And who can blame him? He has had one of the most prolific careers in the WWE, and at 43 he should be taking care of himself.

I would even question whether he will make it all the way around to next year's WrestleMania, and, if that will be the case, why can’t Shawn Michaels end his streak? Records are there to be broken, right?

(I would personally like to see the Undertaker leave the way he came in, at Survivor Series. A WrestleMania departure would be too cliché in my opinion, especially if he were to be in a match on the same night, which he would probably win.)

Shawn has been in some of the best matches of the past few WrestleManias, such as with Ric Flair, John Cena, and Kurt Angle. Shawn will undoubtedly perform out of his skin, in a way not many superstars have the capacity to do, and I’m sure if it happened he would deserve it.

If anyone should take the streak from the Undertaker, it should be Mr. WrestleMania, and I have a feeling there could be a big upset in the works. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking (more than likely), but nothing would make this year’s WrestleMania more exciting for me than 16-1.

Do you think Shawn Michaels stands any chance? Or is 17-0 a formality?