The legendary rivalry between The Undertaker and The Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels is second to none. Both of them were exalted superstars during their time in pro wrestling. Moreover, the two also gave their fans numerous moments that they’ll remember and never forget.
According to many pro wrestling pundits as well as fans, the match between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 25 in 2009 is seen as the best match in the history of the premium live event.
In sports entertainment, a great match can only be completed with the cooperation of both superstars. Consequently, The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels share a friendly bond with a lot of respect for each other. However, that wasn’t the case always.
In 1998, the two pro wrestling legends locked horns against each other in the first-ever Hell in a Cell, which took place at the Bad Blood pay-per-view. Thus, talking about their equation during the time, The Deadman stated that he wouldn’t have pi**ed on Michaels during that time, even if he was on fire.
“If Shawn Michaels back then was on fire, I probably wouldn’t p*** on him to put him out. But, that being said, there is no one that I would rather be in the ring with than Shawn Michaels.” The Undertaker said.
However, later in the interview, The Deadman also praised HBK. He stated that he has changed a lot but in 1998, he was a guy with many problems and issues. And, The Undertaker never looked forward to entertaining them.
WWE Hall of Famer reflects on Shawn Michaels getting changed after returning from a serious injury
During his initial years in the company, Shawn Michaels was well aware that he is a gifted superstar. However, he had numerous attitude and temperament issues. As a result, working with HBK was extremely difficult. Nevertheless, according to Kevin Nash, when Michaels returned from an injury in 2002, he was completely a different person.
“I think when he came back, I think that that was a completely different Shawn Michaels … I think that he thought that his dream had been basically cut short.” Said WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash.
The Heartbreak Kid suffered a serious back injury in January 1998 at the Royal Rumble, when he was facing The Undertaker. However, when he came back from his injury, he became kind and started working with harmony. He once revealed that it’s because he has started attending church regularly.