Every Shawn Michaels WrestleMania Match Ranked

12. Shawn Michaels vs. Steve Austin – WrestleMania XIV

On paper, this match should have been one of the great ‘Mania matches of all time. However, due to Michaels’ poor physical state at the time we received a match that can be classified as simply good.

Michaels was dealing with a back injury that would end up costing him over four years of his career. He has admitted that he regrets not being able to give Austin the classic WrestleMania match that he deserved. Regardless, Michaels and Austin wrestled the main event of WrestleMania XIV and Austin was crowned WWF Champion for the first time.

Though it is through no fault of their own, this is the most disappointing match on this list.

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11. Shawn Michaels vs. Diesel – WrestleMania XI

This was about the only redeeming thing on WrestleMania XI. One of the worst WrestleManias of all time, this show featured Kliq-mates Shawn Michaels and Diesel competing for the WWF Championship.

It was a good match as Michaels was working especially hard in the biggest match of his career at that point. Diesel would come away with the win that night after a horrendous looking powerbomb but in many people’s eyes Michaels was the true star of the match and the show. He would find himself in his first WrestleMania main event just one year later.

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10. Shawn Michaels vs. Mr. McMahon – WrestleMania 22

This match sure sticks out from the rest. Mr. McMahon is by no means a polished performer in the ring but when you are standing opposite Shawn Michaels and you have plenty of plunder at your disposal it is near impossible to have a bad match.

Michaels has said that he was happy that he didn’t have to focus on trying to steal the show in this match. With the pressure off, Michaels and McMahon were able to have a vicious brawl, complete with tables, ladders, sticks, and blood. The precursor to the DX vs. McMahons rivalry, this match set up as much as it delivered and it was very entertaining to boot.

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9. Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair – WrestleMania XXIV

One of the most emotional WrestleMania matches and moments of all time, Michaels and Flair competed in what was Flair’s final WWE match.

While Flair was decades passed his prime, he and Michaels were able to put together a story-driven, emotional match. Flair had handpicked Michaels for his WrestleMania opponent while Michaels was reluctant. Michaels did not want to be the one to end the career of Ric Flair and that showed in the match. Michaels held back from hitting Sweet Chin Music and had to be goaded into putting him away.

As Flair staggered to his feet with tears in his eyes, he told Michaels to give it to him. Michaels said “I’m sorry, I love you” and pulled the trigger. It was a wonderful story and a real WrestleMania moment.

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