As the road to WrestleMania begins at the Royal Rumble, let’s take a look back at one of the best video packages ever for the “Showcase of the Immortals.”

Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker’s two-part ‘Mania series in 2009 and 2010 are the stuff of the legend, and the promo for their second match is just a work of art.

It perfectly encapsulated everything that made the rivalry so special.

The rivalry went to a new level in 2010

With the “Running up that hill” Kate Bush cover by Placebo perfect as the song for it, it takes us on a journey from the end of 2009 and all the way to WrestleMania 26.

The Heartbreak Kid accepted the Slammy award for 2009 match of the year from his DX partner Triple H on behalf of himself and The Phenom, and laid down the challenge again, setting the wheels in a motion for a second duel between the two icons.

The Undertaker refused the challenge leading Michaels to go to his back up plan: win the 2010 Royal Rumble and challenge Taker for his World Heavyweight Championship.

Gunning for third Rumble win and first since 1996, HBK was on a tear, eliminating numerous superstars including The Game, who was growing increasingly concerned about his best friend’s mental state, claiming he was “spiralling.”

Shawn Michaels superkicks The Undertaker at Elimination Chamber 2010

Shawn Michaels superkicks The Undertaker at Elimination Chamber 2010

He was unsuccessful in his quest, being eliminated in agonising fashion by a newly-turned heel Batista, which meant another plan would need to be hatched.

This was to cost The Undertaker his World title inside the Elimination Chamber and force him to face him. His obsession with ending the streak even meant he was willing to gift the championship to long-term rival Chris Jericho, as well as accidentally cost DX the tag titles.

The Undertaker eventually accepted the challenge but with a condition: Streak vs Career.

Take a look at one of WWE’s best ever video packages below

VIDEO: Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker WrestleMania 26 video package

Everything about it is perfection

The rivalry was incredible with both HBK and Taker operating on a different level despite being in their mid-40s at the time. It was the perfect example of what pro wrestling should be as it hooked in fans and made them feel.

The fact that Michaels was willing to give up anything, including his career and DX, just to defeat The Undertaker at WrestleMania was mesmeric storytelling. His line of “if I can’t beat you at WrestleMania, I have no career” is one of the very best of his lengthy career.

What happened next?

Of course, The Undertaker defeated HBK in the main event in what is regarded as one of the greatest matches of all time.

Triple H was next up to attempt to break the streak, with two failed attempts of his own – again, both matches were amazing.

Read more: Spine-tingling moments before The Undertaker v Triple H at WrestleMania 28

Michaels came out of retirement for one more match in 2018, tagging with The Game against Taker and Kane, but it’s probably best we all forget that.