This video gave me chills. I think that this storyline is incredibly underrated by most people. They have done a good job at pointing out the obvious stuff, but there are also SO many subtle things here that help build it.
First off, it's important to remember that Shawn originally took time off after Wrestlemania because he lost to the Undertaker. Kayfabe, chances are he would have stayed out if it wasn't for Triple H going to him and begging him for help. He sacrificed his pride for his best friend; it's important to note that Michaels never did anything EXCEPT team with HHH, and even then he was obviously only half into it. Hunter was the one doing the jokes and having fun with Hornswoggle, Michaels' heart was NEVER into it. He just did it out of duty. That all came full circle when the very obsession that put him out cost him the titles with the very man that he came back for.
Two of (if not THE two) defining moments in Michaels' career have been Degeneration X and his heat with Bret Hart. With the Hart stuff finally concluded, and his heart for DX having worn out, he came to realize that his career was coming to an end. He'd done it all - except the ONE thing that nearly made him hang up his boots last year. He's Mr. Wrestlemania, after all. When people think of Wrestlemania, they think of Shawn Michaels ... or the Undertaker. Coming to the end, he had to make sure that people only thought of ONE man come Wrestlemania time.
It's just absolutely terrific storytelling and incredible character development for Shawn. This would have just been another great match, but the fact that Shawn's career is on the line both raises the anticipation and adds the final piece to this story.
And, just for kicks, I love that Michaels caused Taker to lose the title to Chris Jericho. If Michaels hates anybody in the WWE, it's probably Chris Jericho. Didn't matter. He's so obsessed with getting Taker at Wrestlemania that he's willing to let down his friend and help his worst enemy. Brilliant.
I can't fucking wait for this match, personally. These are two of my favorite wrestlers of all time. I'm more emotionally invested in this match than I have been for any match since probably Rock vs Hogan, or possibly further back to Hogan vs Warrior. Yeah, I went there. I'm so fucking stoked. I never feel the magic in wrestling anymore, and I totally feel it here.
