22 Days Of WrestleMania (WrestleMania's MVP)

If you were to look back at all 21 of the WrestleManias that have occurred, it may be difficult to choose one performer who really stands out. On one hand you have Hulk Hogan. He main evented 8 of the events and also had a big role in 3 others. Some may say Bret Hart who had classic battles with stars such as Steve Austin and Owen Hart. The Undertaker is 13-0 at the prestigious event. Steve Austin dominated the later WrestleManias. The Rock defeated Hulk Hogan among others. The list goes on and on. But for me, the decision is simple. There is no doubt about it, Shawn Michaels is the MVP of WrestleMania. I am going to take a quick match by match look at Michaels career and will provide my rating for each of the matches.

WrestleMania V - The Rockers vs. The Twin Towers
Any match involving Akeem and Big Bossman was pretty much a dud. Throw in a young, talented team by the name of the Rockers into the mix, and just like that you have an entertaining contest. The Rockers played the big team/little team dynamic perfectly and pulled out a solid match out of their two large opponents.
Match Rating: 2.75 (out of 5)

WrestleMania VI - The Rockers vs. The Orient Express
When I recently revisited this match, I was very intrigued at how good it could be. While it was an entertaining match, it was a little disappointing, mostly due to the stupid finish. Still very solid stuff.
Match Rating: 3

WrestleMania VII - The Rockers vs. Haku And The Barbarian
This was the first match on the first pay-per-view I ever ordered. Even at the age of 8, I was in love with this match. It still holds up to this day, as the crowd was hot, and both Michaels and Jannetty were on for this match.
Match Rating: 4

WrestleMania VIII - Shawn Michaels vs. Tito Santana
This was Michaels first solo appearance at a WrestleMania. He was given a solid opponent in Santana, but unfortunately it didn't reach quite the level most had hoped for. A decent opener, but not much more.
Match Rating: 2.75

WrestleMania IX - Shawn Michaels vs. Tatanka
Michaels was in the opening bout for the third year in a row, this time defending his Intercontinental title against the undefeated Tatanka. The show was a bomb and this match didn't help due to another silly ending.
Match Rating: 2.5

WrestleMania X - Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon (Ladder Match)
This is where things really start to heat up. Often considered among the best matches of the 90s, both competitors set the bar for the now very popular ladder match. Thousands of jaws dropped as Michaels and Ramon tore the house down.
Match Rating: 5

WrestleMania XI - Shawn Michaels vs. Diesel
This match is more infamous for the fact that it was for the World Championship, but not the last match. Despite the involvement of Diesel, this was a very high-quality match where Michaels worked his butt off in his first World Championship at WrestleMania. Despite losing, this would not be his last chance at the title.
Match Rating: 4

WrestleMania XII - Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart (60 Minute Iron Man Match)
This is the infamous moment where the whole Shawn/Bret feud really took a turn for the worst. Put all of that aside, this is a great technical battle, where two of the greatest athletes in the history of professional wrestling took center stage at wrestlings biggest event. An absolute classic.
Match Rating: 5

WrestleMania XIV - Shawn Michaels vs. Steve Austin
Michaels back was in horrible shape at this point, but that didn't stop him from putting on a fantastic match. This was Austin's moment, no question, but Michaels deserves a lot of credit for giving it his all despite his injury.
Match Rating: 4.5

WrestleMania XIX - Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho
Shawn Michaels finally returned from his retirement, I couldn't think of anyone else I would rather him feud with. This was a great WrestleMania, and this was perhaps the finest match of the evening.
Match Rating: 4.5

WrestleMania XX - Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Benoit vs. HHH
Michaels is always involved with the main event scene and this years 'Mania was no different. I couldn't think of a better way for Benoit to have won his first title than being involved in a match with two of WWE's top stars. This match is absolutely fantastic.
Match Rating: 5

WrestleMania 21 - Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle
Depsite competing for years, neither man had ever competed against each other. This had most fans drooling at the mouth and neither man disappointed. While watching this match, you knew you were witnessing something very special.
Match Rating: 5

Breakdown
# Of Matches At 2.5 Or Above: 12 (out of 12)
# Of Matches At 3 Or Above: 8
# Of Matches At 4 Or Above: 8
# Of Matches At 5: 4

There's no guarantee that Michaels/McMahon at WrestleMania 22 will be a classic, but I have a hunch that despite the fact he'll be competing against a 60 year old non-wrestler, Michaels will have the ability to make it interesting.