#4. The Undertaker and Edge Ended Their Epic Feud Inside Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam 2008
The historic rivalry between Edge and The Undertaker dominated SmackDown for the majority of 2007 and 2008. Initially, it was about the World Heavyweight Championship, but it eventually turned personal as both men attempted to end each other’s careers. For a rivalry so deeply personal, Hell in a Cell was the perfect setting for the finale.
This match was the perfect blend of top-tier storytelling and brutal action. It had its fair share of memorable spots. Highlights included Edge Spearing The Undertaker through the cell panel, Taker’s Chokeslam through two tables, and the epic climax.
The climax was a throwback to the significant moments of their feud. Taker Speared the Ultimate Opportunist, struck him with a camera, and nearly decapitated Edge with a con-chair-to. In the end, the Phenom pinned the Rated-R Superstar after hitting one final Tombstone Piledriver.
Taker wasn’t finished, as he wanted to make his rival suffer for all the pain he had caused him over the past year. The Deadman finished Edge off with a Chokeslam through the canvas. He posed with the flames that engulfed the collapsed canvas. It was the fitting end to a deeply heated rivalry.
#3. The Undertaker vs. Triple H Ended an Era at WrestleMania 28
WrestleMania 28 is known for the “Once in a Lifetime” spectacle between The Rock and John Cena. However, the undercard had one of the greatest classics in Mania history. The Undertaker battled Triple H inside Hell in a Cell with Shawn Michaels, a man who had a deep history with both men, serving as guest referee.
Both men were in the twilight of their wrestling careers, but they took the action and storytelling to another level. They surpassed their No Holds Barred match at Mania 27. Miami was red hot for thirty minutes as three of the greatest stars in wrestling history wrote an epic classic.
Chair shots, steel steps, and sledgehammers were key elements of the action. However, it was the storytelling that immortalized this encounter. Shawn Michaels’ mixed emotions and Triple H’s desperation added to the energy. The Sweet Chin Music and Pedigree combo led to the greatest nearfall as Taker kicked out at the last millisecond.
In the end, Taker put away a defiant HHH with a Tombstone Piledriver. After the match, the Phenom broke character as the three men embraced and soaked in the crowd’s adulation on the Mania stage. An era had ended as the three men closed the chapter on one of WWE’s defining narratives.
