5 moments which anointed Shawn Michaels as Mr. WrestleMania

Shawn Michaels is one of the few WWE Superstars whose legacy is etched in the minds of the WWE Universe forever.

Despite his many monikers, the one title that has cemented his stature in the 'Showcase of the Immortals' is 'Mr. WrestleMania'. WWE Universe bestowed the title upon the former four-time World Champion and two-time WWE Hall of Famer.

At WrestleMania, Michaels has captured the imagination of fans, unlike any other superstar. His evolution from being a tag team competitor to becoming the main eventer in singles competition has been exemplary.

Even his peers like The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, The Rock and Bret Hart consider him one of the most fantastic performers to ever step into the squared circle.

In this article, we look at five moments that anointed Shawn Michaels as Mr. WrestleMania.

#5 Ladder Match at WrestleMania 10 - The coming-of-age of Shawn Michaels as a singles competitor

In the late 80s and early 90s, Shawn Michaels had established himself as a tag-team competitor by being part of 'The Rockers.' The legend was now looking to cement his name as a singles competitor.

At WrestleMania 10, Shawn Michaels battled Razor Ramon in the first-ever televised Ladder Match for the undisputed Intercontinental Title. The brutal bout saw both competitors using the ladder as a weapon and even taking falls from it. In one of the stand-out moments of the match, HBK made a relatively simple splash off the top of the ladder, which looked like the most spectacular feat ever seen inside the squared circle.

Razor was finally able to retrieve the gold, but Shawn gave fans enough reason to believe he belonged at 'The Grandest Stage of Them All' as a singles competitor.

#4 Iron Man Match at WrestleMania 12 - Shawn Michaels wins his first WWE Championship

At WrestleMania 12, Shawn Michaels, having had a successful run as a singles competitor, was looking for his first world title.

The WWE Hall of Famer was up against one of the best technical performers, Bret Hart. The match was epic, with no winner decided in the stipulated 60 minutes resulting in sudden death. A resilient HBK somehow pulled Sweet Chin Music out of his repertoire, which was enough to knock Bret out with the 1-2-3.

Shawn Michaels won his first WWE Championship to cement his legacy further as Mr. WrestleMania.

#3 WrestleMania 19 - Shawn Michaels selflessly makes Chris Jericho look like a superstar

In one of the most iconic clashes at WrestleMania 19, the legend squared off against Chris Jericho, who considered Michaels his idol.

The match is well-remembered for the delightful performance both these superstars showcased. Despite Jericho using HBK's signature move on him, Michaels didn't surrender. Shawn managed to pin Jericho with a 1-2-3 roll-up rather than his signature Sweet Chin Music.

The greatness of The Showstopper was brought to the forefront when he made the younger Chris Jericho look a million dollars in this match. The classic match further put Michaels over with the WWE Universe.

#2 WrestleMania 24 - Shawn Michaels bids farewell to a legend

At WrestleMania 24, it was only befitting to see Shawn Michaels end the historic career of one of the biggest superstars in the business, Ric Flair.

The incredible bout saw both men performing in a wrestling match and telling an emotional story. HBK made sure that Flair looked good in the match before nailing him with Sweet Chin Music. Before doing so, Shawn mouthed the words, "I'm sorry. I love you."

The moment was truly epic as the Icon gave a befitting goodbye to the sixteen-time World Champion in the only way he could.

#1 WrestleMania 26 - Shawn Michaels says goodbye to the WWE Universe in Streak vs. Career match

Few matches in WrestleMania history have created excitement, intrigue, and emotion like the Streak vs. Career Match at WrestleMania 26.

After he could not defeat The Undertaker the previous year, Shawn Michaels put his career on the line in this bout. The Phenom had his undefeated WrestleMania streak at stake.

The match was awe-inspiring, with both superstars not giving an inch to the other. HBK defied the Deadman countless times, not falling to his signature moves. In the end, the devastating Tombstone ended the Showstopper's career.

Although his career was over, Michael's legacy as Mr. WrestleMania had reached an insurmountable peak. The WWE Universe still fondly remembers the post-match emotional handshake and embrace between Michaels and Taker.