Champion Sysho Sid vs. Challenger the Undertaker
WrestleMania 13, March 23, 1996, Chicago, Illinois
Although recognized as the Phenom of the World Wresting Federation and one of the most athletically gifted big men to ever grace a squared circle, the Undertaker had only one short championship run to show for it prior to WrestleMania 13. The anticipation surrounding the Undertaker's colossal showdown with Sycho Sid was immense, as the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels made his way to ringside as a color commentator.
Before these two superstars could lock up, the undisputed self-pitying champion for the Federation, Bret Hart, also walked to the ring. Hart whined about not getting the proper respect before Sid powerbombed him, just to keep him quiet. As the fans were sent into a happy frenzy at the sight of Sid's attack on Hart, the Undertaker recognized his first opportunity.
The Phenom wasted no time in getting all over Sid as the champion had his attention focused on watching Hart carried off. Continuing his all-out assault, the Undertaker threw Sid into the corner and walloped him with a number of brutal punches, kicks and a powerslam before attempting the quick pin. Although unsuccessful in his bid for the win, the Undertaker remained in control of the contest.
Realizing how effective his attack had been thus far, the Undertaker elected to continue to do much the same. Sid was ready the next time the Phenom came crashing into the turnbuckle, however, and was able to catch the challenger and hold onto him with a bear hug. Sid was able to keep a tight grip for what seemed like an eternity, but the Undertaker was not about to give up. It finally dawned on the champion that he was never going to get the Phenom to submit, so he changed his strategy.
A number of clotheslines and a big boot to the fact were enough to stagger the Undertaker, but not knock him down. Apparently frustrated with his inability to have any lasting effect on the challenger, Sid threw his opponent out of the ring. Just as he has done in the pat, though, the Undertaker flipped out over the top rope and right onto his feet! When both behemoths were on the outside, Sid got vicious. He slammed the Undertaker over a table before dropping him neck-first across the steel guardrail surrounding the ring area.
Eventually the official convinced the superstars to continue their battle in the ring. Inside the ropes, Sid remained in control of the match, but not for long. The Undertaker was able to shift the momentum by landing a number of crushing right hands to Sid's abdominal region and then he elected to move the brawl to the outside of the ring. The two enemies were among the fans trading blows before the Undertaker's superior strength won out. Soon remembering that there was no way he could become the next champion on the outside of the squared circle, the Phenom forced his opponent back in.
Sid was able to duck one of the Undertaker's intimidating clotheslines and hit one of his own. The champion continued his assault, but-perhaps foolishly-decided to incorporate an aerial attack into his offensive repertoire. Although he was able to hit with a number of double ax-handles from the middle rope, Sid could not keep the Undertaker down for long. Somehow the champion was even able to reverse a Tombstone so that the Undertaker was on the business end, but Sid could not keep the determined challenger on the mat for the three-event.
Sid then got greedy and tried to connect with one more shot off the tope rope, but this time the challenger was able to counter the attack and send the champion down to the canvas instead. Showing the champion who the more agile of the two was, the Undertaker climbed the ropes and nailed Sid with a flying clothesline.
Continuing his "what about me?" campaign, Bret hart returned to the ringside area and once again drew the attention of Sid. You'd have thought Sid would have learned from his mistake after the first time, but the champion turned his back on the Undertaker and paid for it dearly once more. The challenger picked up his opponent as if he was a small child and rammed his back into the steel ring posts.
Hart refused to leave and jumped up on the ring apron once Sid and the Undertaker were back in the ring. You'd have thought Sid would have learned from his mistake after the first two times, but the champion turned his back on the Undertaker and paid for it dearly once more. Hart hit Sid with a neckbreaker and the challenger capitalized on it immediately. The Undertaker grabbed Sid and set him up for the Tombstone. After connecting with his devastating finishing move, the Phenom easily pinned the champion and claimed the top prize in the World Wresting Federation for the second time in his illustrious career.