The Undertaker
The Undertaker's legendary WrestleMania winning streak came to an end with a loss to Brock Lesnar, and WWE fan reactions ranged from stunned to genuinely devastated. Flickr/Simon Q

Ever since The Undertaker lost at WrestleMania 30, the dirt sheets and fans alike have been looking for the story behind the ending of the Streak. A month after, a WWE Hall of Famer has revealed a few details about the decision to give Brock Lesnar the victory in New Orleans.

While appearing on an episode of Jim Ross’s podcast, Shawn Michaels told the former WWE announcer that it was Vince McMahon’s decision to have The Undertaker lose. There had been rumors that the 49-year-old chose Lesnar to end the Streak, but it appears that it was the chairman’s decision.

“You know as well as I do that one person and one person alone makes that call,” Michaels told Ross. “As much as everyone wants to think other people have some say so in that, they don't.”

HBK’s comments confirm a report from The Wrestling Observer that it was McMahon who suggested The Undertaker’s WrestleMania winning streak be broken. One source told the Observer that The Undertaker did not initially agree with the idea of losing to Lesnar, while another said he did not need any convincing.

The buildup of the Undertaker-Lesnar match received its share of criticism, especially after WrestleMania 30. Michaels was stunned when he saw The Undertaker get pinned, and told Ross that McMahon made the final call four hours before the show.

The finish of the match was one of the most shocking moments in WWE history, and The Undertaker’s loss became mainstream news. Most people backstage were not even aware that The Undertaker would end the night at 21-1. The outcome was so surprising that some speculated The Undertaker changed the original plans, during the match.

It’s unknown if The Undertaker will wrestle again. There’s a chance he could face Sting at WrestleMania 31, but the Phenom’s age and recent injuries could force him to retire. Following his match with Lesnar, The Undertaker was taken to the hospital to treat a concussion. Michaels spoke to The Undertaker after WrestleMania 30, but couldn’t say for sure if the match with Lesnar would be his last.

Michaels is responsible for two of the most memorable matches in the history of the Streak. At WrestleMania 25, The Undertaker defeated HBK, in what some have called the greatest match of all time. The following year, the Deadman beat Michaels and ended his career.