5 WrestleMania title match losers who didn't receive a direct rematch

#4 Injury meant Shawn Michaels did not get a rematch after he lost to Steve Austin at WrestleMania 14

23 years ago today, Stone Cold defeated Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XIV to win the WWF Championship for the first time 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/uAF0iDPKyM

— 90s WWE (@90sWWE) March 29, 2021

WrestleMania 14 marked a watershed moment for WWE.

Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated Shawn Michaels in the main event - with assistance from Mike Tyson - to become WWE Champion for the first time.

However, while Austin's run as a headliner was just beginning, Michaels was dealing with injuries that were thought to be career-ending.

A botched back body drop during a Casket Match with The Undertaker at Royal Rumble 1998 left Michaels with two herniated discs in his back, as well as another that was completely crushed.

There was even speculation that the then-reigning WWE Champion Michaels would be unable to defend the title against Austin at WrestleMania 14 because of his injuries.

The Heartbreak Kid did compete, dropping the belt to Austin. However, it was widely known backstage that the match was likely to be Michaels' last due to his physical health status.

This, of course, meant no title rematch for Michaels.

#TheGame. #HBK. Non-sanctioned.@TripleH @ShawnMichaels #SummerSlam 2002 ▶️ https://t.co/syboB0re59 pic.twitter.com/aNxtoVUYwW

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) August 10, 2020

It took more than four years for Michaels' back issues to heal enough that he could compete again in a WWE ring. By the time Shawn made his comeback against Triple H at SummerSlam 2002, Austin was only a few months away from his own retirement.

The pair never faced each other again after WrestleMania 14.