Nothing lives forever, not even the streak of a famously "undead" WWE icon.
In a surprise to many WWE fans, The Undertaker's 21-match WrestleMania winning streak was snapped by Brock Lesnar at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday night. The former UFC heavyweight champion secured the most memorable victory at WrestleMania 30 after finishing The Undertaker with a third F5 in the historic match, reported Doug MacCash of NOLA.com.
The significance of the moment could be read plainly on the shocked faces of those in the crowd.
(GIF via @UnoCincoUno)
(Image via @Bunson412)
(Image via @WAD1980)
While one can never be too sure that WWE CEO Vince McMahon didn't have some planted fans in the crowd ready to produce telegenic distress, the overwhelming reaction on Twitter was every bit as distraught and stunned as the faces in New Orleans. The social media commentary to Taker's loss tended to go something like "OMG! My childhood just ended!" and included the hashtag #ThankYouTaker.
For those who haven't tuned into WWE's WrestleMania in a few years, here is an amazing GIF of The Undertaker's first 21 appearances at the event created by USA TODAY Sports.
(GIF via @Nick_Schwartz)
As The Undertaker left the ring at the Superdome, the fans in attendance sent him out with an ovation.