WWE should re-think it's strategy with the Undertaker

 The name that has been indispensable for the most epic main-event of  WWE – Wrestlemania is undoubtedly the one-and-only phenom – The Undertaker! While it’s been customary for the wrestling industry to bring back Undertaker every year prior to the Grandest-staged-event of their calendar, it must be noted that Taker’s recent performances in matches like Hell-in-A-Cell against Triple H has started to take a toll on his health, and that they need to revise their own ‘exit-strategy’ for the legends of the industry. The norm remains pathetic – great wrestlers like Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and Ric-Flair had to leave with a loss in their last matches!

Why is it so? To arouse the sympathy of the WWE universe? Let’s remind the writers of WWE that people remember the Deadman in a different light from the above mentioned names. Undertaker had achieved feats unparalleled in history – being champion multiple times – and had shared tag-teams with his brother Kane, DX and the likes. But above all, he remains to be the person with the most impressive streak of a perfect looking 20-0 at Wrestlemania. That is it – it’s been a couple of years since Taker had taken shots at champion titles, and the sole reason for him being still in the industry is to be THE MAN at Wrestlemania ONLY! WWE uses the ‘Master of Pain’ only as a sales-booster at Wrestlemania. Understandably so, for it does not remain to be taught to anyone following the WWE closely that wrestlers of the calibre of Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Dwayne Johnson are not to be found in the industry at present – no matter how much they prepare the Zigglers, or the Ryback‘s or even the Barrets! And Taker is the sole person in the industry who can still match the standards set by those legends. So WWE would like to squeeze out as much as they can from him and try their best to keep on the fire of the Attitude Era aflame.

For the audience, Undertaker means the streak only! Naturally enough, for most people would not remember what you did in the past, but what you are for now, and as said, Taker means nothing more than his 20-0 odd streak to the WWE or to the WWE Universe. And if  Taker is to follow the trail of the others’ i.e. exit through a loss – it would have to happen at Wrestlemania itself, since that’s the only main event that Taker participates – it will do grave injustice to:

a) The wrestlers like Shawn Michaels and Triple H

b)Undertaker himself.

If the likes of the HBK’s and Triple H’s collectively could not beat Taker (remember the Sweet Chin Music followed by the Pedigree at WM 28) I don’t think making the phenom lose at the hands of Punk or Ziggler or Ryback or even Barret/Orton would do any good – it would only humble Shawn and Triple H. Also, let’s face it, Taker is above the creed of HHH or HBK or Ric Flair; he has been a born legend who has been carrying on the WWE banner since the first episode of RAW in 1993. Secondly, why end the streak at all, when that’s the only thing that Taker has got NOW? Be it mentioned here that Undertaker needs medical attention at his home and is still not 100% fit since his Hell-in-a-Cell encounter with HHH, which provides fuel to the rumor that maybe, Undertaker will take on a lighter opponent at this year’s Wrestlemania clash. Will that not be disheartening to see Taker take on a Dolph Ziggler or Alberto Del Rio after taking on icons in four consecutive years?

Why so much chaos? What would have been wrong had Taker silently retired after ‘The End of An Era’ Match? Or maybe on Raw’s 1000th episode? Let Vince predict how will die-hard fans of Taker perceive the deadman leaving WWE after losing at an event that has given him the greatest achievement of his career. Additionally, who is there to beat Taker at all, in any main event? Does calling back Austin, Rock or others just to end Taker’s career make sense? If Taker had to leave with a loss, why was he called back after losing to Edge three years back at Extreme Rules? It would make perfect sense if WWE revises it’s ‘exit-policy’ with Undertaker – how about Taker defeating Brock Lesnar in a Hell-in-a-Cell at Wrestlemania, followed by retiring eventually – with RESPECT? Won’t that preserve both ends – end a legendary career with the deepest respect possible?