End of the road for the Deadman?Right after it was announced that Seth Rollins would be out of action for up to nine months with a knee injury, WWE’s creative team went into action.Since the former WWE World Champion at the time could not defend his title, all long-range plans for a Rollins-Roman Reigns feud were thrown out the window. Of course, we all now know Reigns is the champion (a two-time winner at that) and his road to WrestleMania is basically paved in hell.An initial plan of Reigns defending his title again John Cena were also trashed when the 15-time world champion suffered a shoulder injury and is now out of action for the next nine months. Cena’s surgery was successful, so the chances of a full recovery are great.Now, with the Royal Rumble on the horizon and WrestleMania in the short distance, what happens to other wrestlers who were affected by Cena’s injury – which really shakes up plans for major superstars – including Reigns, Brock Lesnar and the Undertaker.Undertaker’s situation is a bit different than most, mainly because he is not a title contender. As we all know, Texas is his home state and this could be the Dead Man’s swan song. Since the idea of a Cena-Undertaker match had been discussed and kicked around, this too is not going to take place.The most tenured member of WWE’s roster is in a holding pattern of sorts. Who can fill in for Cena and give Undertaker a solid match without going back to a situation where someone like Bray Wyatt is the opponent once again?Here are a few wrestlers who could be tapped for such an occasion and blow the roof off on April 3.
#6 Kane
This is the match I want to see and should be the one that ends ‘Taker’s career.
There is so much history between these two – as partners and enemies. The final chapter of their saga hasn’t been written yet and Kane has not been involved in any real program since his match with Seth Rollins and then in the ring with Undertaker against the Wyatts.
There is so much backstory – Kane turning on Undertaker is such an easy move to make – a decision fans could really get behind. It would also signal the end of the career of Undertaker, Kane or both WWE superstars.
#5 Shawn Michaels
Could it be? Both are from Texas. Both have thrived at WrestleMania and both have had some of the best matches together in pay-per-view history. This is a no-brainer, but would it happen?
Michaels has been involved in Mania matches recently, but not as a participant. He hasn’t been a wrestler, which makes me wonder if he could carry a match with ‘Taker – who while he has looked good in recent matches – is still 50 years old.
This is a longshot of all longshots, but it could very well be a ratings buster that WWE really needs with all its talent on the shelf.
#4 Kevin Owens
Besides wanting to wrestle Brock Lesnar, Owens has spoken recently about the idea of getting in the ring with Undertaker. It’s a match that would sell well as Owens can work with any top star that gets in the ring with him.
Owens right now is best suited for a match with Lesnar (once he ends his feud with both Dean Ambrose and Neville). He has also ramped up his intensity, which has put him in line to become the company’s top heel.
He would also sell the hell out of a match for ‘Taker in what could be his last match.
#3 Sheamus
Sheamus won’t be wearing WWE gold anytime soon, but has put himself firmly back in the main event picture when he cashed in his Money in the Bank contract and beat Roman Reigns at TLC.
Now, with Vince McMahon firmly in his corner and the League of Nations as his posse, does Sheamus move on to an even bigger challenge?
The best thing about Sheamus’ character is he fits perfectly as a hated heel. This being Dallas, Undertaker will be heavily favored in any match. And when Undertaker climbs into his backyard, all hell usually breaks loose.
#2 Braun Strowman
Bray Wyatt had his shot at Undertaker, now it’s time for one of his henchmen to take a chance.
How will the largest member of the Wyatt Family fare in this match? As a newcomer of sorts and someone who is nothing more than a sidepiece in angles, there would have to be more concentration on making him a singles star.
The added bonus is Wyatt on the microphone as his mouthpiece. And we all know how great Wyatt is at cryptic promos and challenging wrestlers mentally.
#1 The Rock
Can we smell what the Rock is cooking? Not really, but the Great One will be in attendance in Dallas for the show. In what capacity, we aren’t sure of.
The idea of a Rock-Undertaker match would mean WWE is planning on bringing in the former WWE Champion for shows prior to wrestling’s biggest event. That means television time, promos and most of all, ratings.
Last year, Rock and Ronda Rousey stole the show on the west coast, which led us to believe they both would be in attendance this year. At least one of them will be there. While it is highly unlikely that this kind of match would take place, the thought is quite scintillating nonetheless.
