At WrestleMania 33, we witnessed a moment we always knew was coming, but never thought we’d actually see. After getting pinned by the chosen one, The Undertaker laid his iconic attire in the ring, metaphorically signalling the end of his career.
A career that spanned over 26 years finally came to an end at the Show of Shows. Fans were left stunned but not surprised, we knew this was coming, and it’s time to embrace it.
Some may consider him the greatest of all time, others think he’s purely in a league of his own. Either way, his time is officially up. In my opinion, it’s been long overdue. All good things must come to an end before our memory of them sours. The 33rd annual edition of WrestleMania was the perfect time for Deadman to rest…..in……peace.
Here are 5 reasons why The Undertaker should never return to the WWE.
#5 He can’t keep up
Ever since Brock Lesnar ended the streak at WrestleMania 30, the Phenom hasn’t looked the same. I’m not sure if the breaking of the streak reduced the aura of ‘Taker, but he just appeared so old & outdated in matches afterwards. Perhaps, it was the mystical aura of the character that covered the clear physical flaws of the 52-year old.
After WrestleMania 30, ‘Taker’s performances against Bray Wyatt, Shane McMahon and Roman Reigns in subsequent years began to expose how old the Phenom had become.
Once the kayfabe excitement of ‘Taker died down, fans began to sit down and realise how physically off he was in the ring. Match after match, instead of fans thinking about ‘Taker winning they were instead scared for his safety.
That’s when you know an individual’s time is truly up. There should never be a point where a performer is allowed to wrestle just because of how famous they are, they should be there if they can physically perform, not lumber around.
#4 He’s not going to achieve more
In just under 26 years, the Phenom has won the WWE Championship four times, the World Heavyweight Championship three times, the Tag Team Championship six times, twelve Slammys and the Royal Rumble. There’s nothing left for the Deadman to accomplish in the WWE, he’s never going to exceed what he’s done, so why not just end it there.
In any profession you’re in, there comes a point where you reach a saturation point. You get to that point where you can’t expand or grow anymore and can’t bring any more eyes to the product either.
The Undertaker has done amazing things for the company, but let’s just leave it at that. Let’s not get to the point where fans are dreading an appearance from the Deadman instead of anticipating it.
#3 The WWE have become too reliant on him
Whenever a Superstar carries an industry on his back for so long, the company seem to become solely reliant on his performance. And when that individual can’t deliver, the whole product seems to suffer.
Over the past 25 Wrestlemanias, the Undertaker has been the living heartbeat of the show of shows. Now that he’s gone, others will finally be able to fully embrace their Wrestlemania moment.
How can the WWE expect to build new stars if it still relies on old ones to sell out shows?
To find out whether the Superstars of the new era are true draws or not, they must be put in the position to try first. In the past six WrestleManias, the show has been headlined by a part-timer.
Enough is enough, let the new era draw or we’ll forever be reliant on the returns of old Superstars, this is not sustainable as they’ll eventually get too old to be of any use.
For the new breed of Superstars to breathe, the old guard must give them room to do so. The Undertaker should leave his career as it is, in order for a new chapter in the WWE to finally be written. Now that the overbearing shadow of the Deadman is gone, watch how excellent Wrestlemania 34 is.
#2 He’s needed more as a mentor
Whether some want to accept it or not, the WWE will continue to draw & grow without the presence of WWE legends. Some of the biggest names in pop culture history have come and gone, not to the detriment of wrestling.
Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold & The Rock have all gone onto greener pastures, allowing John Cena to take the company to new heights. Now the Undertaker is on his way out, he should be using his wealth of experience to create the next mystical creature, not still trying to steal the limelight.
The Phenom knows everything there is to know to about the business and he should spend his dwindling days around the locker room mentoring others. As of today, ‘Taker is more valuable as a backstage coach than he is as an in-ring draw.
#1 In storyline fashion it makes sense
As the centrepiece of Wrestlemania history, it’s only fitting from a storyline perspective that the Phenom’s last WWE appearance is at WrestleMania. The Deadman made Wrestlemania his yard, now he should rest in peace at the same event he made special.
The Undertaker should now stay buried in his ‘yard’, where he belongs. Undertaker’s mystical aura has also now been protected as he did not do a promo about him leaving, he left on his own terms after a losing a match on the stage he made grand.
Kayfabe wise it’s only fitting that The Undertaker stays away from the WWE to firmly put over Roman Reigns. For the young lion to take over the throne, the old lion must completely be slain to ensure his position is cemented.
Roman Reigns cleanly pinning The Undertaker at WrestleMania has foreshadowed the new era finally coming home to roost. Storyline-wise it’s the best way to highlight the star power of the new generation.
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