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Before the opening bell toll of his entrance theme, before the smoke machines and lightning strikes, The Undertaker stands stock-still behind the curtain. He enters a deep meditative state, leaving behind the man Mark Calaway and becoming, body and soul, The Undertaker.
Few wrestlers are as beloved, respected, and out and out idolized like The Deadman. From his long-ago days wrestling under a mask as Texas Red to his American Badass persona, The Undertaker has always been an expert at reinvention. When his power game grew stale, he worked hard at the training centers to pick up new moves and an MMA-inspired wrestling game.
Undertaker is more than just a man, or a wrestler; he is a spirit, a manifestation of self-improvement and the power of wrestling to cross generations.
But he's not as young as he used to be. The Undertaker might seem invincible, but the man who portrays him has suffered injuries, endured surgeries, and seems to be heading toward a well-deserved retirement as he works less and less dates for the WWE.
The question is; Should Undertaker continue to wrestle as a 'special attraction,' showing up for dream matches at major events like Wrestlemania, or should he just hang up his boots and hat for good?
Here are five reasons the Undertaker should quit wrestling for good, and five why he should hang on for a while longer.
#1 Should retire for good: Nothing left to prove
Sometimes, wrestlers hang on to their careers because they have something to prove to the world, or themselves. Men like Christopher Daniels and AJ Styles continue to work into their middle years because they feel they still have more to accomplish.
Undertaker has no reason to feel this way. He's held the world title on multiple occasions, innovated match types like Hell in a Cell, and was a pioneer of adding MMA moves to pro wrestling. At this point, he should have nothing left to prove to anyone.
#1 Should NOT retire yet: He can still go
Perhaps Robert Downey Jr. said it best when asked if he was going to retire and give up the mantle of Iron Man; "Why should I quit when I'm still batting a thousand?"
Undertaker is in the same boat. Despite his age, part-time schedule, and injuries, he can still wrestle better than half the men on the WWE roster. If he can still put on compelling performances, there's no need for him to disappear entirely yet.
#2 Should retire for good: His character is outdated
The Undertaker has been around so long, most fans forget--or weren't born yet to see--how much trouble he had getting over at first.
Most fans thought Taker was quite silly on his debut. It took years of monster pushes to finally get him over with the WWE fans. After a time nostalgia took over and now fans have nothing but fond memories of him.
But what about new fans, those who grew up on more 'realistic' characters like John Cena and CM Punk? There's a potential to turn off these new viewers, which could hamper WWE's overall growth in the future, with Undertaker's supernatural gimmick.
#2 Should NOT retire: Unparalleled presence
If you've ever been fortunate enough to witness Undertaker's performances live, you'll realize that the man is loaded with charisma and presence.
Just by walking slowly to the ring he can rile up an entire arena of fans, and his terrifying persona and feats of might are just the icing on the cake. Undertaker remains one of the most celebrated performers for a good reason, and as long as he can inspire the fans and get them emotionally invested in the product, then he has no reason to hang it up for good.
#3 Should retire for good: He has a family to take care of
Undertaker might be dead, but Mark Calaway is very much alive. He has fathered children and has re-married. He has no business being on the road or risking his life and limb in a wrestling ring when he has a family to cherish and enjoy.
While this point might not directly appeal to all the readers given the non-wrestling side of things, family is something one simply cannot ignore, especially when your age is more than 50, just like The Undertaker.
#3 Should NOT retire: The WWE still needs him
John Cena is a polarizing figure who never truly united the WWE Universe behind him, and has moved on to more of a movie actor career. Roman Reigns is also polarizing, and despite WWE's best efforts, they cannot make him into another Hulk Hogan or even John Cena.
In short, the WWE needs Undertaker's presence. They benefit from just the SUGGESTION that he might perform (ala Cena's repeated attempts to draw him out prior to WrestleMania 34) Undertaker equals money, and there's nothing wrong with him sticking around a little longer even as a part-time talent.
#4 Should retire for good: Holding back younger stars
From Gangrel to Boogeyman to Mordecai, WWE has made several attempts to bring in an 'heir apparent' to fill Undertaker's shoes.
However, all of these attempts have fallen flat and will continue to do so until fans are certain that 'Taker is done in the ring for good. Even his 'brother' Kane's career has suffered because of a close association with the Deadman.
#4 Should NOT retire: He can still give the rub to new talent
The Undertaker can lend prestige to almost any match up just by being involved in it. He was tapped to elevate perennial mid-carder Rusev at the Greatest Royal Rumble, and for good reason.
Undertaker's career has already peaked, but he can lend his presence and charisma to elevate a whole new generation of talent, like Rusev.
#5 Should retire for good: Risking his good health
The sight of Undertaker on crutches at a coffee shop drove many fans to tears. The thought of their beloved icon being hobbled or less than invincible was a great blow to bear.
But Undertaker has done his rehab, and now moves with liquid grace once more. He should stay out of the ring and preserve his good health, so he can spend more quality time with family and friends.
#5 Should not retire: The fans still believe
At the end of the day, wrestling is ruled by its fandom. They decide who are the stars, who gets cheered and who gets booed.
With social media making the fans' voices heard more than ever, the WWE has made a point to listen. The fans still love Undertaker, but more than that, they still believe in him. And that belief is a powerful thing that sells tickets and website subscriptions.
If the fans still want him, why should he quit for good?
There you have it; Here's our take on five reasons Taker should quit wrestling for good, and five reasons why he should stick around a while longer. What are your favorite Taker moments? Comment below and let us know.
