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What's the story?
The Undertaker made his long-awaited return to WWE Monday Night Raw with a polarising entrance and a promo delivered in the ring. Many fans wondered why The Undertaker was there. After speculating that he would be setting up another match or officially retiring, what he actually said was potentially very cryptic.
In case you didn't know...
Undertaker left Orlando at WrestleMania 33 which looked like a retirement. He left his coat, hat and gloves in the ring and said goodbye to that character. It was fitting that when he returned on Monday he didn't have any of these with him. He came out to a different entrance set up with a shortened walk and with lights on in the arena.
The heart of the matter
After listening to what The Undertaker had to say, the cryptic message can be unravelled to him seemingly paying homage to all those WWE superstars and professional wrestlers that have battled on Monday Night Raw over the previous 25 years who are no longer with us and that their souls could finally rest in peace. Superstars such as Eddie Guerrero, Curt Hennig, Owen Hart, Big Boss Man, Gorilla Monsoon, Randy Savage and Brian Pillman to name a few.
What's next?
It remains to be seen whether The Undertaker the man is truly retired, or his incarnation is what retired at WrestleMania. There have been rumours of him facing John Cena at WrestleMania. Either way, it was great to see The Undertaker on Raw once again and looking in great health.
Author's take
I have always loved The Undertaker and he is by far the best character WWE has ever had. His appearance on Raw I believe retired a version of his character to allow it to rest in peace along with the other souls he has buried and specifically honour those who have passed away. We shall soon come to find out if Undertaker has one more match in him as we roll down the road to WrestleMania 34.
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