What’s the story?
In a recent interview with Insidetheropes, AJ Styles revealed whether he feels the Undertaker has retired, besides heaping loads of praise on the legendary Deadman.
In case you didn’t know...
The Undertaker (Mark Calaway) made his professional wrestling debut back in 1984 and gained worldwide fame during his time in the WWE- a promotion that he’s competed in since 1990.
The 52-year old Phenom most recently took on Roman Reigns in the main event of Wrestlemania 33, losing to the latter. Before leaving the arena, the Undertaker placed his iconic cloak, hat and gloves in the middle of the ring, and went as far as breaking his Deadman character by kissing his wife (former WWE Superstar Michelle McCool) who was ringside at ‘Mania.
The heart of the matter
The pro-wrestling community has been divided in its opinion as to whether the Undertaker has really retired, as the man himself has not given an official statement on the same. Current WWE Superstar AJ Styles highlighted the issue stating:
"Is he gone? I don't know, but you would assume. I think there were some tears from the fans that were probably (assuming) they may have seen the last of The Undertaker. At the end of the day, if he's done, I respect the heck out of him for doing it his way and doing what he wanted to do in his last match. He is everything to the WWE and I'm thankful I had the opportunity meet him and have a great conversation with him. He's a great guy, and if he's gone and that was the last one, he will be missed.”
Styles asserted that although he wasn’t directly in contact with the Undertaker, he knew him through a mutual friend, and that may be the reason he feels a bond with the legendary pro-wrestler.
What’s next?
The Undertaker is to yet officially address his retirement from in-ring competition. The Phenom recently underwent a major hip replacement surgery and is presently in recovery. Meanwhile, AJ Styles will challenge Kevin Owens for the latter’s WWE United States championship at Backlash on May 21st.
Author’s take
The Undertaker is one of the most legendary professional wrestlers of all time, and at this point of his life, the legend ought to rehabilitate his body after the years and years of damage taken in the ring.
Much like AJ Styles, I too am a big fan of the Deadman and will miss him for sure. I seriously hope Mark Calaway remains involved in some capacity or other with WWE in the future. #ThankYouTaker
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