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What's the story?
Roman Reigns toppled The Undertaker at WrestleMania 33 in what appeared to be The Dead Man's last match. There hasn't been any word about The Undertaker coming back yet, and while you should never say never, Roman Reigns still understands the importance of this match. He expanded on the significance of his accomplishment, during an interview with Inside The Ropes.
In case you didn't know...
When WWE sees someone they like, it makes it very difficult for anyone to ignore it, especially if they keep pushing them to the moon like they have with Roman Reigns. As The Big Dog's stature seems to be growing, a lot of things could be credited to his success. One of those things has the be the notch in his belt when he toppled The Undertaker at WrestleMania 33.
As WWE continually evolves, it is becoming even more apparent that more similar events could be down the road. We all must bid farewell to our favourite Superstars sooner or later, and if WrestleMania 33 was really The Undertaker's final bow, then Roman Reigns should understand the gravity of that nod of confidence from WWE.
The heart of the matter
Roman Reigns recently spoke to Inside The Ropes podcast and opened up about working with the legendary Dead Man at WrestleMania 33.
Reigns spoke about a new generation in WWE and praised the up-and-coming talent WWE had in store for the fans. He acknowledged that there would come a day when only a few a few people on the roster would be able to say they had shared a ring with greats like John Cena, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker and Randy Orton.
Reigns is fortunate enough to have all of those experiences under his illegal chest protector and he cherishes those moments.
The Big Dog went on to discuss how much of an honour it was to share WrestleMania 33's main event alongside The Undertaker. He said:
"Being in the ring with the Undertaker, I was able to feel that respect for the business from him. I was able to feel that responsibility and also to see that weight lifted off of him. That was one thing that was really neat, but it was semi-concerning. The times that I've wrestled these legends, these guys who have plugged in all this time, you could see a sense of relief on their faces after the match. They could finally take a breath for once. And for me, I know that's quite the responsibility."
While using a brilliant poker-inspired metaphor, Roman Reigns said he is dealt a new hand every time he steps through the curtain and continues to do the best with the cards he's given.
What's next?
The Undertaker might be retired from in-ring competition and if he did hang up his coat and hat for the last time after his contest against Roman Reigns in Orlando, then it would be an understandable decision. The Dead Man gave his body to the business and WWE Universe for decades and he deserves to finally enjoy the fruits of his hard labour in the ring.
Roman Reigns is far from finished as he recently joined up with The Shield and there is any number of ways WWE could go with a newly reformed Hounds Of Justice.
Author's take
I've seen a lot of pro wrestling in my life and I'm bound to see even more. Therefore, some big moments don't seem as monumental to met. But as I watched The Undertaker take off his entrance attire in the middle of the ring at WrestleMania 33, even I got a strong case of the feels.
It's great to know Roman Reigns has such a veteran mindset about what transpired during the main event of WrestleMania 33 which gives me, even more, confidence WWE is making the right decision in putting so many eggs in The Big Dog's basket.
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