What’s the story?
One of the most emotional moments of WrestleMania 33 came towards the end of the show. After his defeat at the hands of Roman Reigns, The Undertaker laid out his gear in the middle of the ring in an orderly fashion as if to indicate his retirement.
While many had suspicions regarding ‘Taker’s retirement, the actual moment caught everyone so off-guard that there were tears in the eyes of everyone present in the arena. In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, The New Day revealed the state of the mind of everyone present backstage in the arena when The Undertaker laid out his gear.
In case you didn’t know...
The incredible career of The Deadman came to a halt at WrestleMania 33, or so it seems. The Undertaker battled Roman Reigns in the main event of the night to determine whose ‘yard’ the WWE is. While The Undertaker fought valiantly till the end, his ageing body couldn’t cope up with his willing spirit.
Roman Reigns delivered a vicious spear with the added momentum of the ropes to put The Deadman down for good and pinned him in the middle of the ring. Following the incredible match, The Undertaker laid out his gear in the middle of the ring in an orderly fashion before leaving the arena.
While it was not spoken aloud, everyone knew what it signified and it rightfully brought tears in the eyes of fans present in the arena.
The heart of the matter
In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, The New Day revealed what went down backstage as The Undertaker laid down his gear in the middle of the ring and revealed a shocking admission. Big E said that no one was aware of The Undertaker’s retirement until ‘Taker did what he did.
His actions had caught the entire locker room quite off-guard and the trio confirmed that many were fighting tears backstage.
The New Day also added that Corey Graves had to literally bite down on his lips to keep himself from crying as he was on the broadcast. Big E also said that The Undertaker was like a Godfather to every wrestler in the locker room and it was hard for them to witness his retirement. Big E said the following on 'Taker’s retirement.
"In a way you want to celebrate his career, but in the end, you want to mourn the loss."
The impact
The Undertaker’s retirement was a sombre end to what was undoubtedly a highly entertaining WrestleMania. The moment came upon the crowd so suddenly that everyone was left speechless and the entire arena was reduced to silence.
The crowd were moved to tears and many a fan was dumbstruck with shock. From Big E’s news, we now learn that even stars backstage were unaware of The Undertaker’s plans for the night. It seems as if only a select few were told about it.
While many suspected it, no one wanted it to come to pass. It was undoubtedly one of the most emotional moments in the history of WrestleMania.
Author’s take
The Undertaker is one of the few performers who could reach out and touch the hearts of millions of fans for over three decades. While he is undoubtedly one of the GOATs in the ring, his is also the greatest professional wrestling character in the business.
It is hard, no impossible, to imagine anyone but Mark Callaway in the role the mystical gravedigger called The Undertaker.
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