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What's the story?
WrestlingNews.co is reporting that Starrcast, LLC filed a trademark earlier this month for the name 'Dead Man Talking'.
The name is linked to The Undertaker's appearance at Starrcast II in May but the site reports that it also might possibly point to The Deadman starting his own podcast.
In case you didn't know...
The Undertaker's role or lack thereof at this year's WrestleMania has been speculated about for months.
He's started to pursue projects outside of WWE, including the Starrcast II appearance as well as a tour with 'Inside the Ropes' in the UK later this year. He is still under contract but has been allowed to book things outside of WWE with their approval.
The heart of the matter
While fans have wondered just what Taker's 'Mania role might be, it appears The Deadman has been looking to pursue wrestling related projects outside of the company. The trademark filed by Starrcast, LLC came with the following description:
Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainment personality; Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainment personality; Entertainment services, namely, providing podcasts in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment; Entertainment services, namely, providing video podcasts in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment; Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer.
The report notes that the trademark 'is for a podcast, either a one-off show for Starrcast or something full-time'.
It also mentioned that Vince McMahon might have been angry about the appearance because it is happening on 'Double or Nothing' weekend and is associated with All Elite Wrestling.
Conrad Thompson, who is putting on Starrcast II, has stated that the two entities are separate from each other as well as the following:
“We have wrestlers appearing from every promotion from all over the world, and Starrcast isn’t just for All Elite Wrestling fans, it’s for all wrestling fans.”
That might be true for Thompson, but any association with the new promotion by a current WWE wrestler under contract will certainly upset the Chairman.
What's next?
If last year's match was truly The Undertaker's final showing at WrestleMania, it would have been going out with a peep.
His match with John Cena was merely a squash match whereas his match the prior year with Roman Reigns seemed like a retirement match after the Deadman left his gloves in the ring.
If the Undertaker is making business decisions to do things outside of WWE while still under contract, he has to get them cleared before being able to do them.
Like the report said, the trademark could be for one show or the start of a post-WWE career for Undertaker. Podcasts are everywhere today and wrestlers like Stone Cold Steve Austin, Chris Jericho and Taz all have successful shows.
If that's what he wants to do after he's done in the ring, then all the power to him. He's given more than enough to the business.
