*MERGED* Undertaker's POTENTIAL Wrestlemania Opponents Thread

[Xemmy]

http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/article/exclusive-undertakers-wrestlemania-opponent-revealed-123593

"The plan is for it to be The Undertaker versus Triple H. The match will be billed with the stipulation of “Streak vs Career.” The stipulation will play off of the career ending match at WrestleMania 26 match between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. I have learned that the feud and match between The Undertaker and Triple H is all but official and should be revealed on WWE programming very soon."


First off, I do question this article, but all the same let's assume.

I think the build up for this kind of match would be fantastic, but I see the match being a let down considering the last 2 have been so spectacular.

I'd personally rather Taker fight someone he hasn't faced this year. But this could be a good nastalga match considering we haven't seen Undertaker vs Triple H in 9 years or so.

Do you think this is the best option for Undertaker's Wrestlemania opponent?

Do you think this match will be the show-stealer at this year's 'Mania?

 

[LoudClearVoice]

Instead of billing it as a "Career vs. Streak" match that they did last year, they should just have it as a "Career Ending Match" so that if 'Taker loses, not only is the streak broken, his career is also over. Obviously, they will book Taker to win but at least it makes it even more interesting because then both careers would be on the line as well as the Undertaker's streak.

 

[streicher187]

Unless the guest host is a biggie I will wait till monday to see the highlights after WM..

The ONLY way this would be interesting is if when HHH is about to win HBK kicks him to help Taker win.. Then grabs the mic and tells HHH "we agreed to let each other know when it's time to leave and it's time"

Then have HHH get out a cell phone and text something and the GM thing go off showing he was the GM the whole time and have the match restarted with a different ref and Taker still win.. That I would pay to see like everyone I don't see how HHH can break the streak and why he is not getting revenge on sheamus it just doesn't make sense.

Taker/HHH is not a big draw but a regular ppv draw and would not be the "showstopper" they hope it would be... You can bet if HHH does call it quits he's headlining the HOF next year..

 

[lenguy]

I think its a good choice, it will mark the 10th anniversary since their clash at WM X-7 and I think it will fit great on the card. With HBK in there I would expect a lot of drama to play out during the match. Maybe with HHH having Taker out and about to pick up the win but maybe Shawn struggles to make the 3 count because he has to much respect for taker or he gets selfish and dosent want anybody to end the streak if he couldn't. I think it has potential to be the match of the night.

My only beef is with the stipulation, I mean this played about a few times for the past few Manias with somebodys career on the line and I think there starting to over-kill it a tad. I mean I like the idea of HHH vs Taker but I could do without the same stipulation as last year. Surely there must be some other way for HHH to retire if thats indeed the case. I will say its more exciting that Barrett vs Taker or HHH vs Sheamus. I might actually persuade me enough to buy the ppv depending on how good the build up is.

 

[vampirevampirejosh]

There is a couple ways this match can go, I think since they cant seem to get Sting, The Game is perfect for the match, makes much sense, on the the couple ways, 1rst I can see HBK screwing over Undertake since he did end his Career and like Dean said Taker is facing a guy known to bury people, but it is Undertaker so cant see Taker getting extremely buried if he was to lose, and it would make a good storyline having H get revenge for Taker ending his best friends career. On the other hand if HBK is to be the referee he could also play fair, and with all the talk going around about Triple H winding down his in ring career more and working backstage in his new position he supposedly has, Wrestle mania could be his last major match he did say in an interview he is more likely to just do bigger events and make special appearances in the future, so if this is the case I can see them playing out Triple H coming within inches of ending the streak and coming more close then even good ole HBK but towards the end Taker takes the upper hand and Shawn counts slowly after a couple finishers or so counts slow but counts the 3 and has a look of disappointment, I see both these possibilities with the 2nd being more likely because of Triple H's current status, and like many, I think Takers streak will never end its to huge even if the man is close to retirement. However I could see Taker winning and getting super kicked after wards, do to sum it up Taker would keep the streak, Triple H would have one huge great match before moving on to his new position, and HBK would get a touch of revenge, just a possibility but this would be a great idea for Mania

 

[Disturbed]

So I read on another site that Triple H vs The Undertaker in a Streak vs Career match with HBK as referee is planned for Wrestlemania. If this is true, this match is going to be more unpredictable then last years. Undertaker will more than likely win but I am anxious to see how it plays out because I don't Shawn Michaels counting the pinfall that ends his best friend's career. The buildup for this is going to be fantastic. It wouldn't suprise me if the 2-21-11 thing is Triple H and he was mocking the Undertaker. I don't know how they will blow off the Sheamus feud though. I can't wait to see how this plays out. I just hope Taker and Triple H can still put on a good Wrestlemania caliber match. I have predicted this for a while, but I never predicted, Triple H would put his career on the line too.


Sorry for the double post. My computer froze up. Can someone delete the first one?

 

[TheMainMan32]

I disagree with some of you that say Taker vs HHH isn't a big draw. I think that it automatically makes WM27 a big deal. Besides John Cena, no one else on the roster poses a legitimate threat to Taker's steak. I'm just glad that we won't be seeing Triple H vs Sheamus at Mania.

 

[vampirevampirejosh]

OK the answer a couple questions, even though it may not happen, since the whole Sting angle seems to be going to hell, and like everyone else I think Sting vs Taker would have been awesome, and yes Triple H is a great choice adds to the getting revenge for HBK his best friend storyline, now as for Sheamus I don't know I would like to see him get his because it does make sense and with Wrestlemania drawing near and Triple H possibly losing his career a couple things I could see, before the chamber one of the superstars competing in it gets taken out say R truth just my opinion cause he doesn't seem to be as over as the other 5 and has to be replaced, but the spot is empty until the chamber comes around and Triple H makes his return eliminating Sheamus, makes it to the end but loses to say Cena or something cause it looks like they are building up Miz vs Cena for the title next night on Raw the 2 21 11 thing is revealed and Taker comes out towards the end taking revenge on some of the Nexus for burying him plus the Corre when he goes over to smackdown but on Raw Triple H could come out towards the beginning or end of the show after Taker destroys Nexus and say something like I came back I got my revenge, now there is one thing left for me to do, and at Wrestlemania its game on therefore setting up the Taker vs Triple H feud, now you could have H return on Raw to get revenge on Sheamus in a match as well, but the build up wouldn't be great, and Chamber would fit better with Triple H busting up Sheamus pretty bad inside of the chamber, perfect payback scenario, only options I see as far as that situation, Triple H did state in a recent interview he would definitely be back before wrestlemania as to when who knows

 

[XgringolocoX]

So the Undertaker's Wrestlemania streak will never be broken. As per all the informed talking heads in the prowrestling world. Nor should it, these same people say.
Bullshit. What does keeping the streak do? Does it help or hurt the business? Does it actually help WM's buyrate? HBK vs. Taker sells on just that alone, nevermind the career vs. streak aspect.
Now with Justin Labar breaking the news that it'll, supposedly, be HHH vs. Taker in yet another career vs streak match up. Lame. This match doesn't do anything for me, and is crap booking IMO.
First and foremost, this match was just done at last years WM.
Second, we all know HHH isn't going to break the streak...how not exciting is this going to be? Now I'm not discounting the abilities of either man. It's just not a match that's going to make me want to shell out 50-60 bucks AND deal with the emotional discontent of knowing a portion of that money will help pay for yet another Diva abomination.
Third, it reeks of "my best friend retired at WM with a HUGE match with Taker, so I want that too." Not saying that's the motivation behind this. It just gives me that feeling.
There's no surprise or intrigue with this match up. AND if HHH is going out, who's he putting over as he departs? The wrestling business used to have this great tradition that you put over the next in line. It helped the business, and the boys left to carry on the show. Where has the tradition gone?
Austin's last match was with The Rock. Who didn't need to be put over. HBK didn't put anyone over besides himself with his departure. Will Taker?
I feel that the streak can be used to put over a future player in a huge way. Yes, I do feel the streak should be broken by a young up and comer who could be catapulted by this.
We all know that the wrestling business is hard up for new stars and those marque names. I just feel that they have these situations that can be utilized to better put over the next generation and they simple don't.

Do any of you see this as I do? Has the tradition been broken? Is the wrestling business hurting itself by NOT taking advantage of these situations? Discuss.

 

[Kamaria]

I would take the report with a grain of salt...I don't see them being able to build up Triple H vs Undertaker with less than 2 months worth of build. Would he return only to retire again so soon? I don't really think so...plus he has a beef with Sheamus to settle.

But I agree with you. It helps everyone involved if someone about to retire jobs to a rising star. It can make them. You mentioned Triple H? He wouldn't have gotten nearly as over if it weren't for his feud with Mick Foley. He's a decent wrestler on his own, but yes, it was MUCH better for him to finally get a major win and heel heat by retiring a fan favorite.

WWE in general doesn't seem to like to put young guys over convincingly anymore. In the writers' minds, only top guys can beat top guys. I really lament this.

 

[The Suplexer Perfecter]

The Wrestlemania streak is a nice plus for Wrestlemania and for the Undertaker. Undefeated at the biggest event. No other major star can say that. Other events don't matter compared to Wrestlemania so a streak of wins at Over the Limit, for example, doesn't compare.

Taker put people over at other PPVs. And mostly the people he faced at Wrestlemania were already really established and didn't matter if they lost.

Randy Orton (who is the only real young star rising that Taker faced at WM) put up a fight and the crowd acted like he could actually beat him. Watch his counter of the chokeslam into the RKO for evidence of that.

Everyone else was already established and wouldn't matter if they lost to Taker at WM.

You don't NEED to put over a young guy in your last match. It does make sense in some cases, but that isn't absolutely necessary.

HBK didn't put anyone over besides himself with his departure

Do you mean his first departure in 1998 or 2010? Because during his 02-10 run I recall him jobbing to plenty of guys and making others look good ( you don't have to beat the guy to be put over. As Flair did in his time limit draws or barely won matches)

And a young guy beating Taker at mania doesn't mean that young guy will be with the company forever.

I'm also waiting for HHH to put someone over himself. So far I've only seen Batista. He beat Sheamus at WM and had to be attacked from behind and hurt before his rematch where he was "put out". And when he FINALLY lost to Orton after beating him like 5 times on PPV, he already had 2 matches and took the title from Orton in Orton's first title defense as WWE Champion in 2007 at No Mercy.

 

[Dean Winchester]

As long as Taker vs. HHH this year is as good as their Wrestle Mania 17 match in 2001 then I think it could be great. HHH needs to retire and help out backstage, not to mention it puts a classic match on this years card and I'am hoping that this years Wrestle Mania is indeed good.

 

[jholcomb22]

I still believe WWE has had Cena vs Taker planned for WM28 with the possibility of 20-0 on the line for a couple years now. However, WWE forgot to plan anything for 18 or 19 which is why we got Michaels/Taker part 2 and now a mad scramble this year.

Let's run down the rumors quickly that have surfaced for this year.

Sting

This would have been great. Sting finally wrestling at Mania against The Phenom with a legitimate shot at ending the streak. He is a superstar if there ever was one, and many of us would have paid for WM just to see it. The more time that goes on, however, without any confirmation from anybody, the less likely it seems.

Wade Barrett

This looked like a slam dunk as little as two weeks ago. An up and coming heel. Leader of the faction that was instrumental in "burying" Taker. The feud was set. Little build up was required. Until...

Triple H

If recent reports are to be believed, this is our main event. If this is WWE's plan, I am a little disappointed, to be honest. It will be a streak vs career match which means HHH is gone. It's a storyline that is a year in the making. While that is not necessarily a bad thing, we have another match in Orton/Punk that is 2 years in the making. How long does WWE expect me to pay attention to everything before I get the payoff. Is Cena/Miz gonna go on hiatus and resume in 2015?

The pro's for each:
Sting vs Taker could be the biggest match in wrestling in the last decade. People have been waiting 20 years to see it.

Barrett vs Taker would give a rub to Barrett that not even Cena could.

HHH vs Taker has a lot of history. HBK's best friend fighting for his honor, risking his own career. It also makes Taker's career that much more impressive to be the man to end both HBK and HHH's career.

The con's for each:
Sting: WCW and TNA purists will complain that Sting sold out.

Barrett: He is not ready. He has been in WWE for less than a year. Nobody takes him seriously.

HHH: Coming back just to retire. Leaving so much unresolved with Sheamus. He might just have the ego and the backstage power to end "the streak."

 

[cryostage]

well it looks like Taker vs HHH Streak vs Career,
after reading JustinLaBar Undertaker's WrestleMania Opponent article
this makes more sense now, from a business stand point,

i mean HBK retired, then having no traveling buddy being off camera for like a year, makes sense to just retire HHH,

what do you guys think, i was hoping for Sting Vs Taker or Cena Vs Taker would of been better matches...

 

[jholcomb22]

I agree with a lot of points. As much as I think WWE is planning on Taker vs Cena for win number 20 of the streak. However, I think HHH has a big enough ego and enough backstage control now that he may just end it.

 

[osborne79]

ok, this idea of career vs streak is just stupid as we know the streak should never end, and if hhh loses he will more than likely continue to wrestle on a part time basis, so whats the point, is it taker who wants to end his career on a memorable moment such as hbk screwing him out of the streak, who will ever forget that, answer is no one! im still hoping for a taker vs cena match but hey taker vs hh with hbk as the ref will be good especially when hbk screws taker and ends his career

 

[mk_philly74]

I just don't see how they can build it up to make it mean something in time. Wrestlemania is just around the corner, and they have both been off tv for a long time.

 

[Tech N9ne]

I thought it would be Wade Barrett. Because some ground work had been laid.

I don't think HHH Vs. Taker will be a bad match. It just seems like they are recycling an idea (Career Vs. Streak). Also, Taker defeated HHH in a match at Wrestlemania 10 years ago.

I think what makes the Streak great, is the names that have fallen to it. I think adding names would make it an even more solid "Record". Repeating names just seems like they have ran out of ideas or something.

 

[LegendKiller716]

I would have liked Barret vs Taker. It makes no sense for Taker not to get retribution after Barret lead Nexus to bury him alive.

If HHH is gonna retire he should do it against Sheamus. He could go out as a face, and put over a future star on his way out. Also a dominating victory over the game could make Sheamus look legit again.

HHH vs Taker just doesn't intrigue me. Taker vs Kane even sounds better to me right now.

 

[cryostage]

I hope that wwe does not go this route becuase this makes no sense to me as far as a good match, what should happen is Cena should face Miz in a title match, win the belt face taker in a title career vs streak match now that i would pay for just to see,

 

[Rampage Bentley]

ok, this idea of career vs streak is just stupid as we know the streak should never end

Do we really know the streak should never end? That seems like more a matter of opinion than fact. I personally would LOVE for the streak to end. I hate the predictability of The Undertakers matches at Wrestlemania.

Why not use it to put a guy over? It would do wonders for someone's career. Obviously it couldn't be just anyone, but I think not doing it is almost a waste, the way the right guy could be catapulted into superstardom is what the payoff for something like the streak should be.

I know everyone says "Vince will never end it" but that's been his opinion of the last four years... tops. Before that every year there was discussion about ending the streak and who would do it.

 

[lenguy]

Your thread will most likely be closed or move since there is already an official thread on Takers mania opponent

Be that as it may I like the idea of HHH vs taker. I'm not to keen on the stipulation as the stipulation has careers on the line have been the focal point for the past few wrestlemanias. However I am interested to see how the storyline will play out.

 

[rkonextphenom]

hmmmmm how do i feel about this..... not sure really

i dont want to grasp the fact that hhh is done and if this match is true than he is sure to be done. this does seem kinda rushed but it does make sense. why not have hhh come after taker after he retired his best friend!! of course they will put on a good match there fucking undertaker and hhh, but wanting to see it is another story. i like seeing new names fall to the streak and know it will never be broken!! barret vs taker would seem good but such a lower caliber wrestler compared to hbk the year before. it would be to fast and i dont think a wrestlemania worthy match. HHH vs Undertaker 2 has Wrestlemania written all over it so at a biz standpoint i get it.

will see if this match is true and i cant wait for wrestlemania regardless

 

[triple_b2k]

maybe if Triple H returned earlier it would make more sense. They're gonna make this major match with less and less time for build up. Yes, he's avenging his friend but it doesn't feel the same way as Undertaker coming back to beat up Barrett and everyone who was involved in burying him.
I'm pretty disappointed in this news (mostly because I really dislike Triple H). I guess if this is his last match, I'll be happy to see him go!

 

[WWEFreak]

I thhink they should either save HHH for next year or have Cena fighting for next year... That way they could push Barrett (again) and have someone interesting be his 20th WM victory