Undefeated or not?

[Christian Battlez]

I was thinking after last years Wrestlemania. It's in inevitability after each Undertaker match at WM that he was going to win. It kinda spoils it for me because you think well we at least know one thing. Undertaker is gonna win. So obviously if someone were to end the streak it would be HUGE. I don't have to emphasize how huge. It would rock the wrestling world. Is Undertakers unbeaten streak at WM a bad thing for wrestling? Should someone end it soon? Not neccessarily this year because its in his hometown but soon. Thoughts?

 

[Profit]

[QUOTE="The Hardcore Legend" Christian Battlez;879360]I was thinking after last years Wrestlemania. It's in inevitability after each Undertaker match at WM that he was going to win. It kinda spoils it for me because you think well we at least know one thing. Undertaker is gonna win. So obviously if someone were to end the streak it would be HUGE. I don't have to emphasize how huge. It would rock the wrestling world. Is Undertakers unbeaten streak at WM a bad thing for wrestling? Should someone end it soon? Not neccessarily this year because its in his hometown but soon. Thoughts?[/QUOTE]

I don't think it's a given that Undertaker is going to win everytime. Lets take a look at the past 4 Wrestlemania opponents, where only one time could you definitively say that he was a sure winner.

First up, Wrestlemania 21, where he faced "The Legend Killer" Randy Orton. I'm sure quite a few people thought Orton may go over here, as it would have fit perfecetly with his gimmick, and what better way to push the young star then to have him end the legendary streak of the unbeatable Undertaker.

Orton was on a roll, he had won the World Title and was destroying legends left and right. I actually, sincerely, thought he had a chance to end the streak. So can you say that it was definitively inevitable that Undertaker would go over in this match? I don't think so, you have to atleast concede that there was some chance of him losing this one.

Next, Wrestlemania 22, against Mark Henry in the casket match. Now, this one, I think was definitely a given. I in no way thought that Undertaker would want to end his streak to a guy like Mark Henry. Not that Henry is a horrible wrestler, he's just not that kind of superstar that you'd want to have associated with ending the streak. Plus, it was a casket match, Undertakers specialty. And did anyone really think Henry was going to win, considering that as well?

Then, Wrestlemania 23, against Batista. Granted, Batista isn't a huge name(atleast IMO) so it was very very doubtful that he would be the man to have his name live on as the man to stop Undertaker at Wrestlemania. But, he was the Champion for the show, and so the chance of him winning was still slight.

And finally, Wrestlemania 24, against Edge. Another Champion, who defended his title against the streak of Undertaker and came up on the losing side. It is fathamable that Edge would be a good enough person to be associated with ending this thing, so again I don't see it as being inevitable that Taker would go over.

The point i'm trying to make is that, if anything, the streak makes it more interesting.. and doesn't detract from the event or his matches in any way. I'm always intrigued to see who they set him up to face, each and every year, and am always anticipating the day that I actually see the referee count the three and Undertaker walk out with his first loss at the biggest event in the company.

 

[Slyfox696]

It may be that Undertaker should lose the streak, but it shouldn't happen this year. What business would Vladimir Kozlov have ending Undertaker's streak? Or, in the more likely scenario, what benefit is there to Shawn Michaels ending the streak? None.

I've said for a LONG time the person to end the streak should be John Cena. He'd be worthy, and you know he's going to be around for a while. Cena, though, may already be entering that air where beating Undertaker may not even help. So, if not Cena, then I don't know who.

 

[The Mark of Zur-En-Arrh]

The guy deserves some kind of accolade that no one else will ever achieve.

-Ric Flair is a 16 time World Champion
-HHH is a 13 time WWE World Champion
-Austin has won the Royal Rumble 3 times.
-Shawn Michaels is the first Grand Slam winner
-Rey Mysterio holds the record for longest amount of time in the Royal Rumble
-Kane holds the record for most eliminations in the Royal Rumble.
-Edge is the only superstar to participate in 2 EC matches in one night.
-Vladimir Kozlov's first PPV match was the WWE title.
-Big Show is the only man in history to hold the WCW, WWE, and ECW World titles.
-Chris Jericho is the first ever Undisputed Champion
-Brock Lesnar became WWE champion in less than 6 months after his debut.

If Taker didn't have the streak, what would be HIS outstanding achievement? This man who's appeared in more 'first ever' matches than anyone else in WWE (with perhaps the exception of HBK). A man who didn't up and change sides or ever do anything to fuck Vince McMahon around like EVERY other major star he's had did at one point or who hasn't taken a massive hiatus from wrestling. A man who for nearly 20 years now has played a character that he never really liked and made it one of the most memorable characters of the profession in general, not JUST WWE. A man who is a leader in the locker room, and would happily put a guy over if he has what it takes, instead of insisting that his character always be booked to look good.

Take the streak away and what's he got? First man to win the Rumble at #30 (which was immediately cheapened by Cena doing the same thing the following year), threw Foley off the Cell, and beat Hogan for the WWE title twice (which i don't think anyone else has ever done, have they?)

The Undertaker is this generation's Andre The Giant. Not everyone is going to say that they like the guy as a character or even as a wrestler, but EVERYONE will agree that he is a legend, and the undefeated streak is his reward.

"Here you are Mark, here is an accoldae that NOBODY is ever likely to duplicate. You and only you, will ever be able to say 'I did that' in pro-wrestling, because you truly deserve it."

 

[Splinter]

It may be that Undertaker should lose the streak, but it shouldn't happen this year. What business would Vladimir Kozlov have ending Undertaker's streak? Or, in the more likely scenario, what benefit is there to Shawn Michaels ending the streak? None.

exactly. so yes, it a little bad for wrestling nowadays, since the outcome is a little predictable. still, taker vs. michaels should be one hell of a match

I've said for a LONG time the person to end the streak should be John Cena. He'd be worthy, and you know he's going to be around for a while. Cena, though, may already be entering that air where beating Undertaker may not even help. So, if not Cena, then I don't know who.

i guess this would increase the number of "cena-haters"

 

[truk24]

If you actually think someone else is going to win that many WM's in a row you are insane. He has won enough WM's to be considered a legend. He has done so much with a character that I don't think anyone else could play. Look at how he really lives his life. Mark Calloway is a tattooed biker from out west. That should tell you that he was suited to play such a dark character.

He should lose a WM and end his streak. Drop the gimmick, and become what he has always been the Clint Eastwood of the WWE. Get him on his bike, and let him roll like he did a few years back. The Undertaker needs to vanish, and he needs to take on a new role once again. I can't imagine anyone else other than Kane retiring Taker at this point. Possibly some help from Booegyman who could conjure up something of a curse to the Undertaker WM legacy while the match is happening.

Kane could say that he has done some research on the Undertaker, and say that he uses witchcraft, and that his spirit is weak. He could say that Boogeyman told him this in a vision while he was in Madrid vacationing. Unlocking secrets regarding the legend of the Undertaker. Saying that the Undertaker is the reason Hulkamania died in the WWE. Saying that Taker deceived Vince, and thus Vince chose the darkside to take the WWE in to the new millenium.

Kane could say that Undertaker is a representation of the Devil, and that he should be vanished forever from the WWE. Swearing that he has everything in place to finally destroy the Undertaker in a Buried Alive match. Kane should be the one who retires Taker at this point in his career. Have some kind of oocultic ritual that would ensure the Undertaker never is heard of or seen again.

 

[DeadmanInc.]

The streak should never end. Simple. I post basically the same reply in any thread dealing with Taker's streak:

What would be the point of wasting 16+ years of Wrestlemania victories to give a push to some new comer that won't even be in the business for as long as Taker has? If some new comer is so amazing that he's worthy of ending Taker's streak, what makes you think he won't pull a Brock Lesnar or The Rock and leave WWE once they find a new career path? That would have been a complete waste of the most epic streak in wrestling history.

There is no currently established superstar worthy to end the streak nor is there one that needs that kind of a push. For example, when Kevin Nash ended Goldberg's streak, was he suddenly "the man"? No, it did nothing for Nash's career. That's why superstars like Triple H, Cena, and HBK shouldn't end the streak. Triple H is already a 13 time champion and Michaels is already a guaranteed Hall of Famer. Ending Taker's streak doesn't do anything for them.

Cena definitely should not end the streak as that would be horrible for his career fanwise. He already gets enough heat for his long title reigns, there's no way in hell fans would want him to end Taker's streak. I'm sure Cena would get booed out of the building if he of all people were to end Taker's streak. Heck, I can picture a scene similar to that of Hogan joining the nWo.

Taker's streak is the biggest part of his legacy and he should have the privilege of retiring with that streak in tact. It is unparallel to any other accomplishment in WWE and it should remain that way.

 

[Jane]

I think it's a good thing for the business. You never know if Taker's going to win in his matches, and even though you have a good idea he will, you always have that little clench in your stomach as you realise the streak could be over. Last year I thought it was over when Edge speared him, but he just came back and won the match. This year, against Michaels, it is anybodies game. And yes, Undertaker has the upper hand. But HBK is Mr. Wrestlemania. He could do it. You never truly know until the end of the match, and I think it adds to the fight.

 

[Christian Battlez]

If you actually think someone else is going to win that many WM's in a row you are insane. He has won enough WM's to be considered a legend. He has done so much with a character that I don't think anyone else could play. Look at how he really lives his life. Mark Calloway is a tattooed biker from out west. That should tell you that he was suited to play such a dark character.

He should lose a WM and end his streak. Drop the gimmick, and become what he has always been the Clint Eastwood of the WWE. Get him on his bike, and let him roll like he did a few years back. The Undertaker needs to vanish, and he needs to take on a new role once again. I can't imagine anyone else other than Kane retiring Taker at this point. Possibly some help from Booegyman who could conjure up something of a curse to the Undertaker WM legacy while the match is happening.

Kane could say that he has done some research on the Undertaker, and say that he uses witchcraft, and that his spirit is weak. He could say that Boogeyman told him this in a vision while he was in Madrid vacationing. Unlocking secrets regarding the legend of the Undertaker. Saying that the Undertaker is the reason Hulkamania died in the WWE. Saying that Taker deceived Vince, and thus Vince chose the darkside to take the WWE in to the new millenium.

Kane could say that Undertaker is a representation of the Devil, and that he should be vanished forever from the WWE. Swearing that he has everything in place to finally destroy the Undertaker in a Buried Alive match. Kane should be the one who retires Taker at this point in his career. Have some kind of oocultic ritual that would ensure the Undertaker never is heard of or seen again.

As crazy as this idea is it fits the bill of the Undertaker character. It's just too over the top for me though. I'd rather a young budding star like Cena or Orton end the streak than Kane with the Boogeyman. Besides Kane is basically the big red jobber now. Do you really think Vince will let Kane of all people end the streak? No way.

 

[DJ-LyRiX]

The Undertaker is this generation's Andre The Giant. Not everyone is going to say that they like the guy as a character or even as a wrestler, but EVERYONE will agree that he is a legend, and the undefeated streak is his reward.

"Here you are Mark, here is an accoldae that NOBODY is ever likely to duplicate. You and only you, will ever be able to say 'I did that' in pro-wrestling, because you truly deserve it."

This is an absolutely appropriate point. NOBODY deserves it more than 'Taker. He came in at the top, wrestled 16 (soon to be 17) WMs, maybe more, and won them all. When 'Taker goes out, it should be at WM, against a young talent who takes him closer to the brink of losing than he has ever been, but the legend that is the Undertaker should NEVER lose his streak.

I disagree that knowing or thinking you know that Undertaker will win cheapens his match. His match is all about the working. Since my first WM, number 17, I was in awe at how amazing 'Taker was. Triple H, Kane, Batista, Edge, Orton.. the streak just makes me feel more of a part of it.

I totally marked out when Taker beat Flair at WM, and he stood on the ring apron, and raised one finger after the other. That was his tenth straight win. I hoped, there and then, that Taker never lost at WM. As a fan, I'm invested.

As as been said, no-one deserves that accolade more.

 

[Sean Valjean]

NO

As mentioned eariler, the streak is what truly seperates The Undertaker from any wrestler in history. Hell, it IS The Undertaker. It's a very unique accolade that will never be duplicated, so why ruin it? He deserves to retire with the streak intact.

It would be huge if someone ended it, but that doesn't mean it needs to happen. BUT, if someone had to, the only person on the roster that could get away with it (to me) is his next WM opponent, Shawn Michaels.

 

[DJ-LyRiX]

NO

As mentioned eariler, the streak is what truly seperates The Undertaker from any wrestler in history. Hell, it IS The Undertaker. It's a very unique accolade that will never be duplicated, so why ruin it? He deserves to retire with the streak intact.

It would be huge if someone ended it, but that doesn't mean it needs to happen. BUT, if someone had to, the only person on the roster that could get away with it (to me) is his next WM opponent, Shawn Michaels.

SO I'm taking it that the streak does not interrupt your enjoyment of the show?

I think the last bit of what you said proves that no-one can be CERTAIN about Taker's streak - "the only person on the roster that can do it is HBK" - people said the same thing about RKO and even Edge. The good thing about the streak is the speculation, and I for one love how Taker is able to carry this off year after year.

 

[Phoenix]

The more I think about the streak debate, the more I think, it should stick. But it's also not the fact that we know he will win at Wrestlemania, just how it will be done. Taker's matches at Wrestlemania are where you'll see him at his best, he puts that extra bit of energy to make the match alot more special above his other PPV matches.

I would say, keep his streak, but not think of it as "who will beat/lose to him this year?" but, "who will be next to have an excellent match with him?"

 

[hotwater10]

I don't know. We had a little Wrestlemania pool and I picked Edge over 'Taker. They had a little commerical before the match for backlash and said "For every loss, There is a BACKLASH!" and had a picture of Taker. That got me over. I lost because of that too. I don't think he will ever lose though. HBK is not even going to face him. WWE is not dumb. It has been spoiled on the Internet for months.

 

[ulimate123]

I think 'Takers streak ending has certainly been brought up in the past 4 WM. At WM 21 many people thought Orton had a decent chance because it suited his gimmick, but 'Taker prevailed. WM 22 was very obvious it wasn't gonna ever be Henry. WM 23 and the actual original plan was to have Batista win but at the last second WWE changed it, so yeah 'Taker was actually gonna loose. Same with WM 24 where the creative said Edge was to win, where yet again last second they changed the plan and let 'Taker win. This year however against Michaels I think 'Taker is obviously gonna win because quite frankly Shawn winning won't really give his career a big boost this late, where he'll probably retire in 2/3 years.