Undertaker & HHH vs Punk & Lesnar

[BearJew13]

Dear Wrestlezone Forums,

As you all know, there has been some controversy surrounding The Undertaker and his status for WrestleMania. Will he compete at the grandest stage of them all or will he take a back seat this year? Reports say that he is too banged up to work a match and he keeps changing his mind whether he will lace up the boots and put his 20-0 undefeated streak on the line or not. Well wrestlezone forums, I have a solution to this problem.

I can't find exactly where I posted this before but I posted a scenario a few months ago regarding Undertaker's Wrestlemania opponent. It must have been around post-Summerslam time when rumors of HHH/Lesnar II were swirling around for the big event in April. We've seen this already and we don't need to see it again.

Anyway, back to my proposed story, let's do the math. After this Monday's RAW, it appears that Triple H will return to action to defend his family against Brock Lesnar, setting up HHH/Lesnar II at WM 29 as we all expected in August. Meanwhile, reports have been rampant about a CM Punk/Undertaker match for the PPV as well. If Undertaker is as banged up as they say he is and can't wrestle a one on one match, why not make a tag team match?

Brock Lesnar and CM Punk are both Heyman guys. Triple H and Undertaker, after last years brutal Hell in a Cell Match, have even more respect for each other and could tag up. Why should we see a rematch of Triple H and Lesnar when we can see Lesnar take on Undertaker as well? It will ease up some of the stress on Taker's body so he doesn't have to do so much work in the ring and we can still get a high profile match out of four huge superstars.

Here is how I would book it: Triple H comes out on RAW saying that he has been named Mr. McMahon's replacement until he gets back on his feet. Reacting to last week's shenanigans, he calls out Brock Lesnar. Lesnar comes out, they exchange words, Lesnar challenges him to a match at Wrestlemania. HHH says that his life as a wrestler is over and its all corporate now for him, kind of like his response to Taker last year. Over the course of the next month and a half or so, Lesnar and Paul Heyman play mind games with Triple H, maybe even kidnaps Stephanie or something like that. goading him into accepting his challenge...but not alone. To quote the Cerebral Assassin himself, the WWE Universe has "not seen the last of the Undertaker." This leads to a proposed tag team match in Triple H and the Undertaker vs. Lesnar and...Paul Heyman. Lesnar gladly accepts but Heyman is freaking out...

Meanwhile, Elimination Chamber rolls around and CM Punk fails to regain his WWE Championship from The Rock which sets up Rock/Cena II for WM 29. Left without a feud, CM Punk joins Lesnar in his crusade against not only WWE corporate (Triple H) but the eternal symbol of the WWE (the Undertaker). The week after Lesnar accepts Triple H and Undertaker's challenge for Wrestlemania, Heyman announces that due to "medical issues" he will have to pull out of the match but announces his replacement in his other client, CM Punk.

It may not turn out this way but I think a tag team match would be a good one to have at Wrestlemania. It would give Triple H his redemption on Lesnar (giving both men something to do) and it would allow CM Punk to have his match against the Undertaker (even though Taker is as banged up as he is).

Let me know what you think, guys!

 

[Dilligaf]

Not a bad way I suppose, but the tag team match wouldnt be really for the streak.

Going into WM28, I read it might be taker's last match, it was one of the reason's for me to goto WM28 & to see him go 20-0.

If indeed taker does decide not to defend the streak at WM29 & maybe retire, Im honored to the fact I got to see his last match, and my tattoo will take on 3 meanings.

1, To celebrate the fact Undertaker went 20-0 in the first place.
2, That I was there in person to witness it.

If he should retire before WM29.....
3, It was his last match, see reason 2.

 

[CubsFanFrank]

I'd be willing to bet that Brock Lesner's return will ultimately lesd up to nothing but a stepping stone to extending The Undertakers Wrestlemania Streak. He'll probably attack populat midcarders over the next few weeks. Probably make the cliched "If anyone in the locker room thinks they can take me" speech, cue Undertaker's msic, and the rest writes itself.

Remember, Brock's first title win came at the hands of Undetaker. Brock was a destructive monster heel at the time, and then made an instant and forced face turn due to the brutality of the match showing him the light, or whatever.

 

[LODemolition]

This has definitely crossed my mind. It's a good way to keep Undertaker's streak alive, but without him having to carry the load with his health obviously not being 100%. I'm sure most fans would rather see this match than not have Taker be involved in Mania at all.

 

[MCMG]

Very good idea. Taker has to appear and a tag-team match would be a good solution. HHH can still work a match-even carry it. Taker can come in for a few spots and obviously the pin (ON LESNAR). I love the idea of Heyman with Lesnar and Punk under him. The mic-work between HHH/VKM/Punk/Heyman would be terrific.

I'll put this out there simply because i'm a huge fan of his. Kane. If anyone were to team up with Taker at Mania surely it would be Kane. It would be a dream for those two to do it at Mania and we all know that he can carry a match. Moreover, it would be his WM main-event which was alluded to at Elimination Chamber.

I realise this is even more far fetched but the talk of The Shield/Punk/Heyman faction has been rife. Lesnar could face Ryback/ Orton/Sheamus in a singles match allowing Punk to team with The Shield against Taker,HHH, Kane and Daniel Bryan? (Imagine the wonders it would do his career) or if i was to go further HBK.( Lesnar broke his arm: I think Punk has said he is better than him. There is previous)

HHH and Taker v Lesnar and Punk would be fantastic and I really hope it happens; however, I think it will be two single matches rather than a tag-team mathch.

 

[Spinebreaker]

I believe 'taker has expresed himself that the streak should end, to put a younger guy over.

Perhaps, with it looking like Punk/Rock/Cena at WM, the plan is for 'taker to take this year off...

Hype the hell out of 'taker vs ? at WMXXX.

 

[The Fabulous Rougeau's]

I don't see Taker returning for another match at Mania XXIX. But if it does happen I would have to think he would need to be present at the next Raw. With Vince being on the show to confront Heyman, I think its safe to assume Brock will be their and probably Trips too. So if its going to happen it has to happen at the next Raw. And if it does happen the only match I see him in is against Brock.

 

[BestIntheWWE]

It's a good idea, but I think that it wouldn't have the same feel as takers WM matches usually have. I really had thought that he would face Cena this year but now thats pretty much gone. I think he should just retire and be the headlining hall of famer next year at wrestlemania 30.

 

[The Butcher]

Now that 'Taker has resurfaced, I think it's high time I put my two cents in this can. The Undertaker coming back like he did was odd. The timing, the setting, the participants- it was all very strange. Some people didn't believe it. The whole thing reeks of suspicion. So, the more I keep seeing IWC'ers call it a "trial run," the more the gears in my head turn. After some thinking, I don't only think a tag match is possible, I think it's just as likely as a singles bout.

Last year, The Undertaker reached 20-0, and the match "ended an era." He and Triple H tore the house down, then embraced with HBK at the top of the ramp. Fast forward one year. There's no clear choice for opponent to challenge the streak. All the photos and videos from Waco show that 'Taker is carrying a few extra pounds. There's the cliche (but true) "Undertaker is all banged up" factor as well. And, to me, there's the feeling that 21 isn't as special as 20. I like round numbers.

When I take all of that into consideration, I feel that WWE and Undertaker knew last year that a streak match this year wasn't a guarantee. They've had plenty of time to brainstorm and to account for Undertaker's vulnerabilities, and after all that time, there's nothing to show for it. Not even a hint of a return, much less a feud.

This coming Monday, Vince McMahon and Paul Heyman are going to have a showdown. Many people anticipate that Triple H and/or Brock Lesnar will be showing up on behalf of their respective father-in-law/manager. I'm one of those people. I'm also a person who doesn't care to see Trips and Brock have another 1-on-1 match. So, given the scenario and my bias, I see a perfect opening to get others involved. With a little reworking, the OP's piece of fantasy booking itself could fill that opening.

Would it be a streak match? Not as such technically, but a match is a match, and I'm sure if 'Taker's team won he'd get credit for it, while if they lost... well, they probably wouldn't lose. Would it be more entertaining than a 1-on-1 match? Quite possibly. It'd definitely get more time, and they could do a better job of hiding whatever limitations Undertaker is working with these days. I know for sure it would be a very anticipated match for yours truly, as all four wrestlers, Vince, and Heyman (assuming they'd be ringside) are master storytellers. I say bring on the tag match this year. Save Undertaker's last singles hurrah at 'Mania for The Big Easy and another nice, round number- WrestleMania 30.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

The idea of Taker & Triple H teaming up to face Lesnar and Punk works a treat. Triple H & Taker have faced off on the previous two Manias, so this seems like a logical step. Does anybody feel the need to see another Lesnar/HHH match? I don't, certainly not at Mania. Also a Punk vs. Undertaker match would basically come completely out of the blue. There's no match to be made there. Certainly not with such short notice.

Lesnar & Punk take out Triple H together, Taker then returns and a huge WrestleMania match is made. Seems simple and there would be so much anticipation for that match. It can also set up Undertaker's opponent for next year. Be that Lesnar or Punk.

People might not want The Streak to be put on the line in a tag match. But one match of the streak wasn't one-on-one, another ended in a DQ and Undertaker/HHH vs. Lesnar/Punk is a much bigger match than half of the others he's competed in. It'll also add another dramatic element to the match as Undertaker could lose The Streak by not even being pinned.

 

[Bland]

In a way, I would rather a tag match as it means taker won't be overdoing. If the rumours are true and next year will be his last match then be should face Cena next year. Then if we do get a tag match then Lesnar & punk both get the rub and we can see a miniature match of taker vs punk & taker vs Lesnar so two for the price of 1

I would love to see taker vs Lesnar & taker vs punk but with a possibly of him only having two manias left then vs Cena should next year & WWE can capitalise on a tag match this year.

I would also love to see it given a gimmick like no holds barred but the perfect match would be Hell in a cell! No one would be able to help eg shield and all four guys locked in. They could add Lesnar breaking of the cell and fighting HHH on top, a choke slam to punk throw the announce table etc. would have the making to be one of the best tag matches in history and with more guys in the match they can use more of the cell than last year

 

[Papa Pillman]

I like the idea of Taker/HHH vs. Punk/Lesnar as possibly the best and easiest to build scenario at Mania. I hope that this ends up being the route, as I would prefer it to the two long rumored single's matches involving these four.

Now, just for the sake of discussion, I'd like to throw out another random possibility. Being as there is no clear plan for Team Hell No heading into the big event and in fact they have started teasing the tension and dissention again, coupled with the fact that when we last saw Taker we were treated to a Brothers of Destruction reunion, maybe there is an option to include Kane and Bryan with Taker. Something along the lines of Kane/Taker against Bryan/??? could be a solution.

From the things we've heard, and from how he looked in the pictures/videos from last night, I really think a tag match is the best booking strategy for Taker at WM this year. Then they can gear up for one last big singles encounter to close out his career next year.

 

[The Eighties]

I don't see a natural way to go into Punk vs Taker as the Deadman has no reason to screw Punk out of his match tonight. Personally I hope things build towards the tag match of Taker/HHH vs Lesnar/Punk, it covers all bases and they could stick it in a cell just to spice it up.

 

[The Eighties]

Punk's promo tonight I think was a clear set up for him to face Taker at Mania. I'm not really interested in seeing Punk job to the streak but if the match gets good reports I'll check it out on Youtube.

 

[bioshock]

WWE missed a good chance to have Undertaker screw over Punk, for what ever reason. Personally I wanted the American Badass version to show up on the bike, that would of been nice.

But Punks long title run, and now hes jobbed to Rock and Cena enough that who would even consider Punk as a threat to the streak now, good way to kill a great run. Punks creditability kind of went down the toilet last night with his 3rd major loss in a row.

 

[rge2010]

I had this tag match idea back in August and posted it on here. I was ripped to shreds!!!

It makes perfect sense for me....Punk vs Taker has little appeal. If he cant beat Rock and Cena recently how can he beat Taker at Mania. Throw Brock in there and they could. Hell could even make it a 6 man tag and have Vince and Paul E involved.

 

[lil bitch Kid]

Last night proves that they are headed in te direction of Taker vs Punk. Punk's references to being immortal etc makes this happen.

Taker test drove his body last weekend, and now the program will start.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

If they do go with CM Punk vs. Undertaker, does anyone think it will be clean match or will The Shield, Heyman, etc. interfere? I think maybe Heyman but not The Shield. I don't think there will be a gimmick although if they made it NO DQ, then that would create some doubt as to the outcome.

The real question is, how will they have Punk lose? Will he tap out or will he go down after a tombstone or 2?

 

[rerun406]

Not a bad way I suppose, but the tag team match wouldnt be really for the streak.

Going into WM28, I read it might be taker's last match, it was one of the reason's for me to goto WM28 & to see him go 20-0.

If indeed taker does decide not to defend the streak at WM29 & maybe retire, Im honored to the fact I got to see his last match, and my tattoo will take on 3 meanings.

1, To celebrate the fact Undertaker went 20-0 in the first place.
2, That I was there in person to witness it.

If he should retire before WM29.....
3, It was his last match, see reason 2.


__________________

seeing as Taker is likely to wrestle CM Punk ... I think you'll need to get that tattoo touched up

 

[gk11973]

I don't know about anyone else, but I am not excited at the prospect of a singles match between HHH and Lesnar again. Punk vs Undertaker is a little more exciting, but I have my doubts that Taker will have the ability to make it really good. So I Was thinking, that it would be cool if they could combine these into one powerhouse tag match. Punk could involve himself in the developing HHH and Lesnar situation fairly easily and challenge HHH to find a partner to face the two of them. HHH is the one who said on RAW a few months ago, that we had not seen the last of the dead man, so it would be fitting to have him bring him back as his partner.After facing one another the last two years, and leaving with the show of respect, HHH and Taker could team up against Paul Heyman's guys. Taker would not have to carry the match and it would be cool to see him and Lesnar in the ring together. Personally I think this is a Wrestlemania magnitude match, much more than simple singles matches between the participants.

 

[King Patrick Star]

Yes!! Yes!! Yes!! I'd give you rep, but my iPhone won't let me. I'll be sure to do it tomorrow.

As for the match, this has to be the best idea for these 4. No rematch for Brock and HHH. Taker's lighter workload. Punk's involvement with Lesnar. Vince and Heyman could even be in the corners. Extra space for another match. The Streak having a Tag match (XIX was a Handicap match.) Al these points are positive and I can't think of one negative point for this brilliant idea.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

Not a good idea. From a business and fan perspective this is a huge letdown compared to the prospect of the rumored singles matches. This would be a cool Raw main event but people expect more from WM. Some reasons this is a bad idea:

1. The Streak - are we really supposed to excited for a The Streak match if The UT is going to be standing around for it? If he wins, it doesn't feel right and if he loses it seems cheap. Especially if HHH is involved in the pinfall.

2. Chemistry - you can't tell me these guys are going to compete together like The Hardys or Road Warriors. Are we really going to have HHH get beat down for 10 minutes and make a hot tag to The UT? He's not exactly going to be able to keep up the momentum that is meant to be created by a hot tag.

3. Storyline - I know The UT is Mr. Backstage leader but I don't see him coming to HHH's aid in order to defend McMahon's honor. That's hardly The UT's character. And Punk and Lesnar are supposed to be some type of cohesive unit. Two ego maniacs agree to team. Punk goes from "long reigning champ" to "wrestling God" to "part of Team Heyman". I'm not a huge Punk fan and I think it's a huge insult to him and especially his character.

4. Money - this is going to turn people off. Rock/Cena II is already pissing some people off. This may turn them away.

5. The Unknown - WM is still a month away. You really don't know how well HHH/Lesnar will build or The UT's condition (or even if Punk/UT is going to be on the card). Give it some time.

Dear Vince McMahon,

I know you read this website constantly while downloading Asian scat porn. If you book this match I promise that I won't watch WM. If The UT can't go in a singles bout he should stay off the card.

Hugs and Kisses,
George Steele's Barber

 

[Y 2 Jake]

1. The Streak - are we really supposed to excited for a The Streak match if The UT is going to be standing around for it? If he wins, it doesn't feel right and if he loses it seems cheap. Especially if HHH is involved in the pinfall.

Solution #1 - Undertaker makes the pinfall.

2. Chemistry - you can't tell me these guys are going to compete together like The Hardys or Road Warriors. Are we really going to have HHH get beat down for 10 minutes and make a hot tag to The UT? He's not exactly going to be able to keep up the momentum that is meant to be created by a hot tag.

Undertaker is losing it. WWE have promoted him as not being the man he was for the past two Manias. It should be him who get's beat down for ten minutes.

3. Storyline - I know The UT is Mr. Backstage leader but I don't see him coming to HHH's aid in order to defend McMahon's honor. That's hardly The UT's character.

'Taker & Triple H showed their love and respect for each other at the end of the Cell match last year. That seems like a good enough reason for him to come out and aid HHH. McMahon was saved by Triple H last week. His role in the story could easily end now.

And Punk and Lesnar are supposed to be some type of cohesive unit. Two ego maniacs agree to team. Punk goes from "long reigning champ" to "wrestling God" to "part of Team Heyman". I'm not a huge Punk fan and I think it's a huge insult to him and especially his character.

Punk has also lost on the past two PPV matches in a row. Didn't compete at TLC, Won with the help of The Shield on the two PPVs before that. He'd also lose to Undertaker. This match would add other elements to The Streak. Lesnar is incredibly dangerous, Punk had a year long title reign and for 6 months of it he didn't win with just his skill alone, Triple H can lose 'Taker's streak for him, etc.

Punk would also surely be presented as an equal to all the other part timers.

4. Money - this is going to turn people off. Rock/Cena II is already pissing some people off. This may turn them away.

It's a bigger match than Lesnar vs. HHH and Undertaker vs. Punk are individulally. And with Rock vs. Cena, if you have HHH vs. Lesnar you've got two matches which are solely there so the previous loser can avenge their loss. People are going to buy this show anyway

 

[George Steele's Barber]

Solution #1 - Undertaker makes the pinfall.

That would be fine, but I expect more from Mania than fine.

Undertaker is losing it. WWE have promoted him as not being the man he was for the past two Manias. It should be him who get's beat down for ten minutes.

1. Do you believe everything WWE tells us?
2. Before the Tout, I haven't heard WWE mention The UT on Raw in a long time. Where is this promotion coming from?
3. How low of an opinion do you have of The Streak and The UT's legacy to allow yourself to watch The UT get a chance to make a timeout in order to preserve both?

'Taker & Triple H showed their love and respect for each other at the end of the Cell match last year. That seems like a good enough reason for him to come out and aid HHH. McMahon was saved by Triple H last week. His role in the story could easily end now.

Except most of the previous 20 years consisted of The UT being this cold, dark, ominous character who did things his own way. Yes, he had a soft moment last year and it would have been a nice moment to go out on. But if he is going to get out there again he needs to maintain his demonic demeanor not become some washed up version of Corporation/Ministry UT.

But almost as importantly, do you really expect these guys to put on an entertaining tag match?

Punk has also lost on the past two PPV matches in a row. Didn't compete at TLC, Won with the help of The Shield on the two PPVs before that.

And he put on a masterpiece on Monday against the top guy in the business and continues to be over. But more importantly his character is one that acts like it is 6' 6" and 300 lbs. He has way too high of an opinion of himself and has accomplished too much over the past two years to relegate himself to a tag match at Mania.

He'd also lose to Undertaker.

Says you, the same guy who assumes The UT is in rough shape. The same UT that may be be coming back regardless of his shape to help the company and set a good example by doing the right thing and dropping The Streak to a guy that deserves the accolade and heat for ending The Streak.

This match would add other elements to The Streak. Lesnar is incredibly dangerous, Punk had a year long title reign and for 6 months of it he didn't win with just his skill alone, Triple H can lose 'Taker's streak for him, etc.

You just answered my question regarding your opinion on The Streak. You have about as much respect for it as others have for Ben Johnson's sprinting records, Michael Strahan's sack record, and Lance Armstrong's Tour victories.

Punk would also surely be presented as an equal to all the other part timers.

As well he should, even if he's not on their level. But since he is the only one out there working regularly he has fit in and look good. This match does nothing for him. Someone has to take the pin here. Taking the pin in a tag match at Mania is for Zack Ryder, not any of the four in this match. It is so anti-climatic.

It's a bigger match than Lesnar vs. HHH and Undertaker vs. Punk are individulally.

A tag match? Are you Teddy Long? Tell me about some of the other huge thrown together tag-team matches in Mania history that don't have Mr. T.

And with Rock vs. Cena, if you have HHH vs. Lesnar you've got two matches which are solely there so the previous loser can avenge their loss. People are going to buy this show anyway

But not as many if you make this a tag match. The Streak has more drawing power than you think. Best I know The UT won't be around past Mania. This is Vince's one chance to make money off of him. Why waste it on a tag match?

This is Teddy Long level booking. Fine for a SD main event but no place at Mania.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

That would be fine, but I expect more from Mania than fine.

"Fine" is exactly how I'd describe a bunch or rematches and a hastily thrown together Undertaker/Punk match.

1. Do you believe everything WWE tells us?

I believe most things WWE have shown us. Namely that Undertaker isn't the force he used to be. It's approaching three years, when Kane destroyed him after his return at SummerSlam, that WWE have promoting him as a spent force.

3. How low of an opinion do you have of The Streak and The UT's legacy to allow yourself to watch The UT get a chance to make a timeout in order to preserve both?

A match in which Undertaker is dominated yet snatches victory from the jaws of defeat wouldn't be anything new.

Except most of the previous 20 years consisted of The UT being this cold, dark, ominous character who did things his own way. Yes, he had a soft moment last year and it would have been a nice moment to go out on.

Yes, last year would've been the perfect ending for him. However he's apparently having another match. One with no real reason for happening. So what happens this year? Does Punk beating him down for a prolonged amount of time work? Should it be a very even a straight forward match? Or should Undertaker dominate Punk?

But almost as importantly, do you really expect these guys to put on an entertaining tag match?

Yes. Why wouldn't they? Despite his age, Undertaker has proven that he can still go. Triple & Lesnar have put on entertaining matches in the few they've had in recent times and Punk has consistently been one of WWE's best workers for years now.

And he put on a masterpiece on Monday against the top guy in the business and continues to be over. But more importantly his character is one that acts like it is 6' 6" and 300 lbs. He has way too high of an opinion of himself and has accomplished too much over the past two years to relegate himself to a tag match at Mania.

The way I see it is that this tag match would be the 2nd biggest match on the card and possibly more anticipated that Cena/Rock. A singles match between the Undertaker & Punk would likely be the third biggest match on the card due to their being less history/less build than Cena/Rock & HHH/Lesnar.

Says you, the same guy who assumes The UT is in rough shape.

I'm basing everything on how Undertaker has been promoted in his previous two matches and his feud with Kane. I think The Undertaker has the ability to make in to 25-0 should he chose.

The same UT that may be be coming back regardless of his shape to help the company and set a good example by doing the right thing and dropping The Streak to a guy that deserves the accolade and heat for ending The Streak.

Nobody should end The Streak.

You just answered my question regarding your opinion on The Streak. You have about as much respect for it as others have for Ben Johnson's sprinting records, Michael Strahan's sack record, and Lance Armstrong's Tour victories.

Those examples are lost on me, but I respect The Streak. I apprecaite that it's a massive WrestleMania draw and that it's an eagerly anticipated part of the show. However people get too precious about it. People think that for some reason the streak can't be defended in a tag match. That's despite one match ending in a DQ and one being a handicap match.

Hey, the outcome ofhe match is never in doubt. The only thing WWE can do each year is try to promote the biggest match they can, the match that should be of the highest quality possible and one that almost makes you think that the Undertaker might lose.

As well he should, even if he's not on their level. But since he is the only one out there working regularly he has fit in and look good. This match does nothing for him. Someone has to take the pin here. Taking the pin in a tag match at Mania is for Zack Ryder, not any of the four in this match. It is so anti-climatic.

I don't see what a singles match against the Undertaker does for him. He won't be harmed by the loss, but becoming another Undertaker victim won't elevate him. Subsequent matches against 'Taker in which Punk could gain some measure of revenge might, but as a one-on-one match in which the outcome won't be in doubt, it doesn't benefit him.

A tag match? Are you Teddy Long? Tell me about some of the other huge thrown together tag-team matches in Mania history that don't have Mr. T.

Can't think of one. But WWE has had thrown together main events before that've worked. WWE had a great 2000 despite a hastily thrown together 4-Way main event, The Rock/Hogan only happened because Austin didn't want the match, I don't think HBK was originally intended to be in the main event of Mania XX.

Also in recent years WWE have presented multi-man matches involving their biggest stars, in world title matches, that basically meant nothing. Cena vs. Edge vs. Big Show & Cena vs. Orton vs. HHH spring to mind.

But not as many if you make this a tag match. The Streak has more drawing power than you think. Best I know The UT won't be around past Mania. This is Vince's one chance to make money off of him. Why waste it on a tag match?

I'd propose that the Undertaker's first match in a year will make money anyway. I'd also propose that a match involving Lesnar, with the possibility that he could lose The Streak would make it an even bigger draw.

This is Teddy Long level booking. Fine for a SD main event but no place at Mania.

That would be a very successful edition of Smackdown.