WM 29: The Undertaker vs. CM Punk [Streak Match]

[Wolver]

My Idea for the Undertaker vs Cm Punk lead up!

Week 1:*

CM Punk gets in the ring and talks about how he proved that he's the MainEvent and that he deserves to be in Wrestlemania as he's the best in the world and above all an Icon who lives among legends. Vickie or Vince interrupt he/she says that "since you have been impressive lately and an important figure, I will give you a chance tonight, when you go one on one against Wade Barrett for the IC title, if you win you will be part of wrestlemania. Punk looks disgust and trying to avoid to what just happened. He shouts and says "I deserve better" without a mic of course.*

Match: a 18 min match. Ref is down in last 2 min which was gonna end with Punk winning but the lights went off and opened again and it shows Punk laying down in the middle of the ring and Wade takes advantage, ref wakes up and he retains. Taker is behind this but it will not show.

Week 2: Punk is backstage angry goes to Vince or Vickie and says "what happened last week was unfair and I want another chance and if you don't give me another chance I will quit". Vince or Vickie says "Punk.... you're too valuable for us in WWE, So, I will give you another chance by going one on one against Antonio Cesaro for the US title, Punk looks at Vince or Vickie angry for the fact that it's disrespectful to let a guy like him a maineventer go for a Midcard title. *Vince or Vickie says "well you already failed in your chances against Cena and Barrett, this is not my fault, you keep loosing" Punk shows his angry face expression and went to get ready.*

Match: 14 min match. Punk was also gonna get the pin but this time Taker shows up, the lights shows and Punk straight away takedown Taker to the corner knees him to the chest and face, gets him up and pushes him to the corner post, Taker turns around Punk puts him in a GTS and then gets out of the ring, but Taker does his kip up, Punk shows his epic face expression and straight away goes to grab a chair under the ring and runs to Taker by hitting him in the chest, then Punk places the chair to Takers neck and does the GTS, then he takes off the chair from his neck, and does what Takers do when he pins his opponents (the Tombstone Piledriver), fans will count 1... 2... 3 and Punk then looks at the sign of WM and grabs a mic and says "Oh, I'm not stupid Underaker, I knew it was you last week and I tricked you this week to show up, so that I can kick your ass", Punk looks at his left hand and says time is clicking which hes referring to WM.*

So, now Punk looks strong and believable for the WM match. Which the casual mostly can buy in to him and the match.

Week 3:*
Paul opens the show talks about how his guys will make him proud in WrestleMania and that he knows they are the best, etc. Suddenly Paul Bearer shows up and he has some words for Heymen, so they exchange words but it ends up in a brawl between them, Punk interrupts helps Heymen and Punk than calls out Taker, light goes off and then on, Taker big boot Punk and holds Paul Heymen for a chokeslam, but Lesnar music hits gets in the ring, Taker goes for the takedown but Lesnar turns around and has the little advantage until Triple H shows up and they all end up in a brawl, Taker goes to Punk to take the upper hand, Triple H takes a little upper hand on lesnar and both Punk and Lesnar get to go out of it, looking at both Taker and Triple H. Vince interrupts announces a 2 on 2 tag match for later on in the mainevent.*

Mainevent time: 16 min in ring match. The last two will be Punk and Triple H, Triple h was going for the Pedigree, *Lesnar does a lariat to the back of Trips, Taker clothesline Lesnar to outside the ring, Punk goes on to Triple H for a GTS, but he reverse to a pedigree *position, Lesnar distract him, Punk finally reverse it to a GTS, and wins 1... 2 ... 3, Punk straight away gets outside the ring, Taker gets in walks forward and shows Punk the RIP sign, turns around and Lesnar F5 him. The people who says but he's not feuding with him, yeah, but Lesnar character is to destroy everyone who gets in his path. So, that at least he looks strong even after loosing to Triple H in WM, which is so obvious.*

So,*Punk finally gets his win back from Triple H (from the NOC 11)

Week 4:*
This week, both Taker and Punk will be in a beat the clock challenge to which decide who choses the stipulation. You know to get Taker ready a little bit after being out for a whole year.*

So, Punk goes against I don't know maybe Bryan or Mysterio. So, Punk beats whether Mysterio or Bryan in a 6 or 7 min match.

As for Taker he goes against whether Wade Barrett or Damian Sandow. To give them some spotlight. He will win in a 8 min match after being distracted by Punk.*

So, Punk gets to chose: Maybe a No DQ or a 2 out of 3 falls which I think will be perfect because Punk will be the first guy to ever pin Taker in WM, twice a night but still loses of course.

Week 5:*
A promo between both they will talk whatever they were gonna talk about, but in the end, it ends with Taker destroying Punk.*Which will add a buzz, because it's known before to many fans who get the conclusion that who ever ends a brawl before a PPV, that means he will loose. So, this will add to the unpredictability for the match.*

I hope their match in WM be epic and come close to a 5 star match. I feel like, this will be the match of the night.

So, I hope you guys liked it. I know it will not happen, but I just felt like it.

 

[Spencesc11]

I would be in favor of a tag match

Team Heyman (Punk and Lesnar) vs. Team McMahon (HHH and Taker)
* This would be fresh and the fact that Taker's streak could end without him even being pinned would have some drama....

 

[I Heart Cena]

I would be in favor of a tag match

Team Heyman (Punk and Lesnar) vs. Team McMahon (HHH and Taker)
* This would be fresh and the fact that Taker's streak could end without him even being pinned would have some drama....

I would hate to see the best in the world thrown into a tag match at Mania.

He deserves to end the streak. He's the best in the business today, and it's a damn shame he's not in the main event.

 

[thebarber]

a 2 out of three falls match is a great idea, have Punk get a pinfall over Taker during the match showing how human Taker has become. Obviously Taker wins the third and final fall, but Undertaker is 21-0, but people can still remember and Punk then can brag about being the first guy to pin Undertaker at Mania. The build up I wasnt too fussed on, but the 2 out of 3 falls I like alot

 

[BeWater]

I'm with thebarber in loving the 2 out of 3 falls idea, because like he stated getting say the second pin over Taker while losing the match ultimately would give Punk bragging rights no other superstar has ever achieved while Taker's streak is pretty much still in place.

 

[HBKistheHOF]

Not a terrible idea but I see several problems with your booking.

1st - I don't think there is ANY way we get Lesnar or Undertaker wrestling a match on TV before Mania.
2nd - If Punk vs. Taker does indeed happen, I don't think it will have a match stipulation besides The Streak being on the line & ESPECIALLY not 2 out of 3 falls.
3rd - I don't see anyway WWE let's ANYONE just beat the crud out of Taker in this day & age, let alone I don't know if Taker could handle all that punishment before his Mania match.

While I don't hate the idea, I don't think WWE will get other stories & superstars involved & I think your being way too optimistic about how much Taker will appear & be active prior to be Mania.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

After Taker's return last night and CM Punk's win in the main event of the show, Taker vs. Punk is now officially set.

On the surface, one automatically has to assume that Taker is going over in what will be a great match. At the same time, given what everyone knows regarding Taker's overall physical condition, you have to wonder if Taker feels that it's time. During a promo for the build to one of his matches against Triple H, can't remember which one exactly, Taker said "if the streak dies, I die". So, to me at least, that gives me the impression that the streak will end at some point in time when Taker decides to hang up his boots completely.

We've all read the reports over the past few months talking about how badly Taker is hurting more than ever before, about his various injuries and how there was serious doubt as to whether or not he was even going to compete in WrestleMania this year. I can't say for sure, of course, but, again to me, it's enough to make me wonder if they're going to pull the plug on the streak. Couple that with Punk's ability, how over he is, that he's the longest reigning singles champion in WWE for a generation and the build for this match in the weeks to come; there's more legit reason to think the streak MIGHT or COULD end this year than ever.

 

[hatehabsforever]

All due respect to CM Punk, but I simply cannot fathom that he will ultimately be the one to end the streak. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of Punk, but I simply don't think that he's the guy to accomplish what so many others before him have been unable to do. I see a very entertaining, competitive, physical matchup between the two of them, and some absolute gold in the lead up to the match, but at the end of the day, I just don't see Punk as being the guy to end what is arguably the biggest accolade in WWE. If HBK, Triple H, and others were not deemed to be the one, I'm not seeing Punk being given this ultimate vote of confidence by WWE and by Taker himself.

It can be argued to death (no pun intended) about whether or not anyone should end the streak. Personally, I don't believe that anyone should, but that's just my own opinion. Ultimately, Undertaker is an old school guy who will honor the traditions of the business, so he may consent to allowing the streak to end. I am of the opinion that only one guy in the company has the longevity, the stature, and has earned the right to be the one to end the streak, but he'll be busy winning the WWE Championship against the Rock at this year's Wrestlemania. I wouldn't be shocked, however, to see Cena do the deed at WM next year.

I hold to the prediction I have always maintained. Cena versus Taker at Wrestlemania next year, with Taker winning an extremely close match, coming closer than ever to losing the streak, and in doing so, he wins his final Wrestlemania match and keeps the streak alive. They have a rematch at Survivor Series later that year, and Cena defeats the Undertaker in a Casket Match, and he's never seen in a WWE ring again.

All of this being said, CM Punk is not going to get the job done this year. Close, but no cigar in my opinion.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

When it comes to the question of whether or not CM Punk will break Undertaker's streak, all I can say is cue Vince McMahon's music. NO CHANCE. NO CHANCE IN HELL.

It's not going to happen despite what the IWC and all the Punk marks are going to think. There is a 0% chance of it happening in fact.

For one, from a marketing angle, if Undertaker retires undefeated, WWE will be able to sell STREAK merchandise (DVDs, shirts, etc) FOREVER. The steak will live on in WWE history forever. If it's 20-1, Punk (a guy who is not getting any younger) will get a major rub, biggest rub ever for a year or so and then 20-1 will get old and WWE will have to move on from it.

Secondly, I think WWE knows a lot more than they're letting on about Taker's physical condition. If they thought to a high certainty that this would be his final match, then they would have made the storylines work for John Cena to fight the Undertaker. Last night in his promo with The Rock, Cena said he's done everything in WWE and the last thing he needs to do is beat The Rock. He will use that same line next year and say the last thing he, John Cena, needs to do is do what no one else has ever done, beat The Undertaker at WM. So, that match will happen at next year's WM. I can't see the streak ending with John Cena, the face of the company, having never fought The Undertaker at Wrestlemania.

Finally, Undertaker doesn't have to lose, to "die." Remember when he couldn't leave on his own power after fighting Triple H. He can still win and then "die." After next year when he beats Cena, I think he'll be so "badly beaten" that the lights will go out, the druids will come down to the ring with a casket, load him in, the casket in the ring, then there will be a "lightning bolt" and puff of smoke and when the lights come back on, he'll be gone. Something like that is easy enough to do. Undertaker dies but the streak lives on forever.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

All of this being said, CM Punk is not going to get the job done this year. Close, but no cigar in my opinion.

I wonder if Punk will tap out. If I remember correctly, didn't Trips tap out to Taker once, at WM. If they made Trips do it, they can definitely make Punk do it, even though he won't be happy.

I think maybe Punk goes for the GTS, hits it, Taker kicks out, then he goes for another GTS, Taker reverses it into a tombstone, Punk kicks out on 2. Then Punk goes for his submission move but Taker gets him in the triangle choke move and Punk taps out.

 

[D-Man]

Let me start by saying that there is absolutely no possible way that Punk will win this match. Good, I'm glad I got that out of the way.

Now, onto the positives about the match...

First of all, this will be an incredibly hyped match. With Punk's gift of the gab, the guy could promote the next coming of Jesus and 80% of the audience would believe Jesus would rise at Wrestlemania. That's how gifted Punk is on the microphone. So, for every NON-smark out there, Punk just might convince a lot of them that he could actually win. His verbal promotion will draw a lot of PPV buys, right out of the gate.

Secondly, expect a fantastic match, no matter the result. HBK and Triple H have had classic, fantastic matches with the Taker over the past four years. And these matches happened even with all of the bullshit rumors about how "injured" he was and how "unhealthy" his body has been. I know that everyone has heard recent rumors about Taker's injuries, wear-and-tear and whatnot but let's be real here; does the guy EVER disappoint? I don't care how injured a human body can get over time. If you are only wrestling one match per year, you're more than healthy enough to put on a great match for one night (unless your name is Hulk Hogan.) And when that match is with a guy like CM Punk, you're in for a classic.

I, for one, will not be fooled by the BS rumors about Taker's "deteriorating health." I honestly think that, just like the past four years, this match will steal the show and leave every other match in the dust.

And I will be there for it. HAHAHAAHAH!!!!

 

[Diet Soda]

[YOUTUBE]e1cYC5A9G-I[/YOUTUBE]

It's funny, how much Punk has grown as a performer in the few short years since his last feud with the Undertaker over the World Heavyweight Championship.

Alas, I think the matches will be incredibly similar. Punk will dominate most of the match, working the legs, keeping Taker on the mat, submissions-are-us, Taker will eventually counter and hit his big impact moves, kick-out after kick-out after kick-out, Tombstone, go home. It's a tried and tested formula, and only a fool would bet on Punk winning.

Besides, if they're playing up Taker being passed his best-before date, then how big will the victory really be for Punk if he did win the Streak? Moreover, Punk couldn't beat the Undertaker (clean) when Taker was experiencing a second peak, so would Punk losing to a withered, unhealthy, beer belly Taker make Punk look weak?

Regardless, I have no doubt this will be one to look forward to, the build will be immensely exciting, and I hope that the Undertaker is a bit more vocal in his appearances so he can verbally spar with Punk. Whether it's going to be Phil Brooks versus Mark Calaway is yet to be seen, but it's certainly one way of running it: "You're not a phenom anymore, you're just a man, I'm the second coming, best in the world, better than you, etc., etc."

But most of all, we're deep down looking forward to seeing for ourselves whether or not the rumours of Taker's poor condition are true, if they're just hyperbole spread by the internet, and if Taker can still put on a classic despite not working a match for a year.

 

[Poop Master Flex]

Jesus has a better shot of becoming a wrestler and ending the streak than CM Punk does, NO WAY Punk ends it.

Regardless I think Punk will give Taker the best match in terms of quality. Even though I knew for a long time HHH vs. Lesnar and CM Punk vs. Taker was the direction I think Lesnar would have been the better choice for the streak match, well there's always next year I guess.

Anyways it should be a good ride and good match. I don't see anything but a fantastic buildup and match coming our way over the next 4 weeks and considering the ending is written in stone I can't expect anything more than that.

 

[bigbear84]

This match is a joke. We are suppose to believe that cm punk has a shot at beating the Undertaker? He has lost to John Cena and the Rock twice in his last three big matches. Personally I would have liked to see the Rock hand over the title after Rumble in exchange for a shot at the streak.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

This match is a joke. We are suppose to believe that cm punk has a shot at beating the Undertaker? He has lost to John Cena and the Rock twice in his last three big matches. Personally I would have liked to see the Rock hand over the title after Rumble in exchange for a shot at the streak.

Yeah...that makes absolutely ZERO sense whatsoever. For ANYONE to try to trade in the WWE Championship for a shot at the streak would be akin to wiping your ass with title. As big as Taker's streak has become, there is NOTHING in a wrestling company that should be bigger for anyone than being a World Champion.

So you'd rather see The Rock, a guy that's only in to be a special attraction at certain times of the year & is off being a movie star the rest of the time, go after the streak? I like The Rock, always have but, to me personally as a fan, it's enough that they ended Punk's 14 month run as champ in order to give Rock a vanity reign that will almost surely end at WrestleMania.

Taker vs. Rock would probably draw but, frankly, I'd rather see someone take on Taker, win or lose, that has something to gain out of the match. The Rock is already a guaranteed Hall of Famer, movie star, multi-time WWE Champion.

 

[Барбоса]

Personally, I am not expecting a classic between these two.

Sure, Punk will talk a good game in the build up and certainly deserves his place in what is the second biggest match on the card. But for all of his excellent matches with Cena and good outings with others, there are still a few that Punk does not have chemistry with - I would place the Rock in that bracket and I fear that the Undertaker might be in there too.

Because of that, I do not think we are in for a match the calibre of HHH/Taker or HBK/Taker, which will make it something of a let down given that we have come to expect something epic from the Streak matches over the last 5-6 years.

The most we could probably hope for is a match on the level of Orton/Taker or even Flair/Taker with the wily Punk somehow surviving the Deadman's arsenal (perhaps even employing the Shield to keep the theme of the Undertaker's Streak being something truly supernatural) only to eventually succumb to Hell's Gate or the Tombstone.

This year, the Streak match will be more about the build up than it will be about the actual match; perhaps with an undercurrent of Taker putting Punk over as much as possible without losing.

 

[Coco]

I've seen some grumbling about last night's build being weak. Counterpoint: Michaels started the build to WM25 in similar fashion, and it led to a great feud and what I would call one of the best matches I've ever seen the WWE produce. Let things play out, people.

In regards to the quality of the match itself, I'm not sure what to expect. The 2010 feud didn't give much of an indication of the chemistry the two have with one another. I saw the potential for greatness, yet the matches weren't long enough to tell us anything concrete. But this being Mania, I'm sure all questions will be answered in that regard. So colour me interested.

The result seems to be obvious. Yet I know I'll be spending all my time between now and April 7 twisting myself into knots, imagining scenarios in which Punk wins this match and is officially handed the reigns as WWE resident respected legend demi-god. Punk's my favourite wrestler, and I still respond to him in a way you'd call "marky." Hopefully the build gets the rest of the WWE Universe as on-edge and excited as I know I'll be for this match.

One last thing I'll say for now is that I hope this match closes the show. For starters, it'll add a greater air of jeopardy and danger to the match, causing people to question the result. And beyond that, I think with the right build it can easily be seen as the biggest match on the show. Simply put, it's pitting the man who's dominated the WWE for well over a year and a half against the man with the prominent, much talked about WrestleMania undefeated streak. While Cena and Rock are undoubtedly going to up the intensity from their confrontation last year, I think Punk vs Taker in 2013 stinks of a main event match. Given Punk's grumblings about never having been in the Mania main event, I think gifting him this closing spot will breed a greater brand loyalty in one of WWE's few legitimate main events. If anything, I'd like to see this match serve to strengthen Punk's ties to the organization and make him consider pushing off retirement a little longer.

Bottom line: I'm excited. In my book, this is the main event.

 

[SSJPhenom]

OMG, I FINALLY AGREE WITH YOU!!!

I've seen some grumbling about last night's build being weak. Counterpoint: Michaels started the build to WM25 in similar fashion, and it led to a great feud and what I would call one of the best matches I've ever seen the WWE produce. Let things play out, people.

I completely agree with this point. Especially when you take into consideration Punk's ability on the mic and 'Taker's presence. The build up and story shouldn't be that hard to get interested in at all.

In regards to the quality of the match itself, I'm not sure what to expect. The 2010 feud didn't give much of an indication of the chemistry the two have with one another. I saw the potential for greatness, yet the matches weren't long enough to tell us anything concrete. But this being Mania, I'm sure all questions will be answered in that regard. So colour me interested.

I know some people believe that Punk has always been as good as he is right now, but that's not the case. Punk is leaps and bounds beyond what he was in 2010. He's better on the mic, he's better in the ring, and he has a better/more interesting character. I'm sure that their match at Mania will be another classic Streak match. I don't think that Punk or 'Taker will accept anything less.

The result seems to be obvious. Yet I know I'll be spending all my time between now and April 7 twisting myself into knots, imagining scenarios in which Punk wins this match and is officially handed the reigns as WWE resident respected legend demi-god. Punk's my favourite wrestler, and I still respond to him in a way you'd call "marky." Hopefully the build gets the rest of the WWE Universe as on-edge and excited as I know I'll be for this match.

I don't think that the result is as obvious as one might think it is. This will be 'Taker's first opponent in the last 4 years that actually has something to gain from a win over him at Wrestlemania. HBK and HHH wouldn't really have gained anything from a win over 'Taker, however, a CM Punk win would would take him even higher than he is now. He's already the top heel in the WWE and the #2 guy behind Cena, but could you imagine the type of heat and respect his character would get with this win? I could actually see Punk winning this match. I don't think he will, but it's possible.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Punk was defeated twice by The Rock, couldn't defeat Ryback without assistance and can't beat Cena clean. Naturally he's now going to go into Mania and defeat The Undertaker and end The Streak.

Only he's not. Nobody ever will. And why should they really. I don't see how ending The Streak would benefit Punk to the point where it would be worth WWE using one of their biggest yearly draws.

I'm sure it'll be a fine match, but I don't have the confidence in Punk to have the same quality of match with 'Taker as HBK did (Y'know, 'cus he's a lesser worker) and I can't imagine they're going to book it like the previous two HHH bouts. I'm sure it'll be very good though. Three stars, like. I'd start the show with it. Kick the thing off with a bang.

 

[FlairFan2003]

I dont think The Streak will end now. I fully expect that it will prevail, unless maybe The Rock decides to return full time or maybe Cena-Nation goes over in Taker's last match. Frankly, the stage was set for The Streak to end last year. Triple H is certainly big enough. In terms of the opponents list of The Streak you would have to say he is either the 2nd or 3rd biggest name Taker has beaten behind Flair and maybe HBK. Add in Taker had beaten Trips twice, although just barely, it was the perfect set up to end The Streak and still allow Taker to save face. Great set up, great match, but once Taker prevailed I just cant see anyone ending it now. Add in the rushed, lackluster build (a bunch of guys rebounding from recent losses, all currently left off the WM card, angling for a Taker Match just to get on the show) I really dont see it ending this year.

Do I think they can salvage the build in the next few weeks ? Yes, if Taker makes regular appearances and even wrestles at least once. Maybe push the idea that Punk is furious he's been pushed aside by Rock & Cena, so he'll make the biggest splash on the show, make history, eclipse Rock, Cena, HHH-Lesnar, The Shield, et all, by ending The Streak, the proverbial thumb in the eye to the WWE Fan Base that hasnt been nearly as adoring of the longest title reign in 25 years but has a fascination, a merchandise driving love affair with The Streak. With great build maybe WWE can make it plausible that Punk can triumph. Regardless, Punk can deliver a good match so the entertainment factor will be high.

 

[Wolf Pac]

Of all the matches on the card, I'm looking forward to this one the most. I'm sure this will steal the show despite Taker's nagging injuries, it never stopped him from doing so before, doubt it will now. Does anybody see them doing some MMA in parts of the match? Anyway, I'd love to see Taker bring back Paul Bearer in his corner just for Wrestlemania only to counter Paul Heyman in Punk's corner. Also I see The Shield interfering in this one to try and help Punk end the streak, would love to see Kane run down to the ring and form a little Brothers Of Destruction reunion, and help Taker fend off The Shield. Actually they could build a feud off of that between The Shield and the BOD, and at Extreme Rules The Shield take on the Brothers in a 2-on-1 Handicap match, and they defeat em and re-injure Taker again, sending him packing again for another year. Would make the group look even more dangerous beating the BOD and taking out The Phenom. Whatever happens though, I'm excited for this one.

 

[Coco]

OMG, I FINALLY AGREE WITH YOU!!!

You say that. But I fear that some of the stuff you tacked on after quoting me misrepresents my thoughts. As such, this post is for those out there who may need clarification regarding my opinions.

I know some people believe that Punk has always been as good as he is right now, but that's not the case. Punk is leaps and bounds beyond what he was in 2010. He's better on the mic, he's better in the ring, and he has a better/more interesting character.

I disagree. I believe Punk has always been as good as he is right now. In fact, I'd say he's been better. In his SES days, he was a proper wrestling character. Now, he's essentially a self-indulgent extension of himself. That might be fun to watch, but I'd prefer a guy as talented as Punk aspire to something higher than that as a character.

The only reason people think Punk is better now is because he's on a bigger stage and has been for the last twenty months. He's been put in high profile match after high profile match in a way that's forced people to accept him in a way they didn't have to a few years ago. But he's not "better," in my opinion.

I'm sure that their match at Mania will be another classic Streak match. I don't think that Punk or 'Taker will accept anything less.

I'm sure both want a good match. But as I said in my last post, I'm not sure what we'll get.

This will be 'Taker's first opponent in the last 4 years that actually has something to gain from a win over him at Wrestlemania. HBK and HHH wouldn't really have gained anything from a win over 'Taker, however, a CM Punk win would would take him even higher than he is now. He's already the top heel in the WWE and the #2 guy behind Cena, but could you imagine the type of heat and respect his character would get with this win?

I don't believe any of that. I've come to accept that Taker's going to spend the rest of his career in "clash of the titans" level matches. As such, the guys he's facing aren't in need of much elevation. If someone's ending the streak, it's likely going to be a huge name.

Ending the streak will be an interesting angle for whoever does it, but it wouldn't be a much boost to Punk's star power. Punk is where he is, and I already feel he's on the HBK/Triple H level.

I'm happy you're thrilled to agree with me, Phenom. I just think I should make it clear that I'm not agreeing with everything you're saying, in spite of our shared excitement regarding the match.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

After a year long+ reign as WWE Champion and a feud with The Rock, Punk needed a high profiled match at Wrestlemania. Just throwing him in a random match in the middle of the card wouldn't have been good enough. Punk wrestling anyone besides a big name would've a been huge step backwards, so I'm glad he's going up against Taker for the streak.

Do I expect Punk to win this match? No, of course not. If Shawn and Triple H couldn't do it after two efforts (three for Triple H), then why should I believe in Punk having a chance? Randy Orton couldn't do it, Shawn couldn't do it, Edge couldn't do it, and Batista couldn't do it. Sorry, but if other high profiled stars, future and present Hall Of Famers, and multiple-time world champions couldn't end Taker's streak, then I have no real reason to believe in Punk having a shot.

With all that said, I'm still looking forward to the match. Punk and Taker have similar MMA-like styles that feature lots of striking, and submission holds. I expect a hard hitting match, but nothing matching the levels of brutality for Taker's matches with Triple H and Shawn. I honestly can't imagine Taker being able to handle those type of matches anymore. WWE giving him a test run at a house show is a red flag for concerns of his physical well-being. I don't expect to see anything tamed, but at the same time, I can't imagine Taker taking bumps on steel steps, taking chair shot after chair shot, and we might not see his annual Wrestlemania dive over the top rope this year.

I honestly don't know how WWE is going to build the feud between these two. I remember the odd build for their feud a few years ago, when Punk was the straightedge WHC. After dressing up as Jeff Hardy, Punk cut a promo talking about the fans using drugs to buy into Taker's supernatural act. It was just so awkward, and any chemistry between the two was non-existent. Oh well, I guess "I want to end the streak" is enough.

Taker goes 21-0 at Mania 29, and hopefully, Punk will move on to something meaningful after the big show.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

One last thing I'll say for now is that I hope this match closes the show. For starters, it'll add a greater air of jeopardy and danger to the match, causing people to question the result. And beyond that, I think with the right build it can easily be seen as the biggest match on the show. Simply put, it's pitting the man who's dominated the WWE for well over a year and a half against the man with the prominent, much talked about WrestleMania undefeated streak. While Cena and Rock are undoubtedly going to up the intensity from their confrontation last year, I think Punk vs Taker in 2013 stinks of a main event match. Given Punk's grumblings about never having been in the Mania main event, I think gifting him this closing spot will breed a greater brand loyalty in one of WWE's few legitimate main events. If anything, I'd like to see this match serve to strengthen Punk's ties to the organization and make him consider pushing off retirement a little longer.

Bottom line: I'm excited. In my book, this is the main event.

This, 100 times this. Punk and Taker need to go out early like HHH and Taker last year or last. Too much emotion and too many smarks for Rock and Cena to be able to get the most out of their match with recent memories of Punk and Taker killing one another.

This brings me back to an old idea I had. Much like Punk, Sheamus, Show and Orton competed for the right to take on Taker why not have Taker and Punk tag against Rock and Cena a couple of Raw's before Mania for the right to perform in the last match on the card? Or better yet make a four team single elimination tourney with HHH/Lesnar and Del Rio/Swagger for the spot. No one needs to loose their standing. All of the matches can be won by the losing team having the heel and face be unable to co-exist. Maybe Heyman orders Lesnar to take out HHH so Punk and Taker can move on. This gives Punk a chance to get a couple not-so-clean pins over HHH and Rock/Cena to win back some of his momentum. Plus it is a hell of a lot most interesting and worthwhile to watch than the 89th staredown, the 55th figure point to the WM sign, or the 26th "I Need This" speech.

Ultimately Punk and Taker get the top spot on the card. The match the NY and NJ smarks are going to be the most emotionally invested in (other than whateve DB is invloved in).

Good work Coco, now tell me I completely missed the point of you post and my idea is terrible.

 

[Coco]

This, 100 times this. Punk and Taker need to go out early like HHH and Taker last year or last. Too much emotion and too many smarks for Rock and Cena to be able to get the most out of their match with recent memories of Punk and Taker killing one another.

This brings me back to an old idea I had. Much like Punk, Sheamus, Show and Orton competed for the right to take on Taker why not have Taker and Punk tag against Rock and Cena a couple of Raw's before Mania for the right to perform in the last match on the card? Or better yet make a four team single elimination tourney with HHH/Lesnar and Del Rio/Swagger for the spot. No one needs to loose their standing. All of the matches can be won by the losing team having the heel and face be unable to co-exist. Maybe Heyman orders Lesnar to take out HHH so Punk and Taker can move on. This gives Punk a chance to get a couple not-so-clean pins over HHH and Rock/Cena to win back some of his momentum. Plus it is a hell of a lot most interesting and worthwhile to watch than the 89th staredown, the 55th figure point to the WM sign, or the 26th "I Need This" speech.

Ultimately Punk and Taker get the top spot on the card. The match the NY and NJ smarks are going to be the most emotionally invested in (other than whateve DB is invloved in).

Good work Coco, now tell me I completely missed the point of you post and my idea is terrible.

I don't think you missed the point of anything. I think you understand where I'm coming from. And I absolutely share the feeling that staredowns, pointing at signs, and the like aren't all there is to an "epic" feud.

That said, even though you explicitly state that your tag team idea is designed so that nobody loses any ground, I don't feel as though it would play out that way. I rarely feel wins and losses matter. But when you've created a scenario where attention is drawn to which Mania match is most important and should close the show, I believe you're attaching a stigma to the losers and their Mania match whether you intend to or not. Ideally, in my scenario, the match order is a detail that should seem natural on the night of the event, but not draw attention itself.

I hope that makes sense.