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

[scomvp316]

I am a huge Punk fan and think he should come the closest. After four GTS UT still kicks out and then UT on his second Tombstone that Tombstone should be from the second rope finally puts Punk away. After the match Punk shoves Heyman away and UT holds Punk's hand up to annoit the next big star. If anyone is to end the streak its not Cena cause he is nowhere near any merchandise records and the guy to end the streak is the greatest superstar of all-time SCSA

 

[Spinebreaker]

Only he's not. Nobody ever will. And why should they really.

A lot of people are saying this sort of thing... 'Taker himself has expressed that the streak SHOULD end, and that it should be used to put a younger gu over.

I'll have a search for the relevent interview...

I'm not suggesting it should end at 29 to Punk. But there's no shame in the streak ending, it's still epic, and it'll REALLY put someone over.

I don't doubt 'Taker's ability to put on a great match this year, or next. But he ain't REALLY undead...

I'd be massively surprised if 'Taker's not on the card for the big 3-oh.

 

[CrucifiedRaven]

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.

I agree, this match should close the show.

If the idea is to put Cena over The Rock in New York, they have to expect he'll get booed heavily. Perhaps that shouldn't go on last.

CM Punk vs The Undertaker could likely steal the show.. and maybe it will end it, as well.

But essentially, I agree here. This is the main event in my book. It's more interesting than Rock/Cena2. Even if it's just as predictable.

 

[HBsam31]

I am all for this match ending the show as Cena is going to get booed out of the building when he wins the title. Let this match happen last and send the crowd home happy. I am a person that thinks the streak should end, but I don't think it is going to be this year. The route that I wanted them to take, even though it wasn't really realistic, was for Punk to carry the title to Mania and have a title vs streak match. In that scenario I wanted Punk to end the streak. Now I just think he will come the closest yet, and earn the respect of The Undertaker. I expect this match to steal the show, and give us those holy shit moments we all look forward to where we think Taker might lose. Taker goes 21-0 and faces Cena next year in Taker's last Mania match.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

While I personally don't think it's likely that Punk will end the streak, I read a little something a few minutes ago that makes it seem possible.

The buzz of the day is the death of William Moody, AKA Paul Bearer. At PWTorch.com, there's an excerpt from an interview conducted with Moody in which Moody explains what he personally knows of Taker's feelings, and his feelings, towards Punk.

"C.M. Punk is a class act, and he's got it. "I didn't meet Punk until I went back for that six-month run (2010-2011). I had watched him on television, of course, but I had never met him in-person before.

I'll never forget myself, Undertaker, Big Show, and a couple of other guys standing over in the corner just shooting the breeze. C.M. Punk came walking by and Taker says, 'Percy, have you ever met Punk?' I said, 'No, I havent.' Taker called him over there and he's very, very respectful to our business and to me for having never met me before.

Taker introduced me to him and Taker's exact words to me were: 'Punk - he's one of us.' That was how I was introduced to C.M. Punk by The Undertaker. For him to say that about a talent, that just means everything in the world. And to say, 'He's one of us,' that just meant something to that little group that was there."

If the streak is ever ended, I believe it'll be ended by someone that The Undertaker himself chooses. Taker would be willing to put the guy over in a huge way, in my opinion, if he respected him as a person and as a pro wrestler.

Again, not saying that Punk will or anything. But if the streak does end, it'll be ended by someone Taker endorses.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

We all need to remember that this is a BUSINESS. $$$$ is the #1 thing that matters to Vince McMahon and the WWE. The Streak makes money and will make money into the foreseeable future (long after 'Taker is gone), 21-1 does not.

 

[Coco]

We all need to remember that this is a BUSINESS. $$$$ is the #1 thing that matters to Vince McMahon and the WWE. The Streak makes money and will make money into the foreseeable future (long after 'Taker is gone), 21-1 does not.

I'm of the belief that Undertaker DVDs will sell well regardless of whether or not the streak remains intact. It's why we've seen so many of them over the years. As such, why not take a swing at parleying the end of the streak into an angle that will make big money? If money is the concern, why not take that chance when the Undertaker brand is already strong without the streak?

 

[Big Nick Dudley]

Should be a good match. It will be more of a straight-up wrestling match, and I'm good with that.

Punk's losing. I'm starting to come around to the idea of Taker losing in his last WrestleMania match, but I don't believe that's happening this year. Punk doesn't need that. He's a heel, he's supposed to lose. Everyone should be good with that. If Taker's going to lose to someone, it should be Cena. Not because Cena needs it, but because Cena is the only babyface who wouldn't lose any fans over snapping the streak. Smarks already hate the man, so what's the difference?

This Mania is shaping up to be rather predictable... something I'm 100% fine with, and you should be as well.

 

[MCMG]

I am pumped for this. I have the smallest hope that Punk ends the streak. Not because I am a huge Punk fan, I am, but simply because I think it should end. They sold the importance of the streak brilliantly on Raw. Well done to the WWE for that.

Originally I thought this match didn't need the belt but it would be good. I liked them building on Punk's streak vs Taker's streak with one having to end at Mania.

This match will be great regardless. I hope they really invest in the build up. Make it confrontational and emotional. Make us believe that Punk will end the streak. I just can't see it happening. Taker will keep the streak running for one more year. Hopefully, his ability in the ring won't be affected by injury and they can put on a 5 star match.

 

[Diet Soda]

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..

When I first read this my thoughts were: "no way, Rock/Cena has to close the show because it's the WWE Championship; the title should always be given higher placing than the streak because the title is defended all year round whilst the Streak is just an annual marquee attraction."

But the more I ponder the thought, the more entertained I am by it. Mainly for the reason that I've highlighted in your post: if this match closes the show, it garners more build and more anticipation, and we'll start to wonder if the image of Punk standing triumphant over Taker's beaten body will be the iconic image of WM29.

Moreover, Rock/Cena seems to be a foregone conclusion: Cena's going to regain the title. If Cena is going to be booed out of the Metlife Stadium, like some folk are saying, fans are going to be leaving with a bitter aftertaste in their mouth that the last thing they saw at Wrestlemania was a result they saw coming a mile off. Unless of course WWE can pull off a huge swerve a la Austin and McMahon at WMX7.

Then again, if this closes the show and Undertaker wins, what have we as fans got to take away from it? Especially since Taker will again go into hibernation for another 11 months. It's a tricky one and I can't quite get my head around it.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

I'm of the belief that Undertaker DVDs will sell well regardless of whether or not the streak remains intact. It's why we've seen so many of them over the years. As such, why not take a swing at parleying the end of the streak into an angle that will make big money? If money is the concern, why not take that chance when the Undertaker brand is already strong without the streak?

How does the end of the streak make bigger money? Sure, that superstar sells a DVD of the match AND the WM DVD that year will sell like crazy because the streak is over BUT after a year, it will die out and then: 1) You lose the ability to have a "STREAK" match at the following year's wrestlemania 2) You lose the ability to market a DVD containing all of Undertaker's Wrestlemania wins (Probably called "the streak") or whatever 3) You lose the ability to ever market anything else "streak" related. NOBODY will carea about 21-1 or 22-1 or whatever it ends up being. It's short term (possible) gain vs. long term huge dollars.

 

[Coco]

Then again, if this closes the show and Undertaker wins, what have we as fans got to take away from it?

A more entertaining, dramatic match than they otherwise would have gotten. Isn't that enough?

How does the end of the streak make bigger money?

You use it to send the person in question on a monster heel run that pays off with a huge comeuppance down the road. Wrestling 101.

Sure, that superstar sells a DVD of the match AND the WM DVD that year will sell like crazy because the streak is over BUT after a year, it will die out and then: 1) You lose the ability to have a "STREAK" match at the following year's wrestlemania 2) You lose the ability to market a DVD containing all of Undertaker's Wrestlemania wins (Probably called "the streak") or whatever 3) You lose the ability to ever market anything else "streak" related. NOBODY will carea about 21-1 or 22-1 or whatever it ends up being. It's short term (possible) gain vs. long term huge dollars.

I've never believed that you need the streak to sell Taker DVDs or Mania. I don't think there's any loss here.

 

[CyberPunk]

I am a huge Undertaker fan, I've always been. I've always looked forward to the streak match for last 5 years, including this year. And now that Punk's part of it (look at my Sig), I am looking forward to this match even more.

While I don't think Punk will win, I've always believed that at some point, streak will end. May be this year, may be next, may be later. But it will end. Win or loss, Taker is a legend. No one can take that away from him. It would really not matter to Taker is streak ends. Mark has been one of the greatest when it comes to being loyal and doing what is best for business. If he thinks that his streak should end, I am not sure who or what can stop that from happening.

Taker isn't getting any younger and he has always expressed his desire to put someone over at Wrestlemania. And if Taker wants it, I am not sure Vince will get in his way. Because if Vince respects someone more than anybody, that is Undertaker. Who else could be given the liberty to wrestle only once a year at the biggest event of the year? And I don't know how Taker's loss could diminish any DVD sales or hamper any money making opportunities? He is Undertaker damn it. His name would always be a draw and Vince will always find a way to make money off him.

Well, I am pumped for this match. I don't care who wins. I am anticipating a memorable build and an amazing match.

 

[slothmister]

I am going to go out on a limb and say the streak ends this year!!!

I am only about 5% that the streak will end with 95% being that UT wins, but Vince knows his boat is sinking, ratings are down, murchandise selling is down, live events are no longer always sold out. He is a VERY good businessman and the WWE needs something to give it a bit of a kick. Something to bring back the fans and sales again.

His options are simply, bring back the attitude era (which, unfortunatly, is not going to happen) or start surprising us!!!

99% of fans expect UT to win, the streak to continue but if Punk wins then we will all be left speachless and wonder what else is going to happen. Make Cena turn heal by cheating to beat The Rock and we could be starting a brand new era!

 

[cult_of_icecream_bar]

Actually it's the only WM29 Main Event that i don't care about.No,not because the result is predictable.The reason is Punk doesn't have the momentum any more.After losing TWO matches in a row against a part timer,Punk doesn't look credible enough to face Undertaker in his own playground.Also how can Punk vs Taker even come close to what we've seen in the last 4 years.This match is going to be lackluster.On a sidenote,this should not be closing the event.

 

[Mustang Sally]

If (Undertaker) thinks that his streak should end, I am not sure who or what can stop that from happening.

I dislike speculating on politics, but need to ask: How much power does Phil Brooks truly hold in the organization?

Not kayfabe power, but real power.

Since the Summer of Punk, it's been impossible to tell how much of his ranting is real, or not. When he swore he was "almost out the door" of WWE, I figured it was hype: after all, where does he go to get the notoriety he felt he deserved? TNA? Japan? High school gyms in West Virginia? If he was so dissatisfied, he could exercise his revenge by leaving, but what does he do for a living after that?

Still, Brooks insisted he was leaving, and if it was true, I wonder what WWE had to do to keep him. The company has surely catered to the man in the past 1 1/2 years, no? They've even kept John Cena down (for storyline purposes) in order to boost Punk.

I bring this up because I figure the only possible way Punk beats Undertaker at WM29 is if it's contractually stipulated; something that Punk is insisting on.

You could respond by saying that after he signed his contract with WWE, he's subject to whatever they want to do with him, but I'd answer by pointing to the "creative control" stipulations past superstars have had in their contracts. Is Punk a big enough force to have earned that? Could he actually invoke his contract and force a win over anyone he wants? Could he?

I don't know the answer to any of this but feel that......all things being equal..... if Undertaker were to end his streak against someone, C.M. Punk wouldn't be the one. From a "star" perspective, Punk just isn't a big enough presence to merit it.......not nearly. Not against 'Taker.

What kind of contract did Brooks sign in 2011? How far did Vince McMahon really go to keep him as an attraction? Has the last 1 1/2 years simply been a "Phil Brooks Love-in?" in terms of who's calling the shots?

One way or the other, while I wouldn't mind seeing 'Taker's streak end, I'm hopeful that even at this juncture of his career, the loss wouldn't come to C.M. Punk.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

Stop! Please stop, everyone! Seems like people are bending over backwards to figure out ways how Punk is going to beat The Undertaker. IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. This is not a diss on Punk. NOBODY HAS BEATEN THE GUY AT WRESTLEMANIA AND CM PUNK WON'T EITHER. You honestly think WWE is going to throw away the streak without Undertaker having ever faced Cena at Wrestlemania? Come on..... Rock has a better chance of retaining against Cena at WM (which we know is not going to happen) than Punk, or anyone, does of beating 'Taker at this Wrestlemania. It's not going to happen.

They've come this far with the streak. If someone breaks it, then what was the point of it in the first place?

 

[Spinebreaker]

How does the end of the streak make bigger money?

2 superstars DVD's, 2 Superstars merchhandise. I honestly don't see how it could do anything BUT make more money

BUT after a year, it will die out and then: 1) You lose the ability to have a "STREAK" match at the following year's wrestlemania 2) You lose the ability to market a DVD containing all of Undertaker's Wrestlemania wins (Probably called "the streak") or whatever 3) You lose the ability to ever market anything else "streak" related.

1) Yes, BUT whoever ends the streak will have almost as much interest in the result of THEIR subsequent 'Mania match the following year. In addition to this, 'Taker will be a shoe in for the hall of fame that year too. So it will last 2 years at least. By that time Jericho, Kane or The Miz (or someone I'm forgetting) could be at 4-0, 5-0 or 6-0. Every subsequent streak will be measured against 'Takers. Just like Punk's recent 'longest title run in 25 years'.
2) Why do you lose the ability to promote a DVD? The end of the streak provides a naturral denoument to the story. Furthermore, the fact that the streak's over doesn't mean it stops existing. Someone, somewhere just bought Shawn Michaels DVD. His matches aren't deleted and the footage bunrt just 'cause he retired.
3) You actually increase the marketability of the streak. through the ender of the streak and comparisons with other streaks

Actually it's the only WM29 Main Event that i don't care about.No,not because the result is predictable.The reason is Punk doesn't have the momentum any more.After losing TWO matches in a row against a part timer,Punk doesn't look credible enough to face Undertaker in his own playground.

I personally think the only person who came out of RR and EC looking worse than they went in was Rock. He clearly can't 'go' as much as everyone was hoping (I'm not saying he couldn't go at all) , plus the infinitely superior Cena/Punk match on Raw put Punk over to the moon!

 

[Spinebreaker]

They've come this far with the streak. If someone breaks it, then what was the point of it in the first place?

It made more people buy tickets for several Wrestlemania PPVs.

 

[The Fabulous Rougeau's]

I've seen a few posts talk about the ending of the streak would stop WWE from making streak DVD's. They just put one out for 20-0. It's not like Taker has another 10 Mania matches in him. If you bought 20-0, why would you buy 22-0? And if you didn't buy 20-0, why would you buy 22-0?

 

[Kermit]

The only legit reason I can come up with why CM Punk doesn't win this is because I feel deep down in my nerd soul that Undertaker will face Cena at WM 30. Because of that, I feel like the streak will still be in tact. However, I also thought last year that there was no way the streak would end, but I was still on the edge of my seat throughout the entire Taker vs. HHH match.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

Isn't face Cena vs. The UT for The Streak far more unlikely than a Punk victory and more predictable than Punk/UT?

If Cena loses your top guy lost to a 49 year old on the biggest stage. If Cena wins he is the man who ended something people care about. It's a lose/lose situation for Cena and WWE. I think between the two, Cena would have to lose. At least Punk benefits if he wins and would not hurt so badly if he loses since he is a heel.

I'm sure it would be great but I'm not sure if it is in WWE's best interest. Unless SWERVE!!! Super Awesome Giant Cena Heel-Turn!!!

 

[Coco]

Since the Summer of Punk, it's been impossible to tell how much of his ranting is real, or not. When he swore he was "almost out the door" of WWE, I figured it was hype: after all, where does he go to get the notoriety he felt he deserved? TNA? Japan? High school gyms in West Virginia? If he was so dissatisfied, he could exercise his revenge by leaving, but what does he do for a living after that?

I can't find the exact quotes, but as a huge Punk fan I remember interviews going back almost ten months before MITB 2011 where he talked about having saved plenty during his time in the WWE and being set for life. He also indicated that he had no problem taking a break from wrestling. As someone who's got a pretty good read on the guy, I'd guess that if WWE didn't want to let him perform in the way he wanted to, he'd have taken a break and dictated what he wanted to do where-ever else he wanted to do it with no concern regarding notoriety or money.

Still, Brooks insisted he was leaving, and if it was true, I wonder what WWE had to do to keep him. The company has surely catered to the man in the past 1 1/2 years, no? They've even kept John Cena down (for storyline purposes) in order to boost Punk.

Well sure. Punk's gotten to do main event work with Jericho, Bryan, and Heyman. He's obviously calling some of his plays.

I bring this up because I figure the only possible way Punk beats Undertaker at WM29 is if it's contractually stipulated; something that Punk is insisting on.

No. Punk has juice, but not enough to get over politically on a guy like Taker. Heck, Punk couldn't even put Triple H down coming right off his "shoot." No way he could leverage the end of the streak.

If it ends, Taker would have asked for it. And considering the respect he's afforded guys with great reputations as in ring performers over the years (HBK, Angle, Flair), I wouldn't be surprised if Taker decided to use his last match putting over a guy like Punk rather than a guy like Cena.

Of course it could still be Cena. Lord knows Taker loves his big money matches as well. But either way, it'll be Taker's decision.

 

[The Eighties]

Of the 3 big matches this is the only one that remotely interests me, Punk is my favourite current wrestler and I have a lot of respect for Taker's great career. I don't really see any chance of Punk winning unless Lesnar helps him, setting up Brock vs Taker as Taker's final match at Mania 30, however ending the streak with a cheap loss seems 99% unlikely to me.

So the thing I am really interested to hear is Taker's promos, over the last 4 Mania's he's been working with two guys who had spent years on the same level as him, HBK and himself were the longest serving members of the roster and true equals in every sense, Triple H is not held in as high regard but kayfabe-wise he was on the same level. Punk is not quite 2 years into being a main event guy and he's a heel to boot, so I am curious to see how Taker talks about him and to him as this dynamic is not built on history or respect, there is no dramatic "End of an era" scenario here.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

Of the 3 big matches this is the only one that remotely interests me, Punk is my favourite current wrestler and I have a lot of respect for Taker's great career. I don't really see any chance of Punk winning unless Lesnar helps him, setting up Brock vs Taker as Taker's final match at Mania 30, however ending the streak with a cheap loss seems 99% unlikely to me.

So the thing I am really interested to hear is Taker's promos, over the last 4 Mania's he's been working with two guys who had spent years on the same level as him, HBK and himself were the longest serving members of the roster and true equals in every sense, Triple H is not held in as high regard but kayfabe-wise he was on the same level. Punk is not quite 2 years into being a main event guy and he's a heel to boot, so I am curious to see how Taker talks about him and to him as this dynamic is not built on history or respect, there is no dramatic "End of an era" scenario here.

It's easy for Taker and Punk, in this feud. What I would do if I was 'Taker is talk about how great Punk is (to hype up Punk and make it believable that he can beat the streak) but that the difference between him and the others who tried to beat the streak is that Punk doesn't respect the fans, doesn't respect those that came before himself, and that all he cares about is CM Punk. Taker can then say, that's why Punk won't beat him.

Punk on the other hand, should just talk about being the best in the world and that the streak hasn't been broken because he's never tried. Others tried two and three times and failed but they weren't as good as CM Punk. Punk can talk about his 430+ day reign and how Undertaker never did that and that is more impressive than the streak. He should also bash Taker by saying he's just an old man living in the past and that Punk's legacy will live on forever when he beats the streak.