Wrestlemania 31 - The Undertaker VS Bray Wyatt

[FunKay the Inevitable]

Bray Wyatt has been calling out The Undertaker for weeks, promising that he will take The Deadman’s soul on The Grandest Stage of Them All. The New Face of Fear will get his wish, as The Phenom has accepted his challenge for Sunday, March 29 in what may be, perhaps, the most frightening showdown in WrestleMania history.

For the better part of a month, Wyatt had been broadcasting mystic missives, leaving the WWE Universe to wonder to whom (or what) he was speaking. At WWE Fastlane, Wyatt made his message a little clearer. Using The Undertaker’s iconic imagery for his own twisted purposes, Wyatt had druids drag him to the ring in a casket, from which he emerged with a devilish smile to issue the challenge. Claiming The Undertaker had become mortal since his Streak came to an end at last year’s Show of Shows, Wyatt said he was no longer afraid of The Phenom, and that it was his mission to send The Deadman “home.”

However, The Undertaker had not been seen or heard from since Brock Lesnar pinned him in one of the most shocking moments in sports-entertainment history, leaving many to wonder if Wyatt’s challenge would go unanswered. The New Face of Fear continued to raise the stakes, setting a casket on fire during Monday Night Raw in hopes of drawing The Deadman out, only to receive radio silence in return. Wyatt stunned the WWE Universe when he revealed that he had come into possession of The Undertaker’s urn, threatening to unleash its mystic power on the WWE Universe.

On the March 9 edition of Raw, Wyatt opened the urn, maniacally laughing as he revealed that it was empty. Yet before Wyatt’s dark sermon could continue, thunder and lightning boomed through the arena as The Undertaker finally made his presence felt. Declaring that Wyatt will rest in peace, The Phenom accepted Wyatt’s challenge and sent a bolt of lightning from the heavens, striking Wyatt’s prized rocking chair and setting it ablaze. Wyatt’s reaction was unusual, to say the least. There was no fear, trepidation or even anger from Wyatt; only tears of joy streaming down The New Face of Fear.

What will happen when The Undertaker stares into The New Face of Fear? Can he redeem himself following the most crushing loss of his career, or will Bray Wyatt send The Deadman to his final resting place? The WWE Universe will find out at WrestleMania 31 on Sunday, March 29, live on WWE Network.

So it's official. For the 23rd time, the Undertaker will step foot in the ring at WrestleMania, and this year his opponent is someone just as uncanny as the Deadman himself.

After an up-and-down 2014, Bray Wyatt had begun hitting his stride again having been this year's iron man in the Royal Rumble, had several entertaining television matches with the likes of Dolph Ziggler and rambling cryptically about needing someone to 'find him'. At Fast Lane we found out that someone was the Undertaker.

I've been largely against Taker lacing up the boots again this year as I felt it would diminish his Streak being broken by Lesnar. The segment at Fast Lane changed my mind. I'm excited about this. Bray's promos have been on top form as of late and the segment last week with the casket was well done. This week's segment, confirming the match was also top quality. Your mileage may vary on hokey supernatural wrestling feuds, but I thought they did a good job of walking that balance:

[YOUTUBE]dLZOfM7NXFs[/YOUTUBE]​

Anyway, these two are set to collide on March 29th and I've got mixed feelings about who should pick up the 'W'. Bray is clearly the guy that should be going over. He's young, he's the heir apparent to Taker's role of resident phenom (a unique talent you need to see because he's special), he lost last year at WrestleMania and he's only just started to regain momentum following his mixed year. He needs it and that’s what my gut says.

However, Taker's coming back after such a big deal was made of him losing last year. His Streak was broken and so was his spirit, supposedly. Now that's the narrative Wyatt's running with and natural booking would suggest this leads to an Undertaker win. That's the way this is being built. My head says this is the logical conclusion and if Taker loses he'll be revealed as a loser, a guy who had to prove he still had it and instead failed.

So with that in mind, what say you guys? Is Taker going to ride back into WrestleMania and return to winning ways or is Wyatt going to prove he's the new phenom?

 

[Y 2 Jake]

I don't get the match, I don't think it does anything for either. It's not going to be of a high standard, Undertaker should beat Wyatt so he gains nothing, Wyatt winning will just disappoint everybody.

If I have to pick who I'd give the win to it'd be Wyatt. Purely to build towards Mania next year when they can run an Undertaker angle asking if he still has it after losing two years in a row.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

If Taker loses to Bray Wyatt, then Wyatt will at least get some of the momentum Vince's insane booking decisions cost during his feud with John Cena last year. It won't have the same sort of impact as it would if the streak was in tact, but Taker's still a big name with a big legacy.

Considering Taker getting hurt last year and that old nagging injuries were flaring up to prevent him from really working out, thereby being in the worst shape I've ever seen him, I'm thinking that last year might have been Taker's last match. However, and this is all just speculation, maybe Taker is feeling much better than he was at this time last year and in the months prior. Taker's wife, Michelle McCool, has posted a few pics of Taker online, though from behind, showing him lifting weights, doing squats to be exact, with what looked to be a good amount of weight on the bar. My guess, and that's all it is, is that Taker will be in much better health this time around.

If Taker defeats Wyatt then, quite frankly, I don't know why this match happened. The streak is gone, Taker's almost officially 50 years old and will be by the time WrestleMania comes about and there simply aren't going to be many more chances to put over a young guy who could most definitely use the rub.

I'm also guessing Taker will be using a new entrance theme as the cryptic message from last night "The Man Comes Around" is also the name of a Johnny Cash song, one of the last he wrote, and he title track to Cash's last album, the Platinum selling American IV: The Man Comes Around that's best known for Cash's cover & music video of the Nine Inch Nails song "Hurt". Taker used Cash's recording of "Ain't No Grave", the title track of the 2010 posthumous release American VI: Ain't No Grave, as his entrance theme so I'm thinking he'll be using another one this time around.

 

[TheICChampion]

I don't think this match will end in a pinfall or submission for either man. Seeing as how Wyatt needs the win, but in a way, so does 'Taker, I think that win for either man comes via disqualification, with the more likely scenario being Wyatt getting DQ'ed. This may be getting old by now, but I see the family re-uniting and beating down Undertaker and sending him off in a casket. That being said, I don't know why this hasn't yet been made into a casket match. Of course, there is also the quite unpopular option of a no-contest, to protect both men. Wyatt needs a strong showing above all else. Taker's legacy is untouchable, but all I keep hearing is a loss for either would not be a good thing. So, why have either of them lose? Double count-out, double interference, etc., and while it's not ideal to have a no-contest on the night where there should be clear-cut winners in every match on the show, I really think it's the best option.

 

[The Warlord]

Finally an Undertaker Wrestlemania match that is tough to predict.

I love the matchup. I love how Wyatt is saying he is the new face of evil. Past meets future...and heres hoping Taker has enough left in his tank for one more classic.

 

[Navi]

I don't think this match will end in a pinfall or submission for either man. Seeing as how Wyatt needs the win, but in a way, so does 'Taker, I think that win for either man comes via disqualification, with the more likely scenario being Wyatt getting DQ'ed. This may be getting old by now, but I see the family re-uniting and beating down Undertaker and sending him off in a casket. That being said, I don't know why this hasn't yet been made into a casket match. Of course, there is also the quite unpopular option of a no-contest, to protect both men. Wyatt needs a strong showing above all else. Taker's legacy is untouchable, but all I keep hearing is a loss for either would not be a good thing. So, why have either of them lose? Double count-out, double interference, etc., and while it's not ideal to have a no-contest on the night where there should be clear-cut winners in every match on the show, I really think it's the best option.

I have to agree with this. The steak is gone so Taker doesn't need to win, but the WWE still has to protect Lesnar's 21-1 claim. Wyatt can't afford to lose this after he's the one who called Taker out. Also if he does lose, Taker probably won't be around much for a rematch. Since there is no stipulation as I can see a double count out or something like that would protect both Wyatt and the win by Lesnar last year.

That has to bring up the question though, if they have to go to this extent to protect Wyatt and Lesnar in a way, then why have this match in the first place? I know we're all used to seeing a Taker match at Mania, but after last year I really didn't want or need to see the man back again. The only good thing about the whole thing is Wyatt isn't Lesnar and Taker even if he's not in the greatest of shape, can maybe survive this and still look strong.

 

[JohnJohnson]

I think it is interesting that they are going to keep Taker off of TV until he shows up at WM. I think there is a very specific reason they are doing this. With Wyatt claiming to be the face of fear, and Undertaker likely retiring soon, I think this could be his final match. I think with that being said, when Wyatt goes out for the match and begins a promo asking where Taker is, there will be a long pause. Then after a minute or so "Keep Rollin" starts playing. I don't personally like that Taker character as much, but it will get a huge pop and allow Taker to go out as himself and also work a different style of match.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

Should have been last year, like I said. the new face of fear, etc etc, is ALL the kind of shit I said last year. Now the streak is already broken, Wyatt has spent a year bouncing about.


Not saying it still wouldn't be a huge deal for Wyatt to beat Taker, but it wont have the same shine. Not sure at all if that's even how this will go.

 

[John McCass]

This match will result in another dark character being elevated and nothing more than that. I liked The Undertaker's gimmick and wanted a successor to Undertaker's supernatural powers. Wyatt is a tremendous guy with great wrestling skills and more than awesome mic skills. The way he has carried this feud on his lone back proves his devotion towards the company and the Wrestling bussiness. With the deadline being that both men need wins so badly. Wyatt was on an awesome rub prior to this match and I have the feeling that he can survive the loss. With the abilities he has, he can sustain a loss from the Phenom. Taker also needs win as to make Lesnar look legitimate badass and a credible threat. Though, Wyatt has proved that he can work great matches and also can deliver very well on mic so, I will not be surprised if Taker does the job to Wyatt. Had Lesnar not broken the streak, this match should have had a questionable outcome. I think, as TheICChampion already stated, the match should end in a disqualification or a countout as to make both men look strong but, reuniting the family, I don't think this will or needs to happen.

 

[suleman09]

So we all know that the ending of Taker Mania matches have to be done in a special way, for example:

Wrestlemania 25: vs HBK
Ended with HBK doing a back-flip off the top rope with Taker catching him into the tombstone pile-driver: BEAUTIFUL ending

Wrestlemania 26: vs HBK II
Ended with HBK being the controversial man that he is, did the "slit your throat" taunt of Takers and slapping him in the face and Taker gives him the pile-driver with JUMPING into it: once again BEAUTIFUL ending

Wrestlemania 29: vs CM Punk
Ended with Taker putting him in the pile-driver, Punk reverses into the GTS and Taker quickly switches it into the tombstone again: LOVED that ending

Wrestlemania 30: vs Brock Lesnar
Ended with Tombstone reversed into the 3rd F-5 of the night: Not AMAZING as previous ones but still it was a big deal

Wrestlemania 31: vs Bray Wyatt

1. Who do you want to win?
2. How would you like to see this match end?

1. I want Wyatt to win personally, he shouldn't lose 2 Mania's in a row to 2 top guys, it makes it seem like he can't win the "big one" as they say

2. I would like to see the ending go down like this

Wyatt bounces Taker off of the ropes and runs into him with him running cross body type move, then go into the corner and do his taunt where he's facing the ropes and tapping his feet and goes into his "exorcist" crab walk and Taker sits up at the same time, Taker looks at him all intense and Wyatt while still in that position starts laughing his crazy laugh and then he goes for Sister Abigail and Taker reverses into the Tombstone position on the shoulder and Wyatt slides off catching Taker in the Sister Abigail again and hits it for the 1.2.3 the end!

What do you think?

 

[Aquaman6686]

Anything but a clean victory for Undertaker is unacceptable to me. Bray Wyatt beating Undertaker will forever destroy whatever is left of Undertaker's mystique. He'll be "just another guy" that any random midcard guy can beat. Undertaker MUST win this match. But it's WWE and they have no logic, so he'll probably lose.

Then next year he'll be jobbing to Titus O'Neil on the WrestleMania 32 pre-show.

And the year after that he'll be a Rosebud.

 

[lebe989]

Undertaker has to win, I mean for gods sake it's the undertaker, if they make wyatt win they ruin the rep of him and lesnar. You want Lesnar to look dominant as being the guy to defeat taker at wrestlemania.

 

[Mustang Sally]

I want Wyatt to win personally, he shouldn't lose 2 Mania's in a row to 2 top guys, it makes it seem like he can't win the "big one" as they say.

It's the eternal argument that goes on among WZ forum members, isn't it? Some folks get mad when the young guys are forced to job to the veterans, figuring the stars of tomorrow aren't going to come into prominence until the old ones are made to step aside. Youth must be served, they say.

It's a valid point, yet sometimes it's got to go the other way. On occasion, the up-and-comer must job to prove that the old dog still has some tricks left.....and this match with Undertaker is a good example of that.

Bray Wyatt is a great example. Windham Rotundo has created an extremely flexible character. Although he has experience wrestling as Duke Rotundo and Husky Harris, the guy is only 27, young enough to suffer some defeats to legends and still have plenty of time to bounce back.

He lost a series to John Cena....which drove a lot of the "serve youth" fans crazy, yet the character of Bray Wyatt seemed to have no trouble moving on to the next program, coming off just as demented and effective as he had been before Cena.

The adaptability of Bray Wyatt is what makes him an ideal opponent for Undertaker to defeat......and that's what's going to happen because I highly doubt we're going to see 'Taker beaten twice in a row, especially if this is his last match.

How long management wants this match to go.....and how rough Bray is going to be on his opponent, are subject to question, but that the match will wind up with Bray being tombstoned to defeat....is a sure thing, imo.

Bray's career will go on......he's just getting started.

 

[Jonyboyuk2]

Taker has to win. After the streak ended last year - he needs a win. Id then like to see him lose to Bray Wyatt at Backlash or whatever the next ppv will be after WM. But then i would like to see Undertaker take on Cena next year.

 

[goalieman31]

Taker must win this match so the steak remains relevant. This also makes lesnar look more dominant when taker wind earlier in the card. As long Bray puts on a good showing goes toe to toe with a legend he can still be put over with a loss. People seem to lose this in y he mix of things but guys can be made to look strong in defeat.

 

[closet_fan]

With both of these personalities being beyond ordinary characters and both delving into the supernatural, I'd personally like to see something happen at the end that is neither a pin, disqualification or a count out/double count out.

Just like the lightning catching the rocking chair on fire, have something super natural happen. (Just don't make it hokey please)

 

[CharlesKane]

Blah blah b law. .. protect the streak...protect undertaker'Undertaker's rep...same old bull crap.

The streak is over, get over.
Protect the Undertaker's rep, p rote ct it for what, how many matches do you think he has left, because he has shown a huge decline in his last 2 WM matches.

Why is it fine for Bray to lose back to back WM, but not a 50 year old man who can't go anymore?

Bray should absolutely destroy the Undertaker and pin him cleanly to establish a new face of fear for a new generation.

 

[resignedknight]

Anything but a clean victory for Undertaker is unacceptable to me. Bray Wyatt beating Undertaker will forever destroy whatever is left of Undertaker's mystique. He'll be "just another guy" that any random midcard guy can beat. Undertaker MUST win this match. But it's WWE and they have no logic, so he'll probably lose.

Then next year he'll be jobbing to Titus O'Neil on the WrestleMania 32 pre-show.

And the year after that he'll be a Rosebud.

I disagree. I think Taker can and should put over Wyatt, and then next year you announce early that Mania 32 is his last match. The storyline then becomes, "Can the once dominant deadman return to form and go out on top?" And that match needs to be a veteran, I vote Sting but others would work, and that match he absolutely must win. I think that's a great story to go out on.

 

[Aquaman6686]

Why is it fine for Bray to lose back to back WM, but not a 50 year old man who can't go anymore?

Bray should absolutely destroy the Undertaker and pin him cleanly to establish a new face of fear for a new generation.

Because Bray Wyatt is a dime-a-dozen midcard nobody. Undertaker losing to him means ANYONE can beat Undertaker. Fans like you are the problem today, fans who worship every young guy who comes along and have no respect for veteran talent.

 

[CharlesKane]

Because Bray Wyatt is a dime-a-dozen midcard nobody. Undertaker losing to him means ANYONE can beat Undertaker. Fans like you are the problem today, fans who worship every young guy who comes along and have no respect for veteran talent.

I worship every young guy who comes along? That is hilarious. You should look around a bit before you run your mouth. I don't like Reigns, I don't like Ambrose, I refer to most of the NXT roster as future mid carders at their best, most won't even make it that high. Tell me again how I worship every young guy.

The worship seems to be on your side towards the Undertaker. I respect Taker, but he can't go on forever, and at 1 match a year, no talent with any kind of future should be jobbing to him.

Realistically there is a shortage of top tier heels in the WWE, and you may think Bray is dime a dozen, but as far as full time wrestlers he is the number 2 heel behind Rollins and slightly ahead of Rusev. So should we job out all the new guys to the older guys? Guess what, then you have ZERO top tier heels.

So know what you are talking about before you run your mouth, GTFO and EABOD.

 

[joelytb]

I think there's absolutely no chance Undertaker is winning this match. I think It's obvious that Taker is going to pass the torch to Bray as there's no reason for him to win now the streak is over. Most people are saying that a Wyatt win would ruin the Undertakers legacy, make the streak look weak and make Lesnar's accomplishment not seem as credible. These people don't Understand that the streak is broken. Taker could lose the next couple of Mania matches and Brock will still be the one that broke the streak. Brock will still be the 1 in 21 and 1. If anything a win for Wyatt would make Brock look even stronger as they could play off the fact he destroyed him so much last year that he may never win at Mania again. If Vince could convince him to end the streak then he will have no problem convincing him to put Wyatt over. Not that he will need convincing anyway as Taker knows how it is and he will do what's best for business. Wins and losses mean nothing to him now. He's still going down as one of the greatest of all time.

 

[RoadWarriorBaigy]

In my opinion, Taker must win this one but I think it would be cool if after the match, Wyatt earns Takers respect, Taker offers his hand and then Wyatt lays him out. Taker wins and Wyatt gets elevated at the same time

 

[rbv13]

Develop a very sinister psychology between Wyatt and Taker. The match can be very slow with old school storytelling and just a few hard hitting spots. Near the end have Wyatt recall The Family. Harper and Rowan join in on a massive beat down. Sting (who has beaten H earlier) makes the save. Set up the respect match at WM31 and maybe some type of tag at Summer Slam.

 

[HBKistheHOF]

1.) Who do you want to win?

I can see the argument for both sides. Taker has already lost some rep & didn't have a great match last year, he is rather irrelevant these days & the streak is dead & gone, so who really cares if he loses? But at the same time Bray winning doesn't exactly make the most sense either. He's lost to "weaker" opponents & only started looking super strong at the rumble really & beating The Undertaker at Wrestlemania up until last year was absolutely unheard of, so it happening two years in a row could be lame & make Taker look super weak.

2.) How would you like to see this match end?

I really liked Vince Russo's booking of the Taker/Wyatt match. Taker pulls out the victory but Wyatt beats him down to a pulp afterwards & although Wyatt doesn't win the battle, he sort of wins the war. Kind of like HHH/Taker at WM 27 but even more intense. Taker could win the match to maintain some dominance in the ring but Bray Wyatt would be the only one of them actually walking away from their match at WM 31.

 

[Allstar]

Hmm out of all the matches on the card, Taker vs Bray is the most intriguing.

Both are coming off huge defeats at last year's mania so it poses the question of who needs the win the most and who would be hurt the most with two loses.

I'd personally love to see Bray Wyatt winning clean and elevate himself even higher.

What I'm predicting is Taker winning in same way he won against HHH at Mania 27.
Taker will only just win and be completely fucked by the end of the match.
Bray will destroy Taker post match and send him on a stretcher and that will be his way of becoming the new "Face of fear"