HeadLocker–Jay Shannon
The Undertaker’s Last Ride?
The J-Train stops at all the most interesting destinations. In a special edition of HeadLocker,Jay takes a look at the possible career paths that lie ahead for the man from Death Valley, The Undertaker.
Well, after an unexpected summer vacation, we’re back. Since this feels like a comeback, I thought I would look at the latest Undertaker comeback.
What goals should ‘Taker shoot for?
Undertaker has pretty much acheived every single goal that he’s gone for. He’s taken the world title several times, he’s held the tag belts, he’s won the Royal Rumble, and he has a perfect record at Wrestlemania.
Undertaker could have another great series of matches against the new World Champ, Batista. Their matches, prior to ‘Taker’s injury, were top carders that rocked the houses that they played in. Another battle over the World strap could really push Batista to the next level. My only concern is if Undertaker is fully healed from his latest injury. Word on the street is that ‘Taker was called up, early, due to the mass suspension of talent. A particularly brutal series of matches could be the (pardon the pun) final nail in the coffin of ‘Taker’s career.
Taker could move into management. ‘Taker would be the perfect manager for Kevin Thorn. He could mold Thorn into the “new” Taker. That was the original plan when Thorn was known as Mordecai. There are also quite a few kids working the developmental territories, such as Jacob Duncan, that could help ‘Taker create a new Ministry. A dark alliance would bring some excitement to a very dull product.
Will ‘Taker make it 16-0?
Age and injury are really starting to catch up with ‘Taker. Much like Ric Flair, ‘Taker is getting very near the end of his in-ring career. Baring injury, ‘Taker should be able to ride the current comeback wave straight up to Wrestlemania 24. If he makes it to April, there are so many that ‘Taker could face at the “biggest show of the year”. My personal vote would go for Undertaker vs. Edge. ‘Taker has some unfinished business with the man who stole his title belt.
Another interesting match-up that I would book, if I were in the driver’s seat. Put the belt on ‘Taker. Then let Kevin Thorn pull the underdog win of all time, by taking the Royal Rumble. These two would be so evenly matched that it should be an excellent match, even though it might fall somewhere between ‘Taker vs Giant Gonzales and ‘Taker vs Mark Henry as far as fan interest.
Where does ‘Taker go after he retires?
I’ve already touched on management. That seems the most obvious, to me. ‘Taker would still be in decent shape, so he would be able to get physically involved in the matches, even if on a limited level.
If ‘Taker would decide to pass on the managerial angle, then he would make an excellent color commentator. Forget Jerry Lawler, Tazz and, especially, JBL. Put ‘Taker on the mic and you have a master strategist that could disect a wrestler like a surgeon with a scalpel. With his long-term popularity, ratings would likely sky-rocket if Undertaker were to permanently take a ring side seat. Much like Randy Savage did 15 years ago and Lawler does today, ‘Taker could be provoked into action, from time to time.
Undetaker will likely join other former superstars, such as Mike Rotunda, Arn Anderson, Michael Hayes, and Ricky Steamboat, as a road agent. WWE does take care of those that it finds loyal. ‘Taker has been listed as one of the very few to get into Vince McMahon’s inner circle. He would most likely have his pick of jobs, when he’s ready to step out of the ring, permanently.
Should this be Undertaker’s last ride?
Sadly, I think this should be the last big run for ‘Taker. As I mentioned earlier, injury and age are taking their toll on the popular star. Unlike Ric Flair, I feel ‘Taker won’t push himself so far beyond the normal range of in-ring time that he turns into a pathetic, has-been who tarnishes his own legend by staying at the dance too long. Undertaker might make an occasion special appearance, but this current run should mark the end of a fantastic career. Although I’d hate to see him go, Undertaker has deserved his time to rest.
Undertaker has been a cornerstone of WWE for close to 20 years. He is a “dead” lock for a Hall of Fame spot. He has a lifetime of experience to share with tomorrow’s stars. After this run, I hope he gets to enjoy retirement. For ‘Taker, R.I.P will turn from “Rest In Peace” to “Retire In Peace”.
– Jay Shannon
Jade89512@yahoo.com
(01/25/08)
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