SK's Take on The Undertaker coming back as the American Bad Ass
The WWE recently confirmed Kid Rock as an inductee into the WWE’s 2018 Hall of Fame Class.
That, in turn, has set the professional wrestling community abuzz regarding speculation as to whether there could be more to this move than what meets the eye.
Kid Rock put forth the “American Bad Ass” song from his album “The History of Rock”, back in the year 2000.
The American Bad Ass song was then used by The Undertaker from May to December of 2000.
It was after a pectoral tear in late 1999 that The Undertaker took about 8 months off from the ring, following which he sent shockwaves through the professional wrestling community by returning with a revamped character and portraying a biker gimmick as the American Bad Ass (ABA) in the WWE—with the ABA nickname being derived from Kid Rock’s song.
The Undertaker’s biker gimmick witnessed a few layers added to him, as he began portraying the “Big Evil” version—while still donning the biker gear until he was ‘buried alive’ at the 2003 Survivor Series PPV by Kane.
Following which, The Undertaker returned to the WWE in 2004, once again under the Deadman gimmick—something that has remained a constant in the WWE Universe till date.
That in turn, brings us to Kid Rock and the famed musician’s participation at the upcoming WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony and WrestleMania 34 that take place next month. We believe that WWE has roped in Kid Rock to put forth a rendition of the American Bad Ass theme, and dole out a musical performance as The Undertaker makes his entrance with the American Bad Ass gimmick at WrestleMania 34.
All signs point toward the return of the American Bad Ass to the WWE…
Furthermore, John Cena’s promo on this week’s edition of Monday Night RAW seems to have further accentuated speculation regarding The Undertaker’s inevitable WrestleMania return. However, a rather subtle hint that one could possibly take away from Cena’s passionate promo was his mention of The Undertaker posting workout videos on his wife Michelle McCool’s Instagram--alluding towards 'Taker breaking his Deadman character.
Besides, despite the presence of The Undertaker’s official social media accounts over the years, the man himself has never been one who handles the interactions—with the Tweets being sent out by people under the WWE’s employ. Add to that the fact that never has a Superstar taken a shot on a live WWE TV broadcast at The Undertaker meddling on social media—a norm that was broken this week by John Cenaho taunted The Undertaker for hiding and whiling away his time posting workout videos on Instagram.
Kid Rock’s WWE Hall of Fame induction and Cena’s cryptic promos are most definitely a sign of things to come.
The American Bad Ass could grace the WWE Universe very soon.