Can WWE live without the Undertaker?
Wrestle mania, “the grandest stage of them all”, “the grand daddy of all events” is often regarded as “the Superbowl of wrestling”.
To main event Wrestle mania is a dream seen by every single kid who has ever imagined lacing up his boots to step into the squared circle one day.
Ask Sting (arguably the greatest pro-wrestler outside WWE) about the legacy that this event has. Wrestle mania defines careers, makes legends.
Wrestle mania is considered as the greatest brainchild of Vince Macmahon, and it definitely is. The concept changed the history of the industry. No one could ever replicate it, not Starrcade (WCW) and definitely not BOUND FOR GLORY (TNA Wrestling).
A few years into its inception, Wrestle mania found the Undertaker. If it wasn’t for Vince’s genius and Mark Callaway’s commitment, we would have remained untouched by what would go on to become the greatest wrestling moniker in the history of the industry. Again, just like Wrestle mania, “The Undertaker” gimmick could never be replicated, not even by Vince himself. The Undertaker remains the last outlaw, the very last of the old guard.
Mark Callaway was given the task of carrying the moniker of a walking, dead, seven feet zombie. And the dead man still walks down the ramp with the same grace. The longevity of his character not only in the ring but also in the hearts of the fans speaks volumes of his success and commitment.
The Undertaker’s career needn’t be discussed. If you are reading this article, you know the Dead Man as well as I do. His accolades and contributions are incomparable and he remains the most respected gentleman in the entire industry.
While the face of the company changed from Hogan to Cena with everyone in between, the only constant remained was the Phenom. He still remains the most feared opponent inside the squared circle.
He is also the most loyal employee of the company and has been a part of the active roster for more than a thousand Monday nights.
We can also thank the Undertaker for turning Glen Jacobs into “Devil’s favourite demon” Kane. What if Kane never debuted and created magic with the Phenom? History would have been much different.
Imagine this sport without the Hell In A Cell, Buried Alive and Casket matches. Whether it is him dropping mankind from the top of the cell, or his great mania matches with H B K, he has been a class apart. His mind games, his match qualities and his ability to make even the Great Khali look like a million bucks, make him probably the most precious gem in Vince’s treasure.
Somehow, while foolishly trying to count his contributions, I forgot the most important of them all. The STREAK – 21 and all.
17 of the greatest names came up 21 times and they all went down at the biggest stage one by one. None of them were naive but none was the Dead Man either.
The grand daddy of them all is not even imaginable without the presence of the walking dead, the bell tolls and the stellar matches.
Every good thing must come to an end though. That is why we despise life, don’t we?
Yes, we all want the bell to toll, and witness the Dead Man making his entrance forever; but Mark Callaway’s body can only take so much. Another year or two probably. He has absorbed pain more than a human body is capable of. “The Phenom” must go away someday so that Mark Callaway might live his “much deserved life”.
Yes there will be a Wrestletmania when the bell would not toll, the streak shall no more be defended. But can we live in a world like that?
Will Wrestle mania survive once “The Prince of darkness” walks back into the dark to never return?
The thought is horrifying, isn’t it?
