Is This Week The Beginning Of The End For The Undertaker?

My Monday column for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review talks about The Undertaker and if this week is the start of the end. Here’s an excerpt:

This week could be the beginning of the end for WWE legend The Undertaker.

The company is touting this week as The Undertaker week with constant celebration of his career on WWE Network, his appearance on Monday Night RAW and appearance on Sunday’s Survivor Series which will mark 25 years to the day of his WWE debut. To me, it sounds like the start of the retirement tour.

The Undertaker looks to be in great shape, at least better than he was a year ago. He’s reportedly healed up from nagging injuries and has an appearance to be proud of. Some interpret that as he is ready to continue his novelty themed part-time schedule for several more years. That’s obviously an option, but I interpret it as he wants to go out in the best way possible.

WrestleMania this spring is in Dallas where WWE is hoping to set new attendance records. The Undertaker’s home is in Texas and what a promotional draw his final match would be as the aggressive push to break records.

The streak is over. Titles aren’t needed or appropriate for him at this stage. The only thing left is to bill the retirement of this legend who has kept himself above any of his peers in the sense of protecting his character and image.

The appearance on late night television with Jimmy Fallon last week was a rarity. However, even that appearance was done in typical Undertaker fashion where he didn’t speak, didn’t smile or let any doors open to the man playing the iconic character.

I’m not happy with the build to this Survivor Series match next week with Undertaker and Kane taking on The Wyatt Family. Too many missed opportunities in the story and it lost momentum for those who need it. Undertaker and Kane were promptly taken out weeks ago by The Wyatts, which was good. But then, they reappeared with no explanation or story and in two minutes, two men wiped out four. The need to see a match and the momentum of The Wyatts was halted.

A match is still set to take place for Survivor Series, and I hope some surprises and twists take place to salvage the significance of the bout. I feel this could be a prime chance to lay the groundwork for what might take place at WrestleMania 32.

CLICK HERE for the match he could have at WrestleMania 32 and what it means for retirement for him or opponent.