Analysing 5 pros/cons of The Undertaker returning for Wrestlemania 31

Over the years, Undertakers name and his legendary streak have become synonymous with Wrestlemania. But after the death of the streak, should Taker return to mania for one final bout? And if he does return, will this even be his final Wrestlemania?? Let’s take a look now at a few pros and cons in regards to a looming Undertaker return.

#1 Con: Too old

Age is most definitely not on Takers side. By the time Wrestlemania rolls around he will be the ripe old age of 50. The problem is Taker may just be too old now to continue.

However this wont seem to stop others like Triple H who is 45 and Sting who will be 56 for mania. The complication is Undertakers performance last year, in which for the first time he actually performed like someone who was nearing 50. Albeit an early concussion may have been partly responsible, Taker still wrestled like an old man last year and theres a risk that his best days may finally be behind him now. He had a string of amazing Wrestlemania performances before last years weak and fairly slow moving bout which stood out like a sore thumb.

Expectations will be high and even with all the time Takers had to recover, he may not be able to perform at the high level at which weve grown to expect. But even if the match didnt deliver as well as hoped, an Undertaker appearance would still do wonders for building the hype for Wrestlemania.

#2 Pro: Creates interest for mania

If Taker steps in the ring at Wrestlemania 31, regardless of any doubts people may have, they are still going to get eager and really excited. Takerpossesses a phenomenal type of aura and can create a truly awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Just having Takers mystic presence is sure to build anticipationhigh for the stellar event. However, there is one thing missing now that made Undertakers matches even more special and without it, a feud involving Taker could be pointless.

#3 Con: The streak is dead

One of the major reasons that Takers bouts at mania were so must see was because of the streak. Everyone wanted to tune in and see who would be next to try and break the unstoppable streak. But now the streak is dead. Any excitement that was left regarding who could be the one to end the Phenom is gone. Without the streak intact, Taker has lost his identity and everything that made his mania matches so special.

Now that the streak has been broken, there is no real reason for Taker to return, except perhaps as some attempt to avenge his loss. However if he does return he seems set on a collision course with a fresh young talent which could be a positive thing.

#4 Pro: Push young talent

If Undertaker does return, using the opportunity to push a fresh young talent would probably be the best option. A rumoured feud was to be with Bray Wyatt and after Wyatts recent cryptic promos in which he appears to call out the deadman, this match seems more likely.

From a storyline standpoint, this feud would excel. Both are similar characters in their mysterious, ominous ways but are yet so very different. Wyatt is amazing on the microphone and they both possess a strange aura.

As far as the match goes, even with Takers age, this bout may still impress. Wyatt and Taker are both great with in-ring psychology and storytelling. Obviously Taker has a lot more experience though I believeWyatt would still be able to match it with the Phenom.

The problem with this bout is who to put over. And would this finally be Takers final dance?

#5 Pro/Con: When does it end?

When will the Undertaker retire? I'm sure many, including myself, thought that once the streak was over that it would just be assumed Taker would now retire. But with the debut of Sting in WWE, one must now question whether Taker could push it out to one final match at WM32 against Sting. But would this really be such a good thing?

By the time Wrestlemania 32 rolls around, Taker and Sting would be 51 and 57 respectively. That is pretty old and one would seriously doubt whether they could both live up to the enormous expectation. This may just end up being a dream match that never comes to fruition.

If WWE planned to do Undertaker v Sting at WM32, they would probably be wise to have Taker defeat Wyatt this year. Wyatt doesnt need to win to look strong, but imagine how big he would get if he did win. But theres also a chance that if Taker lost another match, going undefeated for so long there losing in two consecutive years, it could somewhat tarnish his legacy.

The question remains though, when will Undertaker finally retire? Will he even wrestle this year at mania??

#6 Final thoughts

Personally, I always believed that once the streak died, Undertaker would retire. But that doesnt seem the case now. A Bray Wyatt v Undertaker bout could be an incredible match up, or it could turn out to be a complete flop. Theres no way of knowing if Taker still has some left in the tank, so well just have to wait and see what happens, if he even decides to return at all.