Gamble: take risky action in hope of a desired result. Time to gamble I think. It’s gonna be a risky next two weeks #LaceUp#nevergiveup
— John Cena (@JohnCena) February 15, 2016
This tweet sent the WWE Universe into speculation-induced stupor. It wasn’t a surprise, as the moment John Cena says something remotely close to a teaser for a return, everyone would go crazy in anticipation. The former-WWE champion was thinking the same thing everyone else was.
As soon as his quote hit the airwaves, every wrestling outlet on the planet began to come up with return plans for Cena. It was either Cena against the Undertaker, or Cena doing something to push a young star higher up the card.
Whichever hand the WWE fans were dealt, including Cena on the WrestleMania card would be best for business. As most know, remaining healthy and coming back when it’s appropriate is the most-important thing any wrestler can do.
This is where it gets very interesting. Last night, Dave Meltzer broke the news that Cena isn’t going to wrestle the Undertaker at WrestleMania. It’s not confirmed, so take it as a strong rumor for now. If that’s the case, who’s going to face the Phenom? His opponent may not even be on the main roster.
Meltzer was told that Undertaker has an opponent scheduled for the event. The only information that has been given is that Undertaker’s opponent isn’t planned to be Cena, Kevin Owens, Braun Strowman, or Brock Lesnar. The opponent is believed to be someone who isn’t currently active on the roster right now.
For the first time in several years, Taker’s opponent isn’t already known. Bray Wyatt and Brock Lesnar before him were known to the WWE Universe. Either rumors leaked early, or the fans could easily guess his opponent.
This year is a bit different though.
Last year at WrestleMania 31, the Deadman needed to redeem himself for losing to Lesnar the year before. He was no longer undefeated, so the gimmick to keep that streak alive didn’t exist. After Taker beat Wyatt in a decent match, he got his redemption. All was good in the world of the former-World Heavyweight champion.
The Summer season came along and Taker had a great rivalry with Lesnar and they had two matches that were very good. Since his last match with Lesnar, Taker hasn’t been seen since.
WWE officials are getting it right, because they truly don’t have another choice. Since 2004, what was the Undertaker’s gimmick at WrestleMania? It was his undefeated streak. Now that it’s over, the opponent means that much more.
There needs to be more than just a streak, or the match itself. Undertaker’s opponent will mean equally as much as Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30. That begs the question, who will face the Deadman at AT&T Stadium in April?
If it’s somebody not on the main roster, then it may include a WWE NXT star, but Meltzer specifically says that it’s nobody on the “current roster.” That should include WWE NXT. Therefore, it’s somebody they need to sign between now and the night before WrestleMania.
WWE officials can’t do what they did last year and have either Taker or his opponent not show up until that night in Dallas. His foe will appear before then. Here are a couple of ideas:
- Goldberg
- Kurt Angle
- The Rock
- Batista
Truth be told, that stipulation Meltzer is reporting makes it that much harder to predict an opponent for Taker. Goldberg makes a lot of sense, but how would they put that on television in a compelling way?
Angle just finished up with TNA, but Angle’s been vocal about how the WWE doesn’t want him anymore. The Rock may work with Roman Reigns, so that idea is all but gone. Batista just turned down an offer from Vince McMahon to be involved in the main event at Mania.
Is there anyone else not on the current roster that makes sense?
This speculation will continue until his opponent his named for WrestleMania. Nobody should be discouraged at the WWE’s decision to make it a mystery.
Why? Because the WWE Universe needs a good surprise.
It’s better this way.
