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Tag: The Undertaker

  • New Information Regarding ‘Dead Man Talking’ Trademark

    New Information Regarding ‘Dead Man Talking’ Trademark

    In an update to the news over a trademark being filed for the name ‘Dead Man Talking,’ Conrad Thompson has clarified the reasoning behind the filing.

    The trademark came up after it was revealed that The Undertaker was now taking appearance bookings outside of the WWE. Not only that, but he would be present at Starrcast II. This announcement was reportedly not well received by WWE officials.

    Speaking with Total Engagement With Matt Koon, Conrad addressed the ‘Dead Man Talking’ title. He confessed that he simply “[…] thought it was a cool name.”

    “I first heard the name years ago, and nobody trademarked it. And there is another podcast with that name out there but they don’t cover anything wrestling-related. I don’t know that I’ll be successful — I petitioned for the trademark, I don’t know that I’ll be awarded the trademark. But I thought it was a cool name.”

    “The Undertaker Is A Contracted Professional With The WWE”

    Thompson would continue, saying, “And we did book the Undertaker for Starrcast, and we have talked about there being the possibility of there being a second booking or there being a stage show or whatever involved with that. Maybe there might be something besides just pictures and autographs, but I don’t have anything confirmed with anyone.”

    He would stress that “The Undertaker is a contracted professional with the WWE. I can’t imagine that he would do something outside of their umbrella besides a one-off appearance here or there at a Comic-Con or something like that, like he’s got coming up in the UK or Starrcast. But I thought it was a cool name. And so, I mean that’s sorta where we are.”

    The Starrcast II convention takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada from May 23rd to 26th. The convention has already booked a number of talent and events, including The Young Bucks, Cody, Lita and Bret Hart.

  • Shawn Michaels Says There Was An ‘Out Clause’ In Undertaker Retirement Storyline

    Shawn Michaels Says There Was An ‘Out Clause’ In Undertaker Retirement Storyline

    Back in 2010, Shawn Michaels made his WWE exit after losing a Streak vs. Career match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26. The pair had a rematch of what was one of the best WWE matches of all time at WrestleMania 25 the year before. However, in their rematch at the University Of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Michaels’ career was on the line if he lost.

    Of course, at the time, The Undertaker still had his undefeated WrestleMania streak to worry about. Unfortunately for “HBK”, he was once against bested by “The Deadman” at “The Showcase Of The Immortals”. Michaels would wrestle his last match for a decade that night. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Michaels revealed that he wasn’t sure about his retirement until after the match was actually over.

    Michaels apparently had an “out clause” for the storyline that would allow him to return to the ring if he changed his mind:

    “I don’t know that I ever completely decided that it was going to be it [for my career] until after that match was over. We had always sort of discussed sort of an ‘out clause,’ so to speak, if I had the desire to do it again.

    “But I can remember myself, and ‘Taker, and Michaels Hayes just sitting there after the match, like we had done the year before, just the three of us, sort of sitting there, alone, taking it in, and I said, ‘You know something, guys? I feel good with that.’”

    What do you think about Michaels having an “out clause” in his retirement storyline with The Undertaker?

  • The Undertaker Discusses His Relationship With Vince McMahon (Video)

    The Undertaker Discusses His Relationship With Vince McMahon (Video)

    The relationship between The Undertaker and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has been widely talked about as of late due to rumors going around online.

    The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion is taking bookings for appearances and autograph sessions independent of WWE. It’s been confirmed that he’ll be appearing at Starrcast II. The three-day convention is scheduled to take place from May 23 – 26 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Also, it’s been reported that WWE currently doesn’t have a match involving him planned for WrestleMania 35. This had led to speculation his future with the WWE.

    However, while doing a sit-down interview with Ed Young on February 20, “The Deadman” had nothing but praise for the WWE boss.

    “He’s awesome. You may see him on TV and think, man, I do not like that guy, but he is awesome. He wouldn’t ask anybody to do anything that he wouldn’t do.”

    Taker would continue by stating that McMahon has really built an empire from hard work and dedication and energy. He added, “When you see that man and what he puts into it, you feel ‘Well, I at least have to try to match that.’ He’s an awesome leader. I call him boss but we’re like friends now than we are employee and company owner.”

  • The Undertaker “Hated” The Idea Of Going Back To ‘The Dead Man’ Gimmick

    The Undertaker “Hated” The Idea Of Going Back To ‘The Dead Man’ Gimmick

    The Undertaker has been making news recently, with ‘The Dead Man’ taking bookings outside of WWE as well as his involvement with the upcoming Starrcast II event.

    During a recent episode of Something To Wrestle With Bruce Prichard — who has recently returned to WWE — Prichard talked about The Undertaker. He spoke about ‘The American Badass’ gimmick change that ‘Taker went through prior to returning to ‘The Dead Man’ gimmick at WrestleMania XX back in 2004.

    According to Prichard, Undertaker “hated” the idea of going back to his previous gimmick as he felt that he had more opportunities to wrestle different styles as the “American Badass.”

    “Mark Calaway [The Undertaker] hated the idea,” Prichard said. “Absolutely hated the idea of coming back as the ‘Dead Man’ because he thought with the ‘American Badass’ character, it was multi-dimensional and he wasn’t doing the head snaps and everything. He could work and go out and have a different style of match.”

    Prichard continued, “And he felt that if he came back as the Dead Man, that he would have to go back into the ‘Dead Man’ persona in the ring and we all felt, look, let’s give them [WWE fans] that at WrestleMania — the old ‘Dead Man’ — but then you can evolve it the ring, in your work. You can work like the ‘American Badass,’ but you’re The Undertaker. It was a battle.”

    As we all know, The Undertaker eventually return as the Dead Man character. He went on to continue his WrestleMania streak for another decade. During this time, he had some of the greatest matches of his career and in WrestleMania history.

    The Undertaker’s status for WrestleMania 35 is unclear. He was rumored for a WWE Hall of Fame induction, but the news of DX entering the Hall this year might delay Taker’s induction one more year.

    You can listen to the Something To Wrestle podcast on Youtube and all major podcast platforms. 

  • The Undertaker Refers To Himself As The Deadman In New Video

    The Undertaker Refers To Himself As The Deadman In New Video

    The Undertaker is featured in a new promo to promote the third show in Puerto Rico for Latin star and big WWE fan Bad Bunny. For those who may not know, Bunny has featured WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair n the music video for “Chambea” and has been backstage at several previous WrestleMania events.

    In the video, Taker appeared while wearing a hooded sweatshirt with sunglasses and only refers to himself as “The Deadman.” You can check it out at the 0:28 mark:

    https://youtu.be/-1TSpM_zlBM

    The Undertaker continues to have fans speculate about his future in the pro wrestling business. The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion is taking bookings for appearances and autograph sessions independent of WWE. This had led to speculation his future with the WWE.

    Also, it’s been reported that WWE currently doesn’t have a match involving him planned for WrestleMania 35.

    It’s also been confirmed that he’ll be appearing at Starrcast II. The three-day convention is scheduled to take place from May 23 – 26 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pre-sale tickets go on sale on February 12th while tickets for the general public will be made available on February 15th.

    For more information, you can check out the official Starrcast website.

  • Jim Ross Talks Undertaker Taking Outside Bookings

    Jim Ross Talks Undertaker Taking Outside Bookings

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently appeared on the Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling podcast. The former WWE commentator was asked about The Undertaker and the significance of him taking bookings outside of WWE.

    “He’s done many Comic Cons in the past and WWE has booked him at like World Of Wheels or some of those type things,” JR said of The Undertaker. “He’s done those and I’m sure he’ll do more of them but when you are in his position and you’ve got young children, he’s not on the road and I’m sure he doesn’t want to be on the road all the time and I wouldn’t at his age and his obligations and the miles on the car.”

    JR continued, “I’m not surprised about it and to me it’s just a third-party booking. He’s still under contract to WWE and I’m sure WWE gave him the blessing to go make a payday. When I had and was working on (NJPW) I had a contract with WWE and at the same time I was working for AXS TV. Now figure that out? I had a contract with them too and WWE had never allowed that but they changed.”

    WWE and Outside Bookings

    Ross also discussed how WWE had changed their view of outside WWE commitments. JR said “they were easing up on some things, so basically it was just a matter of me going and doing the thing that I love and keeping my rhythm and making damn good money on the side and they like that and I like it so that is what we did for the first two or three years of that AXS TV deal and it was all with the blessing of WWE and Vince.”

    JR also discussed the significance of Taker leaving. Ross said, “The thing with Taker is not and I don’t see it as a sign of anything changing or he’s branching out or he’s going to start wrestling. Because he’s not going to wrestle anywhere else I can guaranf*ckingtee you that.”

    You can listen to JR’s comments about The Undertaker here:

    (H/T to WrestlingINC for the transcribed quotes)

  • Elias Tells WWE Legends To “Get Out”

    Elias Tells WWE Legends To “Get Out”

    With D-Generation X being announced for WWE’s Hall Of Fame Class of 2019 and The Undertaker now taking appearance bookings outside the company, it appears that these legendary Superstars may finally be embracing the end of in-ring competition.

    For one current RAW Superstar, it’s about time.

    Elias, speaking to BBC Sounds’ Headliners show, discussed how the time of these established legends is done. He would put a fine point on his thoughts, stating that it was time for them to “Get out” in order to make space for the next generation, namely himself.

    “Get Out Of Here, Man. Get Out!”

    “There was a time when I respected The Undertaker, I respected Shawn Michaels, I respected Triple H, and now they just hang around,” Elias said. “They keep having these matches with each other. I just want them gone, so, any respect I did have for these guys is out the window.”

    “The whole thing, The Brothers of Destruction, DX, any of that stuff, that was an Attitude Era thing. But you’re looking at the guy right now, so, step aside and it’s Elias’ time. Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, Triple H, Kane, get out of here, man. Get out!”

    The interview took place around the time for WWE’s controversial Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia. Despite this fact, it’s probably an opinion Elias still considers true.

    H/T To Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

    Do you agree with Elias’ sentiments? Can you see Elias in the main event spot?

  • Clarification On Undertaker’s WWE Status

    Clarification On Undertaker’s WWE Status

    We now have some clarification regarding The Undertaker’s WWE status. It was announced that “The Deadman” would be appearing at Starrcast II during AEW Double or Nothing weekend. Naturally, fans had some questions. According to PWInsider, The Undertaker is still associated with WWE and has not left the company. He now has the power to take outside signing appearances.

    Along with his appearance at Starrcast, The Undertaker will be doing a tour with “Inside The Ropes” in the UK. Undertaker knows he can command some stiff appearance fees for outside bookings. Because of that, expect similar appearances down the line. Given that, the former World Champion’s relationship with WWE seems to be fine.

    The Undertaker’s appearance at Starrcast has been described as a “standalone experience”. Conrad Thompson made it very clear from the jump that Undertaker’s appearance at Starrcast in no way affiliates him with AEW. Thompson said, “We have wrestlers appearing from every promotion from all over the world, and Starrcast isn’t just for All Elite Wrestling fans, it’s for all wrestling fans.”

    We’ll pass along more details regarding Undertaker’s “standalone experience” as soon as it’s available.

    What do you think about Undertaker taking bookings outside WWE?

  • The Undertaker Announced For Starrcast II

    The Undertaker Announced For Starrcast II

    WWE legend The Undertaker will be appearing at the Starrcast II fan convention in Las Vegas, NV during AEW Double or Nothing weekend. Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated broke the news on Thursday afternoon.

    Tickets for Starrcast II go on sale to the general public tomorrow (Friday) at Starrcast.com.

    Starrcast founder Conrad Thompson told Sports Illustrated, “The Undertaker is synonymous with wrestling and generations of wrestling fans have grown up with The Undertaker. We wanted to bring something unique to Las Vegas, and there isn’t anyone more special in this business than The Undertaker.”

    The Undertaker will have his own “standalone experience” at Starrcast, but no further details are available at this time. Other wrestlers who are appearing at Starrcast are taking part in stage shows, Q&A panels and autograph signings.

    Conrad was very clear that Undertaker’s appearance at Starrcast in no way implies he is involved with All Elite Wrestling. He said, “We have wrestlers appearing from every promotion from all over the world, and Starrcast isn’t just for All Elite Wrestling fans, it’s for all wrestling fans.”

    The Undertaker got people talking earlier today when he posted a photo of himself and wife Michelle McCool in front of a private jet. The caption of the photo teased, “Must be meeting with somebody important today!”

    Other big names appearing at Starrcast II include Sting, Bret Hart, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, Jim Ross, Eric Bischoff, Bruce Prichard, Tony Shiavone and many more.

  • The Undertaker Teasing An Important Meeting Today

    The Undertaker Teasing An Important Meeting Today

    It’s still difficult to grasp that The Undertaker is on Twitter, yet here we are.

    The 8-time World champion and wife Michelle McCool took a private jet to an undisclosed location late Wednesday night. He posted a photo of them together and teased, “must be meeting with somebody important today!”

    The latest news regarding The Undertaker is that he is taking bookings for appearances and autograph sessions independent of WWE. According to a recent report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, his fee for public appearances in the United States is $25,000 per hour, but he is not taking regular bookings until this summer.

    His next appearance is for a series of 3 sold-out stage shows in the UK. Click here for more details on those events.

    As of this writing, it is unclear if The Undertaker will be competing at WrestleMania 35 or the next WWE live event from Saudi Arabia.

  • WWE Advertising Undertaker Meet & Greet, Mark Henry Documentary Air Date

    WWE Advertising Undertaker Meet & Greet, Mark Henry Documentary Air Date

    WWE Advertising Undertaker Meet & Greet

    Over the last week, there has been a lot of speculation about the status of The Undertaker with WWE. It all started when the future WWE Hall of Famer had removed references to WWE on his social media accounts and later, listed a web address to begin accepting booking dates. To add fuel to the fire, it’s been reported that Taker is not slated to compete in a match at WrestleMania 35 at this time.

    Despite this speculation, WWE is still advertising him for an upcoming appearance as he’ll be at the Fiterman Sports Memorabilia Store located at the Baybrook Mall Outdoor Expansion in Friendswood, Texas, on Saturday, March 23, from 3-4:30 pm.

    Mark Henry Documentary Air Date

    The WWE Network, which is the streaming service of the company, is set to air The Mark Henry Story following the WWE Elimination Chamber 2019 event on February 17th at 10:30 PM EST. Here is the promotional material for the special:

    “Witness an incredible tale of strength, passion and the will to succeed in this revealing documentary about WWE Hall of Famer, Mark Henry!”

    Henry has been with the company since 1996 and during his career, he has held three championships. The WWE World Heavyweight Title, ECW Title, and European Title. He was also a three-time Slammy Award winner.

  • WWE May Have Spoiled This Year’s Hall Of Fame Headliner

    We might have just spilled the beans on which legendary Superstar will be headlining the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2019.

    The Road to WrestleMania kicks off this weekend at the Royal Rumble. We’re just three short months from the ‘Showcase Of The Immortals.’ In addition to WWE’s biggest show of the year, fans also look forward to WrestleMania weekend as icons of years past take their place in history in the WWE Hall Of Fame.

    Over the weekend, WWE sent out an email announcing that 25 episodes of WWF Superstars from 1992 have been added to the WWE Network. That’s great in itself, but a closer look at the promotional material for this new content reveals something else. The ad, seen below, touts the Superstars episode feature WWE Hall of Famers The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, and Ric Flair. Of course, Michaels and Flair have already been inducted, while The Undertaker has simply been rumored for this year’s class.

    It’s possible this was a misstatement by WWE’s marketing team. However, it is more likely that this email referencing The Undertaker as a Hall of Famer was inadvertently sent out before the official announcement. The first inductee for this year’s class is expected to be announced very soon.

    The 2019 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place Saturday night, April 6th from Brooklyn, New York at the Barclays Center.

  • Undertaker Joins Twitter, Ambrose Saves Renee Young’s Phone During Match (Video)

    Undertaker Joins Twitter, Ambrose Saves Renee Young’s Phone During Match (Video)

    Undertaker Joins Twitter

    Times are certainly changing for the professional wrestling world. Recently, The Undertaker joined Instagram. Now, it looks like “The Deadman” is on Twitter as well. Undertaker joined back on December 4th last month. However, his account didn’t get noticed and verified until this week. His first post read “Rest In Peace” along with a photo of himself in the ring:

    He was then welcomed to the Twitterverse by former heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield:

    Its been a few months since Undertaker appeared on WWE TV. He and his storyline brother, Kane, lost to D-Generation X (Triple H and Shawn Michaels) at WWE’s Crown Jewel event from Saudi Arabia in November. It remains unclear if the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion will return to compete at WrestleMania 35 in April.

    Ambrose Saves Renee Young’s Phone During Match (Video)

    This week, Dean Ambrose successfully defended his Intercontinental Championship on Monday Night RAW. He defeated Seth Rollins in a Falls Count Anywhere match. During the match, Ambrose and Rollins fought near the announce table. Ambrose’s wife, Renee Young, serves as one-third of RAW’s announce team.

    During his brawl with Rollins, Ambrose saves his wife’s phone during the brawl, tossing it to Michael Cole for safe keeping. Check it out here:

    https://twitter.com/dirtyben49ers/status/1083911244095127552

  • Eric Bischoff Fantasy Books The Undertaker In WCW

    Eric Bischoff Fantasy Books The Undertaker In WCW

    At the height of the Monday Night War, WWE and WCW were locked in a merciless battle to secure to top wrestlers in the industry. It was a huge deal when when WCW mainstay The Giant jumped to WWE, or when Bret Hart showed up on Nitro. The Undertaker was one of the performers most synonymous with WWE and a defection to the competition would have had seismic consequences.

    During a recent episode of his 83 Weeks podcast, former WCW President Eric Bischoff talked about how he would have booked The Undertaker, if they could have signed him away from Vince McMahon. Bischoff says he intended for the nWo to ultimately take over Nitro and secondary show Thunder would have been the new home of WCW. Since The Undertaker had worked for WCW as Mean Mark back 1989-1990, Bischoff envisioned The Undertaker being one of the top players in WCW.

    “Hypothetically, the whole NWO/WCW storyline as I had it in my head, would have played out the way I wanted it. nWo would have officially taken over Monday Nitro, top to bottom, would have been an nWo show. WCW would have been over on Thunder, had we had it play out the way I hoped for. Because WCW and [The Undertaker] previously had a relationship, I would have probably tried to play off that. I would have probably tried to bring [him] in on the WCW side of the equation to be kind of a counter for Kevin Nash.”

    Bischoff said he was never a big fan of larger wrestlers like Kevin Nash or The Giant, because it’s hard creatively to get sympathy on them.

    “It’s hard for them in a believable way to sell, unless you take a chainsaw to them or a bazooka,” he explained. “It’s hard for them to be a good heel because it doesn’t make any sense for a guy that big to be a chickensh*t. It’s not believable. I just don’t know. I wouldn’t have been excited about hiring him, not because he’s not a super talented guy. But if you would have looked at our roster back then, where would he have fit?”

    The Undertaker in WCW was not meant to be, but the Dead Man did eventually work with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, DDP and Booker T after WWE bought out WCW in 2001.

    Listen to The Undertaker talking about how he would have booked The Undertaker in WCW:

    https://youtu.be/UQDoAQAyBmM

  • Undertaker Reveals If He Ever Considered Retirement During His Career

    Undertaker Reveals If He Ever Considered Retirement During His Career

    Longtime WWE Superstar The Undertaker has been in the professional wrestling business for nearly 35 years. The 53-year-old is one of the biggest stars the professional wrestling industry has ever seen. Not only that, but he’s one of the most highly-respected stars of all time. Throughout his career with WWE, Undertaker has won seven World Championships. He also once held a legendary undefeated streak at WrestleMania, which reached up to 21-0.

    However, Brock Lesnar broke that streak in 2014 when he defeated “The Deadman” at WrestleMania 30. Undertaker won two more matches at “The Show Of Shows” before being defeated by Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 33. Undertaker still appears at WrestleMania to wrestle, as he competed at WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans last year, defeating John Cena.

    His last match took place in November at WWE Crown Jewel. He and his storyline brother, Kane, were defeated by D-Generation X (Shawn Michaels and Triple H). With WrestleMania 35 right around the corner, Undertaker will likely be competing at the event yet again, but nothing is confirmed as of this writing. Recently, Undertaker joined Onnit’s “True Wrestling,” and Taker discussed several professional wrestling topics.

    He was asked if he ever considered retirement at any point during his career. Here’s what “The Deadman” had to say:

    “You know, at the tail-end now, I really have to put everything into perspective, and what damage I’m doing at this point, to myself, and my life after wrestling,” Taker said. “But when I was going full-time, no. Even when the business took a real nose-dive, you’re thinking, ‘OK, how are we gonna get out of this? What we gonna do?

    “We can work harder.’ The one thing I was really good at, and in my mind anyway, if anybody else feels that way is another story, but in my mind, I felt like it was always where I belonged, and what I should be doing.

    “Obviously there were times where money was… but instead of, ‘Man, I need to get me a job at the Jiffy Lube and figure out something else later on…’, It was, ‘What can we do to make this product where we want to see it?’”

    What do you make of Undertaker’s comments on if he ever considered retirement during his career?

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Undertaker And More Backstage For SmackDown, The Usos On Their Victory

    Undertaker And More Backstage For SmackDown, The Usos On Their Victory

    Undertaker And More Backstage For SmackDown

    A number of interesting names were backstage for this week’s episode of SmackDown Live from Austin, Texas including a couple of big-time legends.

    According to WrestlingInc, both the Undertaker and Ric Flair were in the arena for this week’s episode of the Blue Branded Show. Not only them but Christian and Maryse were also backstage for the event.

    Taker who lives in the area was apparently just visiting the arena while Maryse was there filming some stuff for the second season of Miz & Mrs. No word yet on what Christian and Flair were doing.

    The Usos On Their Victory

    This week’s episode of SmackDown Live saw Jay Uso defeating both Xavier Woods and Cesaro in a triple threat match ahead of their TLC bout.

    After the show, the Usos were interviewed backstage where Mike Rome asked them how they would replicate this victory to grab a win at the upcoming TLC PPV.

    Answering the question, the Usos said that they have been feeling this momentum from past few weeks and they have an itch which tells them they are winning that tag titles at TLC:

    The Usos are scheduled to face The Bar and The New Day in a triple threat tag team match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships at the upcoming PPV next Sunday.

  • Batista On What It’s Like Working With The Undertaker

    Batista On What It’s Like Working With The Undertaker

    Former WWE Champion Batista has worked with many legends of the professional wrestling industry during his time. However, nobody has ever seemed to captivate “The Animal” the way he was when he shared the ring with The Undertaker. Batista and “The Deadman” have shared the WWE ring several times before.

    In fact, the pair worked together at WrestleMania 23 where Taker defeated Batista for the WWE World Heavyweight Title. To share the ring with The Undertaker is becoming more of a rarity as the years roll on. The 53-year-old is still competing semi-regularly for WWE, however, it’s clear his in-ring career is in its final stages.

    Recently, on the heels of SmackDown 1000, WWE released a never before seen interview with Batista. He discussed some of his favorite moments in SmackDown history. During the interview, Batista talked about what it was like working with The Undertaker. Here’s what he had to say:

    “When Undertaker decided he wanted to go, there was nobody who could do it better. He would always say for 15 minutes out of the day he was the baddest son of b—- on the planet, and I would back that up 100 percent. I mean, that dude can go.

    “He’s very intimidating, you know he’s in charge, but it’s also very comforting because this dude has just seen and done it all. It’s almost like one of those things when you get in [the ring] with him you know you’re going to have a good match.”

    What do you make of Batista’s comments about The Undertaker?

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Undertaker and Kane Blindside Triple H and Shawn Michaels at WWE Super Show-Down

    Undertaker and Kane Blindside Triple H and Shawn Michaels at WWE Super Show-Down

    Triple H defeated The Undertaker in the main event of WWE Super Show-Down in Melbourne, Australia. The Deadman finally fell after two Sweet Chin Music superkicks from Shawn Michaels and a Pedigree from ‘The Game.’

    After the match ‘Taker and Kane stood with their arms raised alongside Triple H and Michaels. All four men appeared to be celebrating the ‘end of an era’ (again). Fireworks going off around the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the show appeared to be over. Both Undertaker and Kane then attacked the D-Generation X founders. Michaels was taken out of the ring and thrown through the announcer’s table.

    We reported back in September that Shawn Michaels was preparing for a bout at the Crown Jewel event. It now looks as though the proposed tag team bout between the Brothers of Destruction and DX will now be coming to fruition in Saudi Arabia.

    As we mentioned before this will be Michael’s first bout in 8 years. HBK lost in a retirement match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26 and he has vowed to honor that stipulation. The exact monetary offer for Michael’s was not revealed however Brock Lesnar will perform at the show for a 7-figure sum, so the potential payday is lucrative. The actual revenue that WWE could be potentially gaining from the Saudi Arabia shows is huge. The exact number will not be available until the fourth quarter earnings are revealed in January/February but it is believed to be in the $40-45 million dollar range.

  • The Undertaker On The One Secret Andre The Giant Took To His Grave

    The Undertaker On The One Secret Andre The Giant Took To His Grave

    The Undertaker claims to know part of the one secret that Andre The Giant took to his grave. During a recent interview with Pastor Ed Young as part of the Wrastlin’ series, “The Deadman” revealed that Andre wanted a match against him and even had an idea for the feud. However, Andre kept that idea to himself even to his last day alive on earth.

    Taker signed with the WWE back in 1990 and although Andre was a huge star for Vince McMahon’s company for years, the final years of the legend were tough as he was in rough shape. The WWE Hall of Famer passed away due to congestive heart failure in 1993 and that feud never happened.

    “I never got the chance to wrestle Andre. By the time that I got there, his health was really in decline. He wrestled a few times and it was funny because Andre was really old school. Andre didn’t like big guys either — he loved me, thank goodness,” Taker said (transcript courtesy of the New York Post).

    Taker would continue by stating that Andre thought big guys were arrogant or a bully but he had his way with a lot of guys that were disrespectful towards him. ”Anyway, he liked me and, you know, I guess we always think we got one [match] left in us, you know.”

    Undertaker recalled that Andre would come in and would always be the first guy in the locker room where he would just enjoy to sit there and play cribbage. He noted that he would go over and talk with him. Andre would tell him,’You know, one day, kid, me and you. I have this idea.’ ‘Oh really, boss? Tell me about it.’ “And he’d never tell me.”

    Ultimately, Andre kept his plan for the feud a secret until he passed away and even his good friend and former WWE referee Tim White would never tell that secret even when Taker would ask. The reason for this is due to Taker believing that Andre was old school and didn’t want anyone else to do it because Andre thought that one day he could get back in the ring and they could do something that would be a big deal.

    “No one knows what it was, but you know, he ended up passing away and he never let me know. I wonder to this day, ‘Man, I bet it was good.’”

    https://youtu.be/ptys38AWg3M

  • Undertaker Explains Why Characters Are More Important Than Moves

    Undertaker Explains Why Characters Are More Important Than Moves

    The Undertaker recently participated in a rare out-of-character interview about the pro wrestling business while doing a series from Pastor Ed Young of Fellowship Church called Wrastlin. This series shows the strong connections between wrestling and the Bible. In a video that was recently released, the former WWE Champion and future Hall of Famer talked about how important the knowledge of knowing that characters not moves is in the success of a competitor in pro wrestling. 

    “Wrestling and sports entertainment is not about the moves, it really isn’t,” said Undertaker (h/t Sky Sports). “It’s about being able to evoke emotion in one facet or another. You either have to make people love you or you have to make them hate you, it doesn’t really matter either way.”

    Taker also talked about how many matches in this era of wrestling allowed the fans to take a more closer look on the moves than putting the wrestlers over. He stated that you can only see so many crazy moves so many times before you are looking for something new and that wrestler has to step up to give them just that. He added that by doing this then you increase your potential for injuries.

    The Deadman would later bring up such stars as The Rock, Ric Flair, and John Cena as those who have had the ability to make people love them or hate them because he believes that the story means more than the moves.

    Taker is back in action at the WWE Super Show-Down pay-per-view event that takes place on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Australia and will air on the WWE Network.

    Watch: The Undertaker’s “out of character” interview with Sky Sports:

  • Reason Why The Undertaker & Paige Were Backstage At WWE RAW

    Reason Why The Undertaker & Paige Were Backstage At WWE RAW

    Two interesting names were backstage at this week’s WWE Monday Night RAW TV event in Denver, CO at the Pepsi Center. Those stars were The Undertaker and SmackDown General Manager Paige.

    Pwinsider.com is reporting that the reason Taker was backstage at the show was to be involved in a photo shoot. It should be noted that although not confirmed by WWE, Undertaker is currently scheduled to appear on next week’s episode, which marks the go-home show for WWE Super Show-Down.

    WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels has already been confirmed for the episode. Taker is slated to have Kane in his corner when he takes on Triple H, who will have Michaels in his corner, at Super Show-Down that takes place next weekend at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Australia and will air on the WWE Network.

    Regarding Paige, she was said to be working on some material related to the upcoming Survivor Series PPV. It’s possible that acting RAW General Manager Baron Corbin was included in this footage but that has yet to be confirmed. 

    Finally, it was noted that NXT Superstars Shayna Baszler and Dakota Kai were backstage for the show. As of this writing, there’s no word yet on why they were flown in for the event.

  • News On Kane’s WWE Return

    News On Kane’s WWE Return

    WWE will be donating $100,000 to the Knoxville Public Safety Foundation in exchange for their newly elected mayor, Glenn Jacobs (who has a long career in the WWE as Kane) making appearances for the company this fall.

    WWE Chairman Vince McMahon commented on the donation in a press release, saying, “ I appreciate his gesture to the heroes who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way and look forward to his continued progress in his mission.”

    Glenn Jacobs responded in kind, “I’m extremely proud that my career with WWE will have a positive impact on the community through my role as Knox County Mayor.”

    Big Red Mayor

    Jacobs won the mayoral election in Knox County, Tennessee in early August of this year. His election run didn’t stop him from appearing on WWE, however.

    Just a month earlier, he would be on fans’ screens worldwide, competing with his former tag team partner, Daniel Bryan, in a losing effort against the then SmackDown tag team champions, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan.

    Since his election, however, he has committed himself to his mayoral duties.

    That changed this past Monday on Raw.

    Brothers Of Destruction

    During the show, The Undertaker cut a promo on his upcoming match at WWE Super Show-Down in Australia. He stated that if Triple H will have Shawn Michaels in his corner, then “The Deadman” will have his brother, Kane, in his.

    WWE Super Show-Down (Under)

    • Triple H (with Shawn Michaels) vs. The Undertaker (with Kane)
    • #1 Contender’s Match: Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz
    • WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe
    • John Cena and Bobby Lashley vs. Elias and Kevin Owens
    • The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns) vs. Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre – Six-Man Tag Team Match
    • Ronda Rousey & The Bella Twins vs. The Riott Squad – Six-Woman Tag Team Match
    • WWE Cruiserweight Champion Cedric Alexander vs. Buddy Murphy
    • Asuka and Naomi vs. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce
  • The Undertaker Advertised For Next Week’s WWE RAW

    The Undertaker Advertised For Next Week’s WWE RAW

    The Undertaker will be appearing on next week’s episode of WWE Raw to further hype his current program with Triple H.

    As seen on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW in New Orleans, LA at the Smoothie King Center on the USA Network, Triple H made an appearance on the show where he cut a promo in the ring about his upcoming match against Taker at WWE Super Show-Down. He spoke about how Undertaker was upset about the comments made by WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels last week on RAW to the point where he had to make an appearance. He pointed out that the reason Taker was upset was due to Michaels picking HHH over him when they meet for the last time ever.

    Triple H at first wondered if Undertaker had lost respect for him and Michaels. However, he then came to the mindset that Taker had lost respect for himself.

    Triple H stated once Undertaker lost to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30 in 2014, all he has now is his reputation. He ended his promo by vowing that he would put him down at the Super Show-Down.

    The last time that Taker competed inside of a WWE ring was when he teamed up with Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman to defeat Elias, Baron Corbin, and Kevin Owens at a WWE live event at MSG in July.

    The WWE Super Show-Down pay-per-view event takes place on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Australia and will air on the WWE Network.

  • Jim Ross Says Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels At WM 35 Would Be “Huge”

    Jim Ross Says Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels At WM 35 Would Be “Huge”

    WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross took to his podcast, The Ross Report, and commented on this week’s Monday Night RAW. Ross touched on the segment between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels.

    Many believe the angle could be teasing a future match between the pair again. Ross said that the two legends put on the best segment he has seen on WWE TV in some time:

    “The thing that stood out the most to me on Monday Night RAW, and I don’t know what would be second, and that sounds like I’m knocking the show, but I’m really not! I thought The Undertaker/Shawn Michaels business was so much better than anything that I have seen on television.

    “I thought the Becky Lynch and Charlotte [Flair] business at times has been extremely good because it feels real; it’s organic; I get it. But, boy, this took me back.” Ross later added, “The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels stole RAW. They stole the show.

    “They’re so far ahead in making an emotional attachment than some of their peers, might I say most of their peers on their team, it’s not even funny. These guys are what you would say is over. They’re really over. And it’s a lot easier to support your guy if he’s ‘over,’ either as a villain or as a hero.

    “And to get over you’ve got to get on a roll. At some point, these guys have got to get on major extended rolls, R-O-L-L-S, rolls. So we’ll see how that works out for the rest of the roster. Bottom line, ‘HBK’ and Undertaker were amazing.”

    Neither The Undertaker or Michaels are in the prime of their careers anymore. Their best matches are likely behind them given their ages, but Ross still thinks they can put on a quality match in WWE:

    “I had the privilege of being there for WrestleMania 25, 26, and many prior to that, with those guys and Triple H, so I’ve had a lot of experience with those three men and their matches.” Ross recalled, “I think one of the best matches I ever called or ever saw was Triple H and Shawn when Shawn came back fro his four-year hiatus!

    “It was awesome! I mean, it was textbook. He didn’t miss a damn beat, so anyone that thinks that Shawn and The Undertaker couldn’t have a good match, think again please. And if the glass is always going to be a half empty, they’re not in their prime. Well, no s–t. They’re not in their prime.

    “Wow, what a revelation! Of course they’re not in their prime physically. Mentally, I suggest to you, they’re probably the best they’ve ever been mentally to tell a story, to bring you in, to captivate you, to capture your attention. It’s done psychologically more often than not. I just think that they can give us a great match if and when it’s going to happen.”

    Finally, if the match were to happen, Ross thinks WrestleMania 35 would be the perfect location:

    “If we said Undertaker and Shawn were going to be figured in some way at WrestleMania in New York City [New York], MetLife [Stadium], whatever, New Jersey, everything, you guys know.”

    “That would be huge! That’s huge! That’s huge. It’s going to sell out anyway no matter who’s wrestling. The name, the brand, the event sells out. The card sells pay-per-views and [WWE] Network subscriptions. That’s why the card [has] got to be extraordinary for these extraordinary events, these tentpole events.

    “And that’s why I think that there is a better than average chance. You don’t develop this much time on television without going somewhere with it.

    “Why make me think that that could happen and give me that great of a sales job to measure my level of anticipation and enthusiasm regarding the storyline without somewhere down the road being able to deliver it? So time will tell.”

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Shawn Michaels: One More Match? (Editorial)

    Shawn Michaels: One More Match? (Editorial)

    No one stays retired. It’s one of the running gags that is prevalent throughout wrestling history. Ric Flair, Terry Funk, Mick Foley…they all returned. One man who has kept his word? Shawn Michaels.

    HBK is arguably the greatest superstar to ever step into a WWE ring. The legendary career of Michaels and his show-stopping performances at WrestleMania events throughout history can only be matched by one man: The Undertaker. This past week on RAW featured the return of both HBK and ‘Taker to our screens, the former to cement his opinion that Triple H would defeat his longtime rival, or “cerebrally assassinate” to steal a phrase. This brought out The Deadman who brought up the WrestleMania history of all three men, confirming his dominance at the Showcase of the Immortals.

    Why Tease With No Payoff?

    The way that the segment ran played out like a very elaborate tease. It has been reported in the past that Vince McMahon loathes segments that tease impossible scenarios. Such as the Steve Austin podcast incident where he was goaded by Paul Heyman into seemingly challenging Brock Lesnar to a Texas Deathmatch…so would a scripted show like RAW have this ‘tease’ without merit? It’s possible, but why would you try something like this if it leads to nothing? WWE does have history in this department so it IS possible.

    The question is, should HBK return to the ring? Yes and no. Yes because he is one of the greatest ever. No because it would need to be against The Undertaker. We really don’t need to see that match again do we? After two of the greatest WrestleMania matches ever do we need to retread that well worn path?

    Rumors were floating that Michaels and AJ Styles could have a match for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble in 2017. It caused a huge buzz and there at least a slim chance that it could happen. The hype for this potential match was unreal and it could’ve been a real crowning moment in Styles’ career. However as Michaels stated in his RAW promo, he is a man of his word and he would not come out of retirement.

    What’s The Likelihood?

    Triple H and Undertaker will battle for the final time at the Showdown event in Australia in October. Michaels will probably be involved in some way but will it lead to one final HBK vs Taker match? If Undertaker truly decides that he wants to hang up his boots at next year’s WrestleMania (how many times have you seen that phrase over the years?) then could Michaels be the man to retire him? It would make for a fantastic moment to see HBK back in the ring but would this best be served for a new up and coming Superstar to give Undertaker his last hurrah?

    Whatever happens, if we get one more Shawn Michaels match then it would be a spectacle we never expected. Seeing one of the greatest ever go at it one final time can’t be considered a bad thing. If Undertaker wants to retire against Shawn Michaels then they can both ride off into the sunset.

    Here’s to WrestleMania 35, a decade after the greatest match in Mania history…one final time.