Who do you think will face the Undertaker at WM 28

Lets hear all of your predictions and also how the fued will build up.

Im acctually very confused who he will face this year. Chris Jericho in my view should face CM Punk. HHH will proberly face Kevin Nash. In my view Randy Orton could be a good one or even Kane

MICK FOLEY

I think the WM card will be Orton v Rhodes (or as a longshot Ziggler) and Punk v Del Rio or HHH, Punk being the Royal Rumble winner.

I have said previously that I hope Taker doesn't make an appearance as:

a) The card will be very top heavy with the Rocks involvement (which I don't think will involve a title)

b) I really don't see him make WM 2013, if he wrestles WM 2012.

I think Taker should take a year off and build a feud for his WM 2013 - his last mania match. The WWE could build the event around this (something they can't do with the next WM because of the Rocks involvement).

I know I will be shouted down but I stand by this still.

This is what I hope. What I think will happen though is Taker v HHH II if HHH hasn't got his hands full with Punk.

I would love to see Ziggler or Rhodes go up against him if they were to have him put someone over as it would be huge for either of them.

If they want him to win and retire then it has to be a big name so he can bow out with a bang so either Orton or Jericho

Taker will most definitely Wrestle at Mania IMO and I also don't think his next WM match will be his last Mania match

I hope to God Punk doesn't get Jericho, Punk needs a massive star to go over not an upper midcard guy

As for Taker, Orton or Jericho I think, I'd prefer Orton, well, I'd prefer Daniel Bryan to be honest, I'd book Bryan to be an absolute wrestling machine for 15 minutes against Taker before Taker wins, I'd make sure Bryan went well over though so he could cash in his MitB later that night

xTwisTx wrote:I think the WM card will be Orton v Rhodes (or as a longshot Ziggler) and Punk v Del Rio or HHH, Punk being the Royal Rumble winner.

I have said previously that I hope Taker doesn't make an appearance as:

a) The card will be very top heavy with the Rocks involvement (which I don't think will involve a title)

b) I really don't see him make WM 2013, if he wrestles WM 2012.

I think Taker should take a year off and build a feud for his WM 2013 - his last mania match. The WWE could build the event around this (something they can't do with the next WM because of the Rocks involvement).

I know I will be shouted down but I stand by this still.

This is what I hope. What I think will happen though is Taker v HHH II if HHH hasn't got his hands full with Punk.

I think it would be cool if Taker didn't get involved, Punk won the Rumble, won the Title at Wrestlemania and then the next night on RAW called out Taker for Wrestlemania 29. I think Punk is a strong enough character on his own to build the match-up in the Undertaker's absence, before Undertaker returns mid-late 2012 and gets involved himself, and having him win the Championship in the main event at WM28 would show Punk is a serious threat to the streak in WM29.

xTwisTx wrote:

a) The card will be very top heavy with the Rocks involvement (which I don't think will involve a title)

Its Wrestlemania, its MEANT to be top heavy. Its meant to be the biggest night of the year.

If Chris Jericho doesnt make a return, then it HAS to be Randy Orton. He's the only one on the roster right now I think the WWE could make us genuinely believe he'll take the streak, like with HBK. Unfortuantly though, that leaves us a vacant world title match, as I dont think any other 2 are quite ready to get a Mania title match without a big name to help them. Unless someone from RAW goes for the World Title.

Brock Lesnar.

He'll probably fight HHH again, but I would like to see him fight Sheamus.

Sheamus is so dominant at the moment and will most likely be the guy to tale the title from Mark Henry. With that sort of momentum, a fight with Undertaker at Wrestlemania would be awesome.

Mister wrote:He'll probably fight HHH again, but I would like to see him fight Sheamus.

Sheamus is so dominant at the moment and will most likely be the guy to tale the title from Mark Henry. With that sort of momentum, a fight with Undertaker at Wrestlemania would be awesome.

But could very well ruin his face turn.

I'd like to see The Miz have a go, could really get him over ready for another world title reign after 'Mania.

I think the top four matches will be
Rock/Cena - WWE Title
Punk/HHH
Orton/Miz - WHC Match
Taker/Jericho

Samo wrote:

xTwisTx wrote:

a) The card will be very top heavy with the Rocks involvement (which I don't think will involve a title)

Its Wrestlemania, its MEANT to be top heavy. Its meant to be the biggest night of the year.

If Chris Jericho doesnt make a return, then it HAS to be Randy Orton. He's the only one on the roster right now I think the WWE could make us genuinely believe he'll take the streak, like with HBK. Unfortuantly though, that leaves us a vacant world title match, as I dont think any other 2 are quite ready to get a Mania title match without a big name to help them. Unless someone from RAW goes for the World Title.

Yes I agree WM is supposed to be top heavy because it is wrestlings biggest event of the year. What I meant by this is I believe Taker only has a few matches in him. If WM28 is his last WM appearance, it will be somewhat lost in the mix with two WH title matches and the Rock v Cena match. Therefore, I would rather wait until WM29 to build the PPV around Taker's streak and his last Mania match.

I really don't think this year with will be Undertaker's last match to be honest, if he's only wrestling one match a year he will be able to continue for a few more years yet. So it doesn't really make a difference that it won't be the focus.

Well I have been hearing that Taker has serious knee and back issues. I really don't think he is Flair like and will wrestle beyond what his body can take. Plus I think he is a proud man, so won't want to put on sub-standard matches.

Maybe it is the romantic in me that hopes that he doesn't over stay his welcome and gets a fitting send off at WM29....either putting someone over or leaving at 20-0.

I really like gaffers idea of Daniel Bryan, i think it could work, but he'd desperately need alot of TV time as of right now. Have him go on an unbeaten streak going over Christian, Rhodes and Sheamus before beating Orton and Henry around Rumble time. He can be hyped up as a wrestling machine and one of the Rumble favourites, cutting promos on Raw and Smackdown that he's going to win the Rumble and take on the WWE Champion at Wrestlemania and also cash in the MITB briefcase the same night to win the WHC and leave with both World Titles.

I'd plant the Taker seed at the Rumble. Taker eliminates Bryan causing him to snap and get back in the ring locking on the Cattle Mutilation on Taker and not releasing the hold. Finally he lets go, before exiting the ring looking psychotic. The remaining Rumble contestants pick up Taker and toss him over the rope.

At the E.C, Bryan looks an absolute badass, he starts the match with Rhodes and forces him to submit with the other 4 guys looking on from the pods. Christian is next out and Bryan almost immediately forces him to tap. Bryan then stalks the other three in their pods, going nuts begging them to come out. As the lights dim and the next person is released, the lights go right out and we hear the gong, when the lights come back on Bryan walks straight into an RKO for the 3 count and is out of there. Orton goes on to retain his title.

Bryan v Taker is then made for Mania, like gaffer says Bryan is a wrestling machine for 15 mins but loses, then cashes in the MITB later that night .

Mania finishes with Bryan and Punk and World Champion and every porn site on the internet loses 50 million visitors because the IWC are whacking one out over their new champions.

It's a great idea and it would get me watching more often but it will never happen. WWE have never booked someone of Bryan's size as strong and as dominant as that, not even Michaels or Hart.

If, and this is a big if, Taker faced someone for the title at WM and won and then a MitB winner cashed in on the same night and took the title from Taker...would that count against his streak? I guess it doesnt have to be cashed in in the ring itself so could be a technicality to let someone win the title of Taker (giving them a boost) AND keeping the steak in tact.

Maybe? I dont know how they would work it, but wrestling does like its loopholes and selective memory..

The streak will never be broken with any BS like that to be honest, if and when it is broken it will be definitive and monumental

I think you've hit Row Z with that effort mister longrange

As gaffer says, it would have to be much more definite else what benefit would there be in having him be defeated in the first place?

xTwisTx wrote:
This is what I hope. What I think will happen though is Taker v HHH II if HHH hasn't got his hands full with Punk.

Wouldn't it be Taker v HHH III if it happened ?

Punk vs Del Rio WWE title
Rock vs Cena
Sheamus vs Orton vs D.Bryan WHC
Kane vs Big Show vs Mark Henry
Miz vs R-truth
HHH vs Taker

Rhodes vs Ziggler as well

liverbnz wrote:I think you've hit Row Z with that effort mister longrange

As gaffer says, it would have to be much more definite else what benefit would there be in having him be defeated in the first place?

Oh I never said it was a good idea...its just something that i could see them doing in order to keep streak in tact AND have someone CLAIM they beat Taker at Mania. Yeah its a daft idea and not sure i would want it to happen either! It would be rather confusing but its not like that would put them off from trying by using hidden contract clauses or rules etc

I think it is something that would put them off, it doesn't matter if Taker has 1, 2, 10 or 20 matches at Mania, if he lost one the streak would die

the-gaffer wrote:I think it is something that would put them off, it doesn't matter if Taker has 1, 2, 10 or 20 matches at Mania, if he lost one the streak would die

I gotta say Gaffer man, that is some insightful stuff there

I'm glad you can see

I've been giving this some thought, i expect alot of you to shoot it down and wholeheartedly disgree with me and thats fine, but personally i'm all for it.

The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels III.

I've read a few pieces online that Shawn is getting the itch and has been considering coming out of retirement. Now if thats true and he wants one more match then for me it has to be against Taker.

I'd have Taker cut a promo on Raw listing the souls he's taken from 1 to 19, he says someone in that lockeroom will be number 20 and he's ready to face anyone who thinks they have it in them to break the streak. He invites anyone to walk through that curtain and make a name for themself. The camera pans to the back and we see the roster shaking their heads and no one is willing to step forward. We go back to Taker who says no one can end the streak but himself, he says he has nothing left to prove and that maybe the final chapter has already been written. But with no music, we see Shawn Michaels slowly walk out onto the stage, microphone in hand. The crowd lap it up and after a long pause Shawn slowly utters the words 'One.....More.....Time'. The crowd go nuts as Shawn drops the mic to the floor, Taker doesnt take his eyes off him and again after a long pause Taker says 'You're on' and does his signiture cut-throat action.

The promos write themselves. In the build up we see Shawn talk about how he's sat at home for 2yrs unable to forgive himself for being a failure, that before Wrestlemania 26 he promised his kids that daddy would be a hero, but he let them down. He says its been eating away inside him for 2 long years and after 2 years of resting at home, he's never been more confident than now. He's refreshed, he's got the itch back, he's hungry and he feels like the very first day he walked into the business.

Because i absolutely hate the streak, i'd have Shawn beat Taker before an emotional embrace between the two, the titantron reads 19-1 as Shawn leaves the ring for Taker who gets a rapturous applause. The whole lockeroom line the aisle applauding Taker as he walks up the ramp before raising one arm as he reaches the stage.

I just dont think there is anyone currently in on the roster who could match the excitement and high standards that Shawn could offer. Cena is occupied with Rock, i think Orton will be in the WHC match, and i expect HHH to face Punk.

Is Shawn Michaels v The Undertaker III something you'd like to see? Is it possible? Imagine the potential card!

I wouldn't complain if i saw it Mr H but i don't think we need another HBK vs Taker match

Also their's no way they'd let him break the streak if it was a one night only appearance so would have to be in it for the long haul again and even then id doubt it.

Well written piece Mr.H but I would be totally against the idea. Shawn realised he couldn't beat the Undertaker at WM 26, what has changed since then? It was the only thing remaining on his list, he couldn't get it done, so he hung up his boots - a simple ending to the Shawn Michaels' story.

Futhermore, why would Undertaker even give him another chance? He was reluctant the last time so I'm not sure why he would be so receptive in giving Shawn a 3rd go.

And if I remember rightly, Shawn, in his farewell speech, said it would be disrespectful to the Undertaker to make a comeback from his retirement.

So the whole idea has no logic to it. Chances are, WWE will go with it.

Wade Barrett's push has got to be leading to something big and I think it could be a match against the undertaker for the streak. They have also got history as the nexus buried the undertaker with kane.

I expect you are right liverbnz and i know the scenario is very very unlikely, but if it were to happen i wouldnt be against it.

Im a massive Shawn Michaels fan so the thought of seeing him wrestle again is somthing id like to see.

Taker would accept Shawn's offer because no one else in back wants to face him. But generally you are bang on - it has no logic!

But hey, stranger things have happened.

Not a fan tbh Mr H, firstly you would be buring the entire roster for the sake of a guy who was retired and a guy who is almost retired, secondly HBK/Taker 2 was a minor miricle in that it stands up favourably with the 1st but I have my doubts that 2 years on and with ring rust aplently that the 3rd would be able to hit the same lofty standards, thirdly I hope HBK never comes out of retirment, bizzarly because I want him to come out of retirment, how many wrestlers bow out voluntarily after one last classic match at the top of their game, I have nothing but fond memories of HBK and my desire to keep it that way outways my desire to watch him to his invevitable decline

Scott Steiner

They would really really have to push Barrett to make anyone truely believe he had a chance of beating The Undertaker at mania. If they had continued with his Nexus push right the way through to now then maybe he would be a realistic contender. But, as the streak grows, the more and more difficult it becomes to find credible contenders and with this one being number 20 an' all, it's gotta be a big name. Cena would be perfect, but he is tied up as we know.

As for Steiner, he would also require a huge push - off a short plank.

I completely agree with you Dr G, I'm just looking at it from the point of view of if the 'rumours' are true and Shawn is going to come out of retirement for a couple of marquee matches, would you want your final memories of him to be in a fued with someone like The Miz or someone like The Undertaker?

I completely get it that most of you wont be fans of the idea though.

it seems the WWE have shot themselves in the foot now - HHH III is the only likely match at the moment - HHH has been involved in one of the biggest storylines of the past few years with the COO angle, and he's beaten and tag teamed with Punk the hottest property at the moment keeping himself relevant. Besides the way their last match panned out Taker didn't beat him emphatically so there would be good reason for a rematch. But I personally don't want to see them do it again. It would probably involve some other stipulation but I'm not sure it would really add to anything - cage match? Lame for Mania, HIAC? not when its got its own PPV; Last Man Standing? potentially but doesn't feel right for a Streak match; I Quit? Too predictable, Casket match? How many has Taker been involved in? Too stereotypical. You get my drift...

Mr H what is your probelm, it was a joke!

I would predict that it'll be Taker vs Triple H again, not that it makes any sense. I also am not keen on Michaels as his opponent, for similar reasons to those given by liverbnz and Gregory.

This whole conversation is proof of how badly they've built up anyone in the last 5 or 6 years to be taken seriously as a top star. Barrett or Sheamus could be there by now, but instead they've been badly damaged by booking that was designed to keep their feet on the ground, and has instead diminished their drawing power, possibly forever. In fact, just about the only thing that could help them become serious draws now would be ending the streak.

WWE needs to use its existing veteran stars to put over the stars of tomorrow. For all his qualities in the ring, Michaels didn't create any new stars. Neither has Undertaker. Where is the benefit in portraying a broken down part-timer as consistently dominant over the rest of the roster even though he only wrestles once a year? The next generation is guaranteed to suffer if WWE insists on repeatedly reminding its viewers that they aren't as good as their predecessors. At some point, there needs to be a changing of the guard.

I have gone back and forth in my opinion of whether they should end the streak or not, and at the moment I'm very much in the camp of end the streak, make a star, stop letting the previous generation dominate or the next generation will always be tainted. Time for Taker to give something back to the industry that made him a very wealthy and famous man and help the next generation.

My top three choices to end the streak would be:
1) CM Punk
2) Wade Barrett
3) Sheamus

I'd love to see the streak ended but not this year, I'd like to see someone face Taker this year, someone with serious potential but in need of building up to Taker's level, Sheamus/Miz/Barrett/Bryan

I'd build them up supremely over the next few months and give them a reason to face Taker, I'd have Undertaker beat him, but beat him in a way he looks like it was down to Taker's experiance and know how, I'd make sure the commentators put over just how unlucky this guy was and how close he came, then I'd go to work on this guy, give him the year long build up, make him appear unbelievably strong, give him the Rumble in 2013 then let him face Undertaker again at WrestleMania XXIX and beat him, take the title off him and kill the streak, starting from now it would take a year and a half planning but by the end of that event you'd have built up a new sensation who should be able to take on anyone, my pick would be Sheamus

Only one problem with that gaffer, the WWE dont know what they are doing next week let alone next year.

The only problem i have with Sheamus is his look. The spiky hair and chin strap beard does nothing for him. If they want to build him into this legitimate badass wrecking machine i'd shave his head and have him with full stubble.

I want the streak to end in April, i want 19-1, and i dont think its unattainable for CM Punk not to be the guy. Yes he's hot as hell right now but there is still an element of doubt with him as to whether the WWE see him as a top guy. At the moment for me he's on the cusp, he's not quite a fully fledged top guy but ending the streak would banish any lingering doubts, it would propel him above and beyond the next level.

Based on current programming its completely illogical but we all know how quickly things can change. Punk can say he told us all last year he'd leave MITB at WWE Champion and guess what, he did it, and after Wrestlemania he'll be proved right again. He can say how Vince wants his 20-0 DVD but as always Punk has other ideas. His character is perfect for it.

Gaffer i know you dont want Punk v Taker, but is it really beyond the realms of possibilty?

When everythings scripted nothings really beyond the realms of possibility, I like Punk, infact for me he is the best thing in Wrestling and could be the hottest thing for years to come, but just for me personally I don't see Punk facing or beating Taker and again from a strictly personal point of view I don't think I want him too.

I feel his path should take him down a different road

Hmmmmm. Takers WM28 opponent......

I would like to see Y2J comeback and face him, given that there isn't anyone on the roster that could step up to that level or anyone he hasn't already faced.

I don't think Jericho would come across as a genuine threat but anything that keeps Jericho away from Punk is fine by me

I can't see who Taker could face at this Mania that could end the streak and do it right. Who on the current roster is good enough to do it? Who could they bring back, Foley?

Michaels probably should have done it, but he didn't, and I would hate to see him come back.

There is only one wrestler that under the right circumstances could do it. However he is already booked for next April.

Everyone talks about a Cena heel turn, but he has a similar problem. The guy is the biggest face since Hogan so he would need something massive.

Turning on the Rock (who we won't see again for years after)? Not enough.

But ending the streak....?

Of course the Rock / Cena is on for next year, and you're not asking "Who do you think will face the Undertaker at WM29".

But for me Cena's the only one.

If there is no credible alternative, then why not wait a year an build someone up properly for undertaker to face? Undertaker at the next mania is not as needed as manias gone by.

I reckon the main matches should be-

Cena-Rock-
Not for the title, as it wouldn't be about the title and that wouldn't feel right at Mania imo.

Henry-Sheamus-Rhodes (WHC)-
Have Heny hold on to the strap until Mania, before finally having Sheamus go over him.

Del Rio-Punk (WWE)

Taker-Kane

Orton-Jericho

Miz-Truth

HHH-Nash

Bryan-Christian

No offence but that card absoluely sucks, you've made what could b a great WrestleMania and turned it into a one match show

Rock/Cena - WWE Title
Punk/HHH
Taker/Jericho
Orton vs Miz vs Bryan - WHC
ADR/Sheamus
Rey/Sin Cara
Ziggler/Rhodes - IC/US Title Unification

I wouldn't say the card absolutely sucks gaffer, I think Bryan and Christian could have a very good match and Christian could give him the rub that he most likely will need as I can't see them following up a push with him.

Orton/Jericho could also be a program, although I expect Jericho to return as a face to be honest.

The Miz and R-Truth would also be good, with The Miz presumably a face if they keep the angle they are currently in up for longer this would make sense and be a nice way to send him on his face run.

The big negatives on it for me are Taker/Kane, which we have seen and would be a horrific match considering both of their conditions. Triple H and Kevin Nash, this is a match I wouldn't expect many would want to see at 'Mania and so in that respect would live up to expectations.

Sheamus-Mark Henry-Cody Rhodes is also a dodgy one, I don't think they will be able to keep Mark Henry relevant for that long, and if this is the big pay off for Sheamus it would have to be one on one otherwise it simply wouldn't have the same effect.

The main negatives on your card gaffer (I like everything else) are the Ziggler/Rhodes match and the Rey/Sin Cara match. I can't see either Mysterio or Sin Cara pulling off being a heel very well and Ziggler and Rhodes are holding the titles currently, so unless they lose them and then come back to them I can't see WWE having them hold their titles for that long.

Rey and Sin Cara have been pencilled in if Rey is fit but I doubt either will be heel, the WWE are looking at getting in the Guinness Book of records by having the most people with masks on in one arena and they think Rey/Cara could be the best way to do that