Did the WWE ruin their chances of possibly the greatest Mania Main Event?

Imagine a world where CM Punk is still WWE Champion and during the Royal Rumble match number 30 comes out but the arena plunges in to darkness, only for the lights to come up leaving none other than the Undertaker standing in the centre of the ring, followed by him clearing the remaining stars and booking his shot for Mania and Punks title.

Streak v Streak could have been one of the greatest main events we will have ever seen, I know I'm probably biased as it's my favourite wrestler as a kid vs my current favourite wrestler but while the match will still be amazing without the title on the line, can you imagine the intensity between them if they BOTH had something to lose, while Punk wants to take the streak to hurt the fans and obviously doesn't want to lose, imagine how far he'd go to win if it was his title streak on the line and imagine the heat he'd have now having beaten The People's Champion in the last two PPV's. I know we are still getting this match but I just feel like it deserves to be a main event, Punk deserves the reward for his work towards his streak and giving Taker his big main event just seems right.

As for the result, I don't know who I'd like to see get the victory, I say Punk but my inner child says that Taker should win.

Seeing as Taker only appears about 6-7 times a year giving him the WWE title would be a worse move than giving it to The Rock.

It would be great, but its fantasy booking. If Undertaker could do the next two PPV's (which I doubt otherwise they would do it) then it could be pheasable.

That's why I'd give punk the win but seeing the streak go would be weird, even as a massive fan of Punk it would still be strange so imagine the people who dislike Punk or love Taker...the heat would be beyond crazy.

It's looking increasingly likely that Punk won't be at Mania according to the dirt sheets tonight, he posted a scan of his knee up on twitter then quickly removed it but it had already spread at that point.

He's probably on the wum again like last time I hope but then again if it's the same knee had surgery on he's Frak they clearly rushed him back early from that and it's most likely the result of that

I know a lot of people have a lot of affection for The Undertaker but unless he's going to drop the streak he should be nowhere near the Main Event of WrestleMania, the guy isn't even a part-time attraction these days

I would have loved the Streak vs Streak match, for Taker to win it, then retire with the belt, causing a King of the Ring Championship tournament for the belt, then they could try different combos with stars that hadn't wrestled yet, without having to devote a storyline to the match. Sort of like a refreshing shake up of the current feuds and stories.

Kay Fabe wrote:I know a lot of people have a lot of affection for The Undertaker but unless he's going to drop the streak he should be nowhere near the Main Event of WrestleMania, the guy isn't even a part-time attraction these days

We all know it's not about how many times you wrestle a year it's about the reaction you bring out in the crowd and if you sell tickets and Undertaker can sell tickets like Dolph Ziggler can sell well, any average wrestling move.

The Rock proved this, while he can wrestle more than Taker he won't wrestle that much more, so I see no problem with Undertaker headlining Mania even if it's just to say goodbye...the fans would love it and that's all that matters...also I still see him being able to put on an amazing show, even if it's just for one night.

And who's going to get the reaction when The Undertakers gone for good? You're not going to cement new guys into the stratosphere if you constantly overlook them in favour of a nostalgia act...the fact Taker still has a big role at Mania should be enough for his fans without them needing him to take the Main Event slot.

The Rock is a completely different kettle of fish, he shows up a lot more than Taker for a start

Like I said, unless he's going to drop the streak he shouldn't be in the Main Event unless he's going to put the hours in that sees him in a feud that is deserving of a Main Event feud, Shawn/Taker II being the ideal example

Undertaker is my favourite of all time (although sometimes I cant help but have Foley #1) but even I would say there is no point him main eventing unless he puts in the hard hours.

However, if its set as his last match and everyone knows it then they have to put it on last just because it would make you think The Streak was more likely to end

I think they missed a massive opportunity to have Cena vs Taker 2 - 3 years ago.

I actually agree with the concept of cena punk for the title, it would have been a massive match, and an unpredictable one. Aside from that i think taker has put in alot for the wwe and does deserve to main event mania.

I have to say that my original post noted that Taker would have come back at Royal Rumble, not just turned up and got a shot...If Rock can come back and get the title after a few weeks then surly they can give Taker the main event to say thank you for his work for the WWE?

The Undertaker had the Main Event slot in 2008 and 2010 so its not like he's been an after thought, its widely believed that he should have went on last in 2009 too although I believe the right match went on last that night (Orton/HHH)

So in the last 5 years he's closed the show twice, considering he's done next to nothing since his last real feud with HBK in 2010 I don't think its out there thinking not wanting him to close yet another show

Also I'm unsure what we need to thank him for, he's been one of the most protected characters in history

The fact he's still got a major role at Mania should be enough for his legions unless he's going to drop the streak or call It a day

I do realise your idea is that he'd comeback at the Rumble, but do you seriously believe that if he was up for that Vince wouldn't use him? Its a given now that he's got no interest to return earlier than the first RAW after the Chamber, for me that downsizes his feuds and definitely makes a main event slot out of bounds

Kay Fabe wrote:The Undertaker had the Main Event slot in 2008 and 2010 so its not like he's been an after thought, its widely believed that he should have went on last in 2009 too although I believe the right match went on last that night (Orton/HHH)

So in the last 5 years he's closed the show twice, considering he's done next to nothing since his last real feud with HBK in 2010 I don't think its out there thinking not wanting him to close yet another show

Also I'm unsure what we need to thank him for, he's been one of the most protected characters in history
The fact he's still got a major role at Mania should be enough for his legions unless he's going to drop the streak or call It a day

I do realise your idea is that he'd comeback at the Rumble, but do you seriously believe that if he was up for that Vince wouldn't use him? Its a given now that he's got no interest to return earlier than the first RAW after the Chamber, for me that downsizes his feuds and definitely makes a main event slot out of bounds

I agree with everything youve said, apart from the highlighted bit, i think his done well to keep this character going all these years, any character he played he played well, id say the name has always been the same but he has evolved with time, to stay relevent. look at when he first came, then the ministry of darkness days to who we have now all very different to eachother. Aside from that i think he played the american badass character really well also, hardly been protected, his just done an extraordinary job of staying relevent all these years.

Protected or not i think this would have been the perfect main event, streak vs streak has massive selling point and it's not like Taker can't put on one hell of a show and you can't deny the reaction he gets would hype this up beyond belief...this year we have Cena vs Rock II, I truly think CM Punk v Taker will steal the show.

The reason it would have to be the main event would be because it would be for the WWE title so it would make logical sense as that's the only way it could be Streak vs Streak. You mentioned before that if you look to nostalgia acts you'll never cement any current wrestlers in to the stratosphere but wouldn't this cement CM Punk as the number 1 heel in the WWE for ending the streak and it's not like other matches can't be used to help younger talent...Cena v Rock is hardly that much different, it's still a nostalgia act vs a top superstar (obviously Rock does appear more than Taker).

Out of Cena/Rock II or Taker/Punk which has the more heat and which is the most exciting? I have to guess that most people would say Taker and Punk, now add a title that Punk has become obsessed with over his amazing reign and a streak that has been around longer than a lot of the fans watching and you've got an explosive match.

xviperx wrote:Protected or not i think this would have been the perfect main event, streak vs streak has massive selling point and it's not like Taker can't put on one hell of a show and you can't deny the reaction he gets would hype this up beyond belief...this year we have Cena vs Rock II, I truly think CM Punk v Taker will steal the show.

The reason it would have to be the main event would be because it would be for the WWE title so it would make logical sense as that's the only way it could be Streak vs Streak. You mentioned before that if you look to nostalgia acts you'll never cement any current wrestlers in to the stratosphere but wouldn't this cement CM Punk as the number 1 heel in the WWE for ending the streak and it's not like other matches can't be used to help younger talent...Cena v Rock is hardly that much different, it's still a nostalgia act vs a top superstar (obviously Rock does appear more than Taker).

Out of Cena/Rock II or Taker/Punk which has the more heat and which is the most exciting? I have to guess that most people would say Taker and Punk, now add a title that Punk has become obsessed with over his amazing reign and a streak that has been around longer than a lot of the fans watching and you've got an explosive match.

I think the difference between the two matches you highlighted, and Kayfabes point, is that Cena will probably win his match with Rock (150% the correct decision imo) therefore it's putting over a member of the current roster, if Punk faced 'Taker, unless WWE were serious about ending the streak, this shouldn't be considered for a main event or a WWE title match, don't get me wrong I really like the streak, and have no problem with it being on the card or indeed Punk challanging for it, but to have 'Taker appear for 7 weeks, end Punks reign and then dissapear, would be disasterous.

While I'm more a fan of The Streak than Kayfabe, I do agree, if it's ever the main event again, it should be when it's ended.

I totally agree with you in all honesty but if it was up to me in this situation I'd actually end the streak, that's why I'd want to make it main event...can you imagine a match topping it? For some of the fans seeing the streak come to an end would be emotionally draining and would take away from the main event.

I'd love Punk to go on last and end. The streak, that would be perfect in my eyes but its not going to happen, also, about the build up, whose would have more heat? For me its Cena/Rock, they first locked horns via promo two years ago, they've teamed together and faced each other once, now one is the World Champion and the loser of last years match is now the #1 Contender, this has history and for me it's the Culmination of a two year story

Two weeks ago we didn't even know Punk/Taker would be in a match, due. To Bearer's untimely death and the way they used his death last week, this feud might feel like its got more heat, that's because its brand new though, any new feud feels as if its got more heat

If they're going to steal the show at Mania and for CM Punk's sake I hope they do then The Undertaker has to actually show up, their matches in 2009 stunk. The joint out because Punk apparently wasn't credible enough for Taker, it took them about 15 matches in houses and PPV before they had a decent match on SmackDown. Undertaker set CM Punk back almost two years with his attitude, he. Owes him big time

CM Punk is overrated. Theres a reason he isn't headlining mania and a reason he'll be in TNA before too long

eddytheman2013 wrote:CM Punk is overrated. Theres a reason he isn't headlining mania and a reason he'll be in TNA before too long

You're entitiled to your opinion on Punk, but I think you're missing something if you think WWE don't rate the man they chose to have the longest WWE title reign in 20 years, close Raw 1000, main event two PPV's with The Rock and follow HBK and HHH against the Undertaker.

he lost against the rock and he'll lose to taker.

eddytheman2013 wrote:he lost against the rock and he'll lose to taker.

Wrestling's not a real sport though, it takes two to put on a match, and by being chosen to face two respected icons of the WWE, both who need to be handled carefully for various reasons, it's an obvious sign that WWE see him as oner of their premier heels and workers.

eddytheman2013 wrote:he lost against the rock and he'll lose to taker.

You cant seriously hold wins and losses as some kind of evidence when debating Pro Wrestling, he lost to The Rock so the WWE could set up Rock/Cena II without it looking like they just papered over the whole 'Once In A Lifetime' tag last years match is, as for "he'll lose to The Undertaker"...Yes he will, he'll be in pretty decent company though when he does, his last 7 opponents where Orton, Batista, Edge, Michaels twice and HHH twice

CM Punk's role in the company isnt based around what he's done in the last 3 months, the last two years tell you whether we rate him or not he's obviously one of Vince McMahon's top guys, well deserved too as he's simply fantastic, his ring work, his promos, his knowledge and respect for the business, you look at guys like him and pray he'll continue to prevail over manufactured acts like Miz

eddytheman2013 wrote:CM Punk is overrated. Theres a reason he isn't headlining mania and a reason he'll be in TNA before too long

Being popular and being overrated are two different things dude. CM Punk came up the ladder from the bottom and really earned being where he is today, you might not like him but you can't deny that he doesn't tick the boxes of a top star...sure he might not be as big or as jacked as some of the guys but he has the mic skill, he has the in ring ability and he seems to bring the best out of the people he faces.

His match against Cena on Raw a few weeks back was amazing and it showed how well he can work even with someone who has a limited wrestling ability like Cena. His promo's are amazing (check out Money In The Bank 2011 against Cena) and even though we know wrestling is all scripted, when he talks you almost ask yourself if he's actually allowed to say any of this or if it's just one massive shoot (well I do anyway).

If we want to talk overrated then talk Cena, he might have the personality and be able to appeal to the kids but he's been running his act in to the ground for the past few years and his in ring work really relies on having someone who can wrestle up against him. He no sells most moves and I've gotten to a point where he could get shot in the face with a shotgun and I'd still predict he'd kick out at a 1 count.

I dont think you could ever come on this site and say Cena is overrated. The guy gets slated like he personally comes round peoples houses during Raw and slaps them round the face with a fish.

I do worry about people who say Punk is no good though. I couldnt have watched WWE in 2012 without Punk

chris.wilkerson13 wrote:I dont think you could ever come on this site and say Cena is overrated. The guy gets slated like he personally comes round peoples houses during Raw and slaps them round the face with a fish.

I do worry about people who say Punk is no good though. I couldnt have watched WWE in 2012 without Punk

I honestly don't hate him but I do feel he's overrated, I can see why he's the biggest star but I just feel there are so many other wrestler's who probably deserve to be much bigger than him.

Hes overrated by the people that love him and underrated by the people that hate him. I must admit to being a fan when he gets his Wrestlemania head on

chris.wilkerson13 wrote:Hes overrated by the people that love him and underrated by the people that hate him. I must admit to being a fan when he gets his Wrestlemania head on

The thing with Cena is that from time to time he'll show glimpses of how great he could be - yes, he could be great - whether it's in the ring or on the mic. But just when you think he's turned a corner he'll go and do something, whether it be a 'poopie' promo or squashing Cody Rhodes in under 2 minutes and then you're back to square one.

Exactly, thats why Road to Mania Cena is generally quite good, hes made to put his game face on and take some sort of charge.

But then theres the other times where everything is an awful joke and nothing can affect his happy go lucky superhero character. Whats most depressing is Sheamus seems to be following that blueprint, the post title loss promo where he didnt mind his defeat cos it had been a jolly nice fight before probably making a joke about the irish loving the colour green, pots of gold and a nice pint tip de dee!

Yeah they pretty much ruined Shamoose didn't they?


Can't wait for them to go the same route with Ryback:


"So Ryback, you lost the big title match. What are your thoughts?"


"I don't mind really, because when I got to the back after the match I ate 16 cheeseburgers and a smokewheel pizza. Feed me more? No thanks, I'm full! HAHAHAHAHA!"

I've lost all hope for Sheamus after those Big Show promos on the back of losing the belt, I know they want to appeal to kids and appear to be likeable goodguys who are role models but look at Hogan and Warrior back in the cartoon era, they never tried to be funny, they fought the good fight and told you exactly what they where fighting for although Warrior went a round about way of doing it.

Shawn and Triple H used humour but I always felt there was an undertone to their humour, Rocks humour was pure sarcasm but he delivered it with so much attitude that it worked, Cena's is mindnumbing and like you say Sheamus is following suit, I wouldn't be surprised for Ryback to go that way too.

I agree that we need to evolve with the times but is this character progression really revolving? I'd say its regressing