Pitching The Undertaker’s Official Retirement on Raw 25 (WWE HOF Induction)

Last year’s WrestleMania saw Roman Reigns defeat The Undertaker in what many believe to be “Taker’s” last match. His official retirement has yet to be seen, however, with Raw 25 looming, here’s how I’d book his official retirement.

Now, before I get into this, I can’t take all the credit for the idea. The concept came from the Solomonster Sound’s Off Podcast (which you should definitely listen to). During the last segment of the ‘Sound Off’ show, Jason Solomon, the host, answers questions posed by the listers. One fan asked Solomon if the Undertaker should retire on Raw 25, the upcoming show signifying the 25th Anniversary of Raw, which I will be covering in this article. Spoiler: Yes. Absolutely yes.

In case you forgot (you definitely didn’t), Roman Reigns conquered The Undertaker at WrestleMania 33. The match was terrible, and the reception for Reigns was even worse.

But one thing that WWE got spot on was “The Deadman’s” final shot. The picturesque ‘fade to black’ moment with The Undertaker, arm raised, slowly lowering down to the floor, underneath “the depths of hell”, if you will, was an incredible visual.

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Many have speculated that “The Indestructible Force” will return for one more match, which, as you can tell from this article, I don’t agree with. Yes, it’s a great payday, but honestly, I don’t want to see another “Taker” match. It may sound a little harsh to say, but I want “The Deadman” to retire. And it should happen this year.

The former World Champion has faced every big name left, except Cena and Sting. The reason I bring up those two names is because, in their prime, either of those two matches would have been big business for WWE.

Now, given Undertaker’s age and his mystique – which has clearly lowered over time due to his losses suffered at recent WrestleManias – the matches don’t even seem half as interesting. Also, given that Sting retired due to injury, that match couldn’t even take place. As for the Cena bout, I’ve got absolutely no interest. Two part-timers, both with one foot out the door, doesn’t sound intriguing in the slightest – especially since the streak is no longer in tact.

But enough about the matches that could’ve happened, let’s take a delve into what I think should happen with “The Grim Reaper”. The 25th Anniversary of Raw is coming up, and boy does it look like we’ve got a show. WWE are promoting Raw 25 like it’s the last show they’re ever going to do, stacking up both shows (Raw 25 will be broadcasted from two locations) with HOF’ers and legends, most notably, The Undertaker.

As previously mentioned, the return of “Taker” on this show indicates to some that there’s one more match to be had, however, I choose to hope that this isn’t the case. On Raw 25, The Undertaker shouldn’t come out as “The Deadman”, nor “The American Badass”, or even as “Big Evil”. The Undertaker should come out as Mark Calaway.

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Sure, you can say that that’s breaking character, and I wouldn’t disagree. But seriously, at this point, what’s he got to lose? If WrestleMania 33 truly was the end of the character; the true end of “The Phenom”, it should be left in the minds of the folks sitting and watching The Camping World Stadium. The last sight of The Undertaker should be that picturesque final scene, which WWE executed to perfection.

If anyone deserves one last standing ovation, one last gigantic ‘pop’, one last “Thank You Taker”, it’s him. And who better to direct it to than the man himself. No, not to the character, but the actual human being Mark Calaway. As well as it being a feel good moment for the crowd, and the people at home, it’s also a great moment for Calaway.

Additionally, it would truly be a groundbreaking moment. For the first ever, the man of many personas, who’s entertainment millions for over a decade, would be standing in the ring not playing an act; figuratively speaking, naked, for the first ever. Furthermore, Calaway cutting a heart-to-heart promo showing his appreciation to the fans would be immense. And it truly would be the perfect way to end his career in ‘Sports Entertainment’, on TV at least.

Another concept, in addition to this one, raised on ‘The Sound Off‘ was “The Last Outlaw” being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on the same night. The idea being that Vince McMahon interrupts “The Deadman’s” promo, and announces his inclusion in this years’ HOF class. As Jason noted on the podcast, around the time of Raw 25 (late-January), WWE announce the lead inductee, which lays more credence to this pitch being all the more plausible.

Next: WrestleMania 34: What Is SmackDown’s Main Event Payoff?

What do you think, folks? Should “The Deadman” announce his official retirement on Raw 25, followed by McMahon inducting him into the HOF? Sound off (wink) in the comments below.