For The Record 8.23.09: Cena Vs. Undertaker at Wrestlemania
Posted by Kristopher Rodriguez on 08.23.2009
WWE's chance to make Cena an icon.
The Undertaker's streak is impressive. In professional wrestling, there are few awe-inspiring records. There's Bruno Sammartino's 7-year WWE Title reign. There's Wrestlemania III's indoor attendance record of 93,173. There's Ric Flair's 16+ world title reigns. And now there's "17-0", the Undertaker's Wrestlemania record.
The streak is an integral part of the Deadman's legacy. Yes, he's got a great gimmick. Yes, he puts on entertaining matches. But it's the streak that makes him unique. Stone Cold and Hulk Hogan triggered wrestling revolutions. Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart modernized main event wrestling. Ric Flair was THE showman of the 1980s. The Undertaker was never one to carry a company or alter the culture of wrestling. He's always been a steady, stabilizing, consistent presence. But like I said, the one thing that makes him unique among the aforementioned legends is his amazing Wrestlemania streak.
Should his streak come to an end? That's a tough question. We understand the consequences and fallout of an Undertaker loss. First of all, it would tarnish wrestling's greatest streak. It would also glaringly blemish Taker's claim to fame. On the other hand, the person who defeats The Undertaker would score one of the most significant victories in wrestling history. It would catapult a midcarder into main event status. It would launch a main eventer into icon status. IF the streak is ever broken, there's one thing that I hope happens…
I hope a veteran breaks the streak. It doesn't have to be a main eventer. But it has to be someone who won't be too star struck by the victory. Imagine if Brock Lesnar or Bobby Lashley were given that win. It would have been disastrous.
With that said… who should get the nod? In my view, Kane would be an ideal candidate. The Big Red Monster has been around forever, and his history with The Undertaker has been well-documented. It would be an amazing moment to see Kane one-up his "brother."
There are other big time veterans who could end the streak. Shawn Michaels brought Taker to the limit at Wrestlemania XXV. I think the fans would be happy to see the two square off one more time. I suppose Triple H could end the streak, though that would probably leave a sour taste in many mouths. Imagine if it was Triple H who beat Flair's world title record AND ended The Undertaker's streak. The IWC would riot!
Edge would be an acceptable choice. He had a MOTYC with Taker at Wrestlemania XXIV. They could certainly replicate or exceed that effort in a rematch. Defeating The Undertaker would be Edge's signature moment.
We all know, however… Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Kane, and Edge have virtually no chance of ending the streak. They've had their shots. It's hard to imagine any of them, besides HBK, getting a rematch. And with the exception of Triple H, all of them will probably be gone before 2015.
There is one wrestler, however, who could benefit in the long term from the victory. There is one wrestler who could help recreate the Hogan-Andre atmosphere from Wrestlemania III. This wrestler would be pushed from headliner to "icon" by defeating The Undertaker. The name: John Cena.
Virtually everybody expects The Undertaker's streak to endure forever. It's the same feeling fans got with Andre The Giant. The thought of big Andre getting bodyslammed and pinned was almost beyond comprehension. Andre was unstoppable. However, at Wrestlemania III, Hogan did the unthinkable. He slammed and pinned Andre The Giant right in the middle of the ring. The giant was slained, and Hogan became a wrestling icon. He was already a big star, but Hogan took a quantum leap into a level of infamy that only such guys as Stone Cold and Ric Flair have reached.
The similarities between Cena and Hogan are striking. Like the pre-Wrestlemania III Hulk Hogan, Cena is a major star in his own right. However, like Hogan before Wrestlemania III, Cena has not had that one signature moment that changes his relationship with the fans. Hogan did something that nobody thought was even possible. He beat Andre. If Cena challenged Taker at Wrestlemania, he would also seek to do what most consider to be impossible. And that's beat The Deadman.
Why would it be a bigger deal for Cena to beat The Undertaker than for Michaels, Kane, Triple H, or Edge? Because of all of those wrestlers, Cena is the closest prototype to Hogan. WWE would love to have another Hulk Hogan. They tried with Lex Luger, but that experiment went totally wrong. Then they gave up for a while. Now, with WWE revisiting the "PG" or "cartoonish" era, a person with Hogan's appeal would be perfect. John Cena is the closest WWE can get to Hogan in the foreseeable future. What made Hogan into a megastar? Defeating Andre The Giant. Cena is a major wrestling star. But he's not a living legend. If WWE wants to turn Cena into a Hoganesque living legend, a Wrestlemania victory over The Undertaker would accomplish that.
And can you imagine the atmosphere for a Cena-Undertaker Wrestlemania match? The fans wouldn't be as one-sided as you think. Most smarks probably assume the fans would cheer unanimously for Taker. I disagree. John Cena is more popular today than he's ever been in his career. He is the most popular wrestler among the youth, and those fans are quite vocal. The Undertaker will always have his cheering section. But Cena has amassed a major following in his own right.
In my view, Cena vs. Undertaker is one of the few dream matches left. It would indeed be a spectacle. An Undertaker victory would be great and fun. But a Cena victory would be something special for the wrestling industry. Either way, I hope it goes down. It would be the biggest match in 20+ years.
Closing Time
That's it for this week. Below are the latter parts of the Hogan/Andre Wrestlemania III match.
I have to disagree with you - the fans would be COMPLETELY on Taker's side. But that's how it should be if Cena is the one to end Taker's streak.
I think they could use Cena-Taker to turn Cena into an unbeatable mega-heel. Imagine the heat Cena would get for pinning Taker cleanly at Mania--then have him finally snap, angry that no matter what he does the fans still boo him. Then he can become a dominant heel who always overcomes the odds, much to the fans' dismay. Then down the road someone (like a returning Jeff Hardy) cleanly beats Cena and they become the mega-babyface of the promotion. In that scenario you've launched 2 guys into superstardom.
Posted By: JDW (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 12:30 PM
I have to respectfully disagree. Personally, and extended program starting from the Rumble and ending at 'Mania between Punk/Undertaker would be magical. Cena is about as over as he will ever get, and the 'smarks' will hate him even more if he took the streak.
But Punk? He'd be forever catapulted into the main event, and the smarks would love him even more. Win-win.
Posted By: Mister Webs (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Great article and a couple of great points. I personally would mark out for this but I think this should go down at 27, and someone like Jack Swagger, MVP, The MIZ, or John Morrison should get their crack at ending the streak at 26.
Posted By: The STY (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 12:34 PM
i COMPLETELY agree with you. Cena should go over and turn heel. such a turn WOULD TOP the hogan heel turn in 1996.
prepare for the iwc rage though in 3-2-1....
Posted By: Guest (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 12:39 PM
You're out of you mind. Having Cena defeat the Undertaker at WrestleMania would alienate the fan-base and be the death nail for professional wrestling. I'm a huge wrestling fan. I've been watching since I was 3 years old. I watch as much wrestling as I can possibly get. And I can't stand John Cena. I can't stand how he buries everybody. How his super-Cena gimmick makes better wrestlers look bad. And if they had John Cena defeat the Undertaker at WrestleMania I would never watch WWE again. And I am not alone. If I were in attendence I would be part of the riot that would go down in history as the day wrestling died.
Posted By: Joe (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 12:54 PM
I disagree, not because Cena doesn't deserve it, but Cena definitely doesn't need the win. Think about it. At WrestleMania, Cena has won the US, WWE, and World Titles, and has made Triple H and Shawn Michaels tap out. I don't think the Undertaker's streak will ever end. The last time I REALLY thought it had a chance of ending was when Randy Orton faced him at WM21. After Undertaker beat Orton, I really think all chances of the streak ending were halted.
Posted By: Kevin (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 12:54 PM
I hate to admit it, not being big on Cenas good guy suck up to everyone character, but this makes sense.
Cena will be around for a while if he can stay healthy. Cena going over Taker would make his career.
Posted By: Champ (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 12:58 PM
i've been calling for this match for 3 years now and totally agree a dependable superstar should do it. cena fits the bill. itd been a riot had it happened in Houston in Taker's home town but it wasn't to be. HBK almost did it but I'd go one step further, have Cena not only win, have him make Taker tap.
Posted By: JP (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 01:06 PM
I disagree with the conclusion, but the article is well written and makes some good points.
I agree that WWE needs to end the streak at some point to pay off the long-term build-up. But to whom? The problem I have with Cena is more about his age and status. I'm not sure the win would add as much to him as it might someone who was younger (at least in terms of exposure to the audience.)
Still, interesting ideas and thanks for the article.
Posted By: Satan (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 01:11 PM
"The fans would probably be split."
Are you kidding?
They would boo Cena out of the building.
Posted By: Levikeinz (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 01:22 PM
I'm not a big Cena fan nor do i think the streak should really be broken...but if they were to do it, i would hope that not too long after that they would create one of the biggest swerves in history (ala Hogan) and turn Cena heel...that would create a lot of buzz all over again...if you want a Hogan-esque superstar, i think you would have to go down the same route
Posted By: Erik (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 01:32 PM
Oh God no. UT's streak should never be broken. The storylne and his character have too much of an aura of invincible enigma for it. Just let the man have his time in the sun.
A victory over a midcarder might backfire since he might not be ready for it, and a victory by a main level guy would do nothing for either party since they'd already be established.
And dear God, do NOT let SuperCena get the win. It will swell his head and propel him off to Hollywood like the Rock. Seeing Cena all over my TV like Superman is aggrevating enough, don't have hm be the one to beat Taker at Wrestlemania.
Posted By: lilwayne1 (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 01:33 PM
was skeptical when i read the headline but this is a great article!
Posted By: cenasux (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 01:34 PM
As John Cena's biggest supporter. I wouldnt even want to see Undertakers streak come to an end.
Posted By: Radtke (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 01:34 PM
I've often thought Cena vs Undertaker would be Wrestlemania worthy. I don't think Cena should win, they've taken Undertaker's streak to far for it to end, but they could still put on an amazing match and Cena taking Taker to his limit could put him over.
Posted By: Drew (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 01:44 PM
I would fly a plane into WWE HQ if this happened.
Posted By: Guest#3929 (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 01:46 PM
Why would it be a bigger deal for Cena to beat The Undertaker than for Michaels, Kane, Triple H, or Edge? Because of all of those wrestlers, Cena is the closest prototype to Hogan. WWE would love to have another Hulk Hogan. They tried with Lex Luger, but that experiment went totally wrong. Then they gave up for a while. Now, with WWE revisiting the "PG" or "cartoonish" era, a person with Hogan's appeal would be perfect. John Cena is the closest WWE can get to Hogan in the foreseeable future. What made Hogan into a megastar? Defeating Andre The Giant. Cena is a major wrestling star. But he's not a living legend. If WWE wants to turn Cena into a Hoganesque living legend, a Wrestlemania victory over The Undertaker would accomplish that.
- Shut the fuck up.
Posted By: Foolio (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 01:55 PM
love the idea. Takers streak needs to go down...because it is a business, a business that is staged, and it really means something for someone else. thats the way this business should work. Its not a real streak. its a work.
Posted By: Joe Mastronardo (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 01:57 PM
I kinda agree with you on this one. Though majority of your other choices r kinda dull.(no offense)
I actually think if Hardy Jeff remains active he is hotter than Cena. The reason being he looks beatable. we all love the cheer the underdog. And yet wen he defeats umaga, wen he defeats Kane tht instills a sense of thrill inthe fans...I think WWE will let a major star slide...if hardy walks away
Posted By: Indianguy (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 02:01 PM
I'm as huge Taker fan from way back.But I also loke Cena I think the gimmick change was a mistate and he should've stayed hip hop. But thats just my opinion. This would be a huge match but like Andre wouldnt Taker have to turn heel for it to really work?
Posted By: dee76 (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 02:08 PM
as of today, my wishlist to end taker's streak.
kane-anyone who has siblings knows the fight never ends until the little brother/sister FINALLY beats the older.
jericho-these two never had a one on one feud. y2j has been hinting and begging for one for a long time.
cm punk-he can go from preachy heel to the ultimate dick with wm over taker.
Posted By: rey (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 02:14 PM
The sad thing is, you're probably right, it probably will be Cena ending the streak, and on that day, I shall never, ever watch the E again.
I also think you overestimate Cenas popularity going forward. At some point, they will have to turn him heel.
Even Austin got the heel turn, it's going to happen with Cena.
Personally, I hope no one ever ends the streak. Let him retire with the streak intact. A fitting tribute to the man. Why does anyone need to end the streak?
Posted By: TheTheoryofTimeandSpace (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 02:14 PM
it wouldn't hurt if a dibiase or another 2nd. generation star were to break the streak.. because if they were to flake out like Lashley or Lesnar, they not only piss on the business, but piss on their family legacy as well.. (which is why the WWE had hired a bunch of 2nd/3rd generation stars to begin with) as for all the others .. what would it do for them to break the streak? what good would it be for a top vet to break it? the question is: would it matter if so and so were to end the streak? would it catapult them to levels they aren't already at? Look at the Flair retirement angle.. what good does it do for HBK to end Flair's streak? did it make HBK the leader of the next generation? did it give HBK anymore title reigns? it led indirectly to the awesome jericho/hbk feud and thats it.. new stars are needed.. wwe needs to make 'em..
Posted By: sdmcc (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 02:31 PM
Good column, but I disagree. The Undertaker could not play the heel in the match. Taker is a face and will remain a face for the rest of his time in WWE. No matter what Cena does, there will always be a section of the crowd that can't let their hatred of him go. He could give an old lady mouth to mouth and save her right in the middle of the ring(not kayfabe) and he would get boos five minutes later. The crowds have changed and we may never see an 'icon" again. The "too cool for school" crowd will never let that happen. I do agree that a match between Taker and Cena would be epic. Taker's knowledge vs. Cena's combo of youth and experience(I can't believe that he's already been around for 7 years.) would be something to behold. Finally. the record should stay. It doesn't need to be broken. What the WWE needs to do is start another WM streak, but that's a whole different column.
Posted By: The Great Capt. Smooth (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 02:53 PM
cena doesnt need the rub from undertaker, he needed it from the rock or austin.
Posted By: Billy Kidman (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 03:02 PM
But most people who attend Wrestlemania tend to be the older crowd who simply dislike or hate Cena. They were quite visible at 25 and can you imagine Cena doing what everyone else has failed to do? The only thing worst would be if HHH did it.
Posted By: BKS (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 03:03 PM
Posted By: Bruno (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 03:08 PM
Great read and I agree about Cena and Taker going at it. More than likely, its going to be HHH and HBK at Mania this year so HHH can have the match of the night (You just KNOW his ego is getting hurt with HBK stealing the spotlight at every Mania) and end the Career of HBK and go around claming he ended HBK and the man who ended Flairs careers (cant fault the guy for being smart) and if Cena and Taker went at it, it would make you wonder who would be going at if for the belts.
Posted By: Guest#4500 (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 03:10 PM
Decently structured opinion column,with the correct analysis of the reason why the Undertaker should lose someday.
Whoever beats him makes more money for the wwe if it is done correctly. He moves the business on.
Many fans want to see him retire undefeated. Jeez, that is where the money is and the fun.
Letting Undertaker retire undefeated at Wrestlemania is one of the most stupid things I've ever heard.
From a business pov. that he should retire undefeated and lose all the value of the streak, and the money it made is stupid. I doubt an old-school guy like the Undertaker would do that.
Retiring with a wrestlemania loss, when your programm tore the house down, gave someone Icon status and made that guy move to the next level is a far better legacy.
Undefeated is a nice little ego thing that doesn't give back to all the people that made you rich, and is unlikely to be replicated as an opportunity.
Making someone the hottest thing in wrestling as a thank you for the industry that gave you a good living and you love is way better.
Jeez; the Flair retirement angle was cool, a nice way to say goodbye and as a legends tour on his way out and a sign of respect, great. Undertaker putting someone over at Wrestlemania is far bigger and more important long-term.
To me the more interesting question is whether it should be Orton doing it and people chasing him(old-school), Cena in a torch-passing(no, because of resentment and Cena hate) or Cena on a heel turn.
Posted By: Guest#4704 (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 03:11 PM
I think they could totally make this happen booking wise. When Edge returns healthy, they have already set him up as a face, with a natural feud in Jericho, or a World Title feud with Punk depending on when he returns.
On Raw, Orton could slime past Cena at Summerslam, but the ppv after is Breaking Point and figure on an I QUIT match where Cena gets the title back. You have Taker return in the fall and have some hold over feuds with Punk and Jericho before winning the Rumble, or a #1 contenders elimination chamber at No Way Out.
Posted By: DanBklyn510 (Registered) on August 23, 2009 at 03:13 PM
I am surprised they haven't pulled the trigger yet on a Cena-UT WM main event which would be pretty much as big of a main event as can be these days. I wonder if they'll do this year even with the rumors of a Jericho-UT Wm match swirling around I think it is their biggest money match for WM in the fact they haven't fought in about 6 years so it would be fresher then what they have to put on at WM right now.
Now on Cena ending the streak I could see but I don't think the streak ever ends WWE values it too much and its not needed for Cena at this point.
Posted By: Guest#1579 (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 03:13 PM
as much as i dislike cena, i agree with you and do think this could work well for him and the wwe. it COULD be the turning point for his long overdue heel turn as well. because, anybody who faces taker now is considered heel.
Posted By: shaydee (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 03:17 PM
And the endless line of clueless smarks bashing Cena begins...now.
Posted By: SlickVic (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 03:20 PM
One of the things thats always perplexed me about Cena and the reactions he gets is the crowds will chant for him to come out during a beatdown and thats a mass chant, not just the "kids" but when he DOES come out he gets the boos. He has literally become the split favourite. People will come to see him and cheer for him to make an appearance, JUST to boo him when he does. You get the impression Cena enjoys this though, based on how he interacts with people like that (standing next to them and smiling at camera.)
Posted By: Guest#0693 (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 03:24 PM
I liked JDW idea, but there is one problem I foresee with it. Cena as a heel is what got him over in the first place and I could honestly see him as a heel getting bigger than hes ever been. He's already proven he can be a good heel, with the WWE behind him on the A show, as their top heel, he'd be unstoppable but he's also proven he's at his most entertaining as a heel. Same as The Rock really. Rock is one of a kind no matter what he's doing but as a heel no one could touch him for being so damn entertaining and while I'm not saying Cena is on Rocks level in the entertaining stakes (no one is) Cena is at his best as the cocky heel, so turning him heel, yes, would probably give him the monster heel edge, but as a heel he'd more than likely get more cheers than boos. So many people WANT the heel Cena back.
Posted By: Guest#8709 (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 03:29 PM
Its strange to think, but Cena is actually in the best position imaginable right now in terms of his character. He's proven that he's at his best when hes racey, gets the crowd to chant along and say "Dick, Shit and Fucker" in his promos. As of now, thats not allowed because of the PG WWE rated shows, but when everything comes full circle and the kids of today grow up and the WWE turns attitude again, Cena will be the perfect person to be at the head of that, with a simple change of his character, ala Hogan of NWO years, ala Triple H pre DX years. While he is stale now and needs a change, he's in that great spot of being able to adapt with the times and still be completly relavent and important to WWE programing. The only other guy I can see fitting that is Edge, as he's already on the cusp of breaking PG every time he cuts a promo.
Posted By: Neo (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 03:36 PM
everybody would hate cena for that fool!!
Posted By: mr t i m e (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Great article but I gotta disagree. I think that Cena already IS an icon. Some people just don't want to admit it yet.
My pick though? How about Fake Undertaker. Or Fake Kane.
NO. Wait.
Fake Undertaker vs Fake Kane vs Undertaker. Double pin on Undertaker. CONTROVERSY I'll let everybody else fantasy book the rest of THAT winner.
Posted By: Gozzo (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 03:50 PM
if undertaker does not face cm punk or john morrison im not buying
Posted By: Guest#7833 (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 03:50 PM
I swear you only wrote this to anger the smarks.
Posted By: Showster (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 03:51 PM
Beating Taker does nothing for Cena. He is all ready over and beating UT would not put him any more over. If you want to get someone who is on the brink why not Morrison or Ziggler? Ziggler would be an awesome heel and would be massively over if he did it.
Posted By: iomis (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 03:52 PM
No. Absolutely not. Giving the win to Cena would be a complete waste. Instead, guys need to go against The Undertaker and put on matches like HBK has done, Edge before him, and even Randy Orton before him: matches that are good enough and tell the story well enough to make you think the impossible can be realised. The streak should never be broken; to do so would be a waste of the plethora of matches which preceded it. Taker deserves a legacy for being such a WWE loyalist, anyway.
Posted By: AngryTas (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 04:14 PM
I agree that Cena should eventually face Taker at WM, but I don't think the streak should come to an end.
It should be something like a 2 out of 3 falls match. Taker gets the first fall. Cena gets the first pin on Taker at a WM.
Then, Taker puts Cena in a submission hold, but Cena never taps. Referee stops the match. Taker's win streak remains intact and Cena looks strong.
If Taker ever loses at WM, it should be against the next big monster. If Abyss would have jumped from TNA a few years ago, I'd say he would have been the ideal candidate.
Posted By: guest (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 04:36 PM
The cena hate is no where near as big as it was in 06. John Cena beats Undertaker clean at Mania, would the fans turn on him completely? Would they love him? What would they think? Undertaker is one of the most over faces in the company? I really think that they need to do some sort of Tag down the road and get them in there and do an exchange, you know see how the fans react. Also they have fueded before back in 2002 or 2003. Obviously this would be bigger since Cena wasnt a major star back then. Does Cena need this, NO! he moves more merch than hogan, believe it or not but i believe his films are more successful. The man who needs to beat the Undertaker must be a heel. Why? Andre was a heel so it was perfect for a face(Hogan) to defeat him. Undertaker is a face, so i have a different list
Ted Dibiase- too green, too young and is he really that guy because we dont know yet.
Cody Rhodes-same as Ted
CM Punk- Great heel, interesting, different, but he is heading towards a fall taker fued anyways.
Randy Orton- This is my choice, i know they had their match before, but if anyone from the WWE is as good an performer as Randy Orton is let me know. The man performs his act to perfection. WWE missed it at Wrestlemania 25, Randy Orton was so over, a win here would catapult him to where his potential is. Randy has the face for the movies, he's actually a cool guy in his interviews, i love his shoot interview because he is very honest and doesnt hold anything back. Randy Orton is the most talented in the WWE at least in the 40 and under age group.
Posted By: Ian (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 04:54 PM
Has to be a heel.
Imagine the heat someone ending Taker's streak via outrageous cheating would get?
Hell, have Shelton do it and brag about it non-stop for the rest of the year. If that doesn't get him over nothing will.
Posted By: Vordeo (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 05:52 PM
Takers streak should never be broken. John Cena would get no kind of good rub whatsoever except that little kids will just love him more.
The best candidate is Chris Jericho mroe than anyone. The Undertaker should never lose to some total waste of space like Cena
Posted By: CL (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 05:54 PM
First off, I want some of whatever that guy who said a Cena heel turn would be as big as Hogan joining the NWO. Secondly, I think it needs to be someone that could use the "rub". Cena is already over and honestly he's almost as injury prone as Orton. Give it to one of the younger guys who you're going to use as a building block for the future. Morrison, Punk, Swagger, DiBiase Jr. maybe?
Posted By: Flying Dutchman (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 05:55 PM
Very good article with some very good points. However, I must disagree. Cena beating Taker may backfire on him and make others boo him more. Of course you could use this as a great excuse to turn him heel (and I do believe he would cut a very passionate promo). But I'd rather not see Cena because I think it would make more sense for a dominant up and comer to beat Taker. You say Brock ending Taker's streak would have been disasterious? I would disagree because Brock was pushed so well that he was seen a legit threat to ANYONE and him beating taker would have made people go "Oh s***...who can beat this guy" (just like the UFC fans are saying now :D)...still just as well they didn't do it with Brock cause he left soon and it would have been a wasted chance. So they would need a up and coming domiant wrestler who is over, but also has long term loyalty to the WWE.
Posted By: The Mystical Ninja (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 05:57 PM
You're argument has one glaring flaw in comparing Hogan/Andre to Cena/Taker. Kayfaybe was very much alive and well for Hogan/Andre. We knew Andre was unbeatable because he was ANDRE THE FREAKIN' GIANT, a massive man who never lost. We know Undertaker is unbeatable because that's the way it's booked. Fans would not have the same respect for a Cena win that they had for a Hogan win. Cena's win would not have the same impact.
Posted By: August (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 06:04 PM
Cena + Taker would work if Cena turns heel. why would undertaker turn heel to defend his streak? anyone gunning for it would automatically be trying to get something that doesn't belong to them... which pretty much constitutes heel action. If Cena challenges taker by citing exactly the same reasons you mentioned in a kayfabed perspective, he'd be a natural heel by thinking that he's wrestling icon on the level of hogan. Even if Cena doesn't end the streak, it would be a great launching point for a great gimmick, the superman bad guy hell bent on making himself a wrestling icon. Unfortunately i don't think the kiddies will take it too well, so Cena heeldom won't happen until the children who idolize cena grow up. Austin's heel turn after the attitude era was near the twilight of his career, where most of his fans would have grown up or at least have matured enough to understand the ambiguous tweener position.
Posted By: Shio (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 06:05 PM
IMO, UT's streak should not end. I think, he should retire after WrestleMania 26, and have this happen in the process-
-Dont have Undertaker appear AT ALL on wwe television all the way up to WrestleMania 26. Dont even mention him.
-Put Dolph Ziggler on an undefeated streak. Have him challenge Shawn Michaels at Mania in a retirement match.
-Have Ziggler go over and heel it up on the mic, saying hes just ended a career, and continued his undefeated streak. If theres anyone in the back who are stupid and complacent enough to think they have a chance against him, come out now.
-DONG!
-Ziggler bails out of the ring, and Taker appears in the middle of it.
-Ziggler continues his promo, calling Taker an old man, and saying tonight, he ends takers streak, and ends takers career.
-The crowd go absolutely mental, as the opening bell goes off. The commentators also go crazy- "Streak vs Streak, JR!"
-Undertaker hits all his signature moves (chokeslam, Old School, Last Ride) all to two counts
-Undertaker locks in the gogoplata, ziggler reverses to a powerbomb for two.
-Undertaker hits the tombstone- 1,2, NO!
-Ziggler hits the jumpy thingy, one, two, thre- NO!
-Undertaker hits a top rope chokeslam, one, two -NO!
-Ziggler reverses a tombstone and hits a jumpy thing for another near fall
-Undertaker finally hits a second tombstone, the fans chant 1,2,3-NO!
-Undertaker looks frustrated, Ziggler hits his jumpy thing. He goes for the pin- 1, 2- Taker reverses into a small package! 1,2,3! TAKER WINS!
-Ziggler came incredibly close to beating Taker, as well as beating and ending the career of the showstopper, gets a massive rub, is a massive heel for years to come.
-Undertaker keeps his streak, and retires.
The great thing about this storyline, is the heel is interchangeable. CM Punk would fit the bill. The Miz would fit the bill. Jack Swagger would fit the bill, etc. etc., and its a guaranteed star maker.
Posted By: Camarama (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 06:24 PM
"Wrestlemania III's indoor attendance record of 93,173"
100% legit. Eat it Meltzer and his disciples that believe his bullshit because Vince wouldn't employ him to even do mailroom duty.
Posted By: Brad B (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 06:46 PM
FUCK THIS IDEA.
Good article, but I'd have to say this shit needs to not happen. Unless Cena plans to go full on heel, the shit will not work.
Posted By: The Great Smartass (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 07:06 PM
For as many injuries as Cena's had over the past few years, I don't see him dedicating the next decade of his life to wrestling (despite his claims to the contrary). He's seen how banged up guys like Hogan are and by most accounts he's not a big spender. I see him eventually cutting back on his schedule in the next few years, especially since he just got married. If he has a kid, that's even more of a reason. He'll get the Taker role where they dust off the cobwebs every few months for a special attraction.
With all that in mind, I don't think he'd be the wise long-term investment. His star is waning. As a draw, he peaked probably around '06/'07 at the height of his mixed crowd reactions. The last generation of main event talent WWE created (JBL, Cena, Batista, Orton, Edge) are either retired (JBL), considering retiring (Batista), or have peaked/plateaued in terms of popularity (Cena, Orton, Edge). I mean, it's been around 5 five years since they hit the top. It's about time they started to cycle in some newer faces or they run the risk of shooting themselves in the foot like they did with the Attitude era where they relied too heavily on Rock, Austin, and Hunter to carry things for too long. Which ended up hurting them in the long run until they started cycling in the new talent.
So no, don't use Cena to end Taker's streak. I'm not gonna throw some bullshit name like Dibiase out there, but it should be someone that isn't an established star. Whoever ends Taker's streak will be the biggest heel in the company for a good year or two based on that alone. Make it mean something.
Posted By: Guest#7416 (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 07:08 PM
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO A MILLION TIMES MORE.
I'm not much of a Cena fan but I would definitely become a Cena hater if he beats Taker at WM if it were to happen. sorry but not gonna happen!
Posted By: anonymous (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 07:29 PM
YES, YES, and YES! If anyone on the current WWE roster is to end The Streak, it HAS to be John Cena. Edge would have been an EXCELLENT choice, but that ship already sailed at Mania 24. Same with Randy Orton. Ditto with the H's. And while HBK/Taker was one of the greatest matches in WrestleMania history, Michaels is close enough to the end of his career that you KNEW he wasn't ending The Streak. Sadly, the same goes for Chris Jericho; while he would make an EXCELLENT WrestleMania feud for Taker, given the fact that Y2J is closer to the end of his career than the beginning there is LITTLE DOUBT Taker would go 18-0. As for putting a midcarder over Taker, more likely than not it would cause a LOT of negative backlash, especially since even a "sure thing 2-3 years away" could STILL Ken Kennedy his push.
In order to end The Streak, you need to be A MAIN EVENTER IN HIS PRIME who could really benefit from the rub. ENTER JOHN CENA. Love him or hate him, John Cena has also emerged as THE FACE OF THE WWE for the current crop of Superstars. A Cena/Taker WrestleMania would probably receive as much hype as HOGAN/ANDRE and ROCK/HOGAN: it would be LEGEND VS ICON, with the survival of The Streak very much IN DOUBT. If Cena were to pin Taker cleanly and end The Streak, it would go down as one of the most iconic moments in WresteMania History.
So, how exactly would a Taker/Cena WrestleMania Feud go down? Here's how I'd book it. First, around November or December Taker gives an interview in SmackDown Magazine about The Streak and his legacy where he says, "If anyone can end it, it's Cena. But I still don't see it happening.". Over the next few months drop very subtile hints about a Taker/Cena WrestleMania match, perhaps showing Cena reading that issue of SmackDown magazine or having the lights go out in a PPV Title Shot (probably the Royal Rumble). After exausting his last title shot at No Way Out, Cena hints "there are bigger things to do than winning titles" while reading that edition of SmackDown Magazine. Taker then issues an open challenge to a "specific someone" he hopes "has the guts to face him". Of course, Cena answers that challenge and CALLS TAKER OUT on his comments, saying that "you aren't sure you still have what it takes to beat me, are you?"; Cena also points out Taker "isn't getting any younger" and "can't beat Father Time". Taker responds by pointing out that he's STILL 17-0 and that "his time is NOT up yet", and vows to "take Cena to Hell and back" at WrestleMania. Then Cena and Taker try to one-up each other during a tag team match, almost come to blows, and have a tense staredown. In various backstage interviews leading up to WrestleMania, even WWE Superstars would argue over whether John Cena or The Undertaker would win when asked!
Posted By: Guest#7125 (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 08:20 PM
And dear God, do NOT let SuperCena get the win. It will swell his head and propel him off to Hollywood like the Rock.
Posted By: lilwayne1 (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Right I can see it now...
"We need someone to star in the next summer blockbuster!...I got it! That John Cena guy. He beat the Undertaker at Wrestlemania! He'd be perfect!"
Dumbass
Posted By: right.... (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 10:02 PM
What u say makes busines sense but that does not take into account the feelings of us fans. Hope UT remains undefeated.
Posted By: who cares (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 10:25 PM
I didn't read through the comments because I knew there would either be a) tons of smarks frothing at the mouth or b) smarks and marks arguing like children over Cena's place in wrestling history.
I like Cena, despite being a smark. But to say he hasn't had "that moment" yet is ridiculous. He beat HHH and HBK at back to back WrestleManias BY SUBMISSION. If that isn't Icon status, I don't know what is. If you want a veteran to get it, there is no other option in my mind than Chris Jericho; he and Taker have never feuded, HHH will never put him over, and Taker would probably LOVE to feud with the new serious Jericho. It just makes sense.
Posted By: Cactus (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 11:12 PM
The Undertaker needs to lose eventually to give someone a rub. Guys laid down for him and he should do the same. His legacy isn't the streak, it's his career. World titles. Clean wins over guys like Hogan, Rock, Austin, HHH, HBK, etc. Guys like Kamala acting scared of him to build him up. People selling "old school". He owes somebody a WM win to build them up, no questions asked.
I see your thinking on Cena, but doubt the move would give him much of a rub. He's already gotten all the rub he needs. The problem is today we see far more big matches than we ever did before. Back in the WM3 days there was one or two PPVs a year, now there's one a month. Back then all TV matches were squashes. Now they are almost all big matches. We've seen Taker-Cena. We've seen Cena-everyone.
Mind you, it would be the perfect way to turn Cena hell.....
Posted By: Chico Whoretiz (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 11:21 PM
decent points made, but the UNDER(lol)lining issue is that Cena is still absurdly lucrative as a babyface. Hogan went heel because Hogan as a face had been ridden into the ground.
I agree that the only person in the position to break Undertaker's streak is Cena (Morrison is never going to get more than brief, Sting-like runs with the championship; DiBiase is beyond bland; etc...). I also agree that Cena pinning the Undertaker at Wrestlemania would be the only thing powerful enough to turn him heel, and, indeed, that the very action of pinning Undertaker at Wrestlemania MUST turn someone heel.
So, in, other words, until there's a new babyface ready to fill that Cena spot, this is a no go.
'Taker versus Jericho Wrestlemania 26
'Taker versus Punk Wrestlemania 27
'Taker versus Show Wrestlemania 28 (retirement match)
Cena beats Undertaker at Wrestlemania 29.
Posted By: lilboosie (Guest) on August 23, 2009 at 11:55 PM
His streak is fake, like the results of matches.
It's a business and he needs to pass the baton to the next big thing...
I just hope Punk or Morrison get that rub!
Posted By: Dave (Guest) on August 24, 2009 at 06:29 AM
it's bad business to end the streak.
people pay each year to see if the undertaker can defend his streak, and it makes the build easy. It's a bit dull and repetitive when they make it the focus, but they can start a fued with anybody based on the streak alone.
Then when he does retire, you will always have the thing where he can come out of retirement to defend the sreak ONE MORE TIME.
Yes, ending the streak would put a youngster over, but Smackdown is building stars just fine, and they do not need to destroy a man's legacy to do it.
Incidentally, wouldn't it be glorious if Kurt Angle was acquitted, left TNA, came back to WWE, and put on a match to rival NWO 2006 with the Taker at WM 27?
Posted By: Quimby (Guest) on August 24, 2009 at 08:03 AM
They could do that with Cena and potentially turning him into a mega heel, give him back the "thug" gimmick, make him more...raw or attitude esque.
However i think they could potentially re-debut Kane, or another "member" of that family. A big young guy, with scary mask or a presence that Kane had in the late 90's, he could defeat the current bald Kane.
I dont have any concrete ideas, but i think if Taker is to lose his streak, it should be used to make a completly NEW star out of it, a new, scarier Kane could be that star. "The Real Kane" who then could also build up a impressive WM streak down the next few years and then pass the torch.
Posted By: Nights (Guest) on August 24, 2009 at 08:09 AM
They could do that with Cena and potentially turning him into a mega heel, give him back the "thug" gimmick, make him more...raw or attitude esque.
However i think they could potentially re-debut Kane, or another "member" of that family. A big young guy, with scary mask or a presence that Kane had in the late 90's, he could defeat the current bald Kane.
I dont have any concrete ideas, but i think if Taker is to lose his streak, it should be used to make a completly NEW star out of it, a new, scarier Kane could be that star. "The Real Kane" who then could also build up a impressive WM streak down the next few years and then pass the torch.
Posted By: Nights (Guest) on August 24, 2009 at 08:18 AM
First of all, Takers sreak isnt going to end so people ened to get over that & secondly whats the point in Cena going over Taker? hes over enough anyway.
Posted By: jbardo (Guest) on August 24, 2009 at 09:13 AM
"I've been watching since I was 3 years old. I watch as much wrestling as I can possibly get. And I can't stand John Cena."
Posted By: Joe (Guest)
Are you bragging that you've been watching wrestling for nine years?
Posted By: Guest#2205 (Guest) on August 24, 2009 at 09:29 AM
To be honest...I can see WWE using Cena to end the Undertaker's streak because he's one of a few people that is "WWE-4-Life". The risk you have for giving a young guy a victory over Taker is that the young guy decides that he wants to leave afterwards and then the company would be fucked in the ass.
Like it or not, Cena won't pull a Brock Lesnar or Bobby Lashley. You can't say the same thing about the likes of Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, Carlito, and so on so forth.
Posted By: Guest#5692 (Guest) on August 24, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Spot on!! You know I think Cena does what he does cuz that is what works here and he ALWAYS performs to the level of his opponent. I think Cena is the way he is because it is good for business. Tell me what you want to tell me about not pushing young guys but I will tell you that you are crazy. Punk, Morrison, Cena, Orton, Hardy...they were nowhere near the top 6 years ago in WWE (Cena maybe I cannot remember to be totally honest) but it happens. Cena connects with the people WHO PAY FOR THE MERCHANDISE. There is more bitching about Cena than praise for whomever else people like from TNA or ROH. Which is sad cuz there are about six guys from those two pomotions who deserve accolades...but I think the Cena Undertaker feud would be dope....and Cena needs to lose as a bloody mess. He needs that match. That match would do more for him than anything. He is a good worker does what he needs to do and seems to be a decent person...and I dig him as long as he is not the champion although I go right back to hating him when he goes against Jericho...
Posted By: the get some kid (Guest) on August 24, 2009 at 03:04 PM
john cena does not have to defeat the undertaker at wrestlemania to become an icon.
if john cena needs 2 defeat anybody come wrestlemania there is only one person and that person is HULK HOGAN.
HOGAN AND CENA WOULD BE 1O TIMES BIGGER THAN CENA AND TAKER AT WRESTLEMANIA.
but maybe the best thing for cena and the wwe 2 do would be for cena to turn heel and shock the world, that would be the biggest moment since hogan turned in the summer of '96.
Posted By: donnie (Guest) on August 24, 2009 at 06:16 PM
Cena vs. Taker would be money.
Posted By: Guest#3728 (Guest) on August 24, 2009 at 06:53 PM
A Cena Taker match at Mania should and will no doubt happen. I don't think Cena should end it though, they've succesfully built him up as Jesus since Brock bailed and does'nt need itto cement him as anything.
The streak should not be broken unless by some act of God someone comes across that like, well, Brock in 2002 is clearly the future of the business or someone like Swagger or Morrison currently stuck in midcard hell stumbles upon something Austin 3:16 like and can use it to make them THE guy. It would certainly have to be done by a heel because anyone putting this legend to rest would end up one regardless. Cena is THE guy as it stands and doesn't need it.
Expect the streak to rest in peace intact.
Posted By: Will (Guest) on August 24, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Orton should have been the one to end the Deadman's streak during their underrated match at Wrestlemania 21. Orton had all that momentum from 2004 and defeating the Undertaker would've put him into legendary status, which is somewhat ironic. He was definitely the best thing going in 2004 aside from Chris Benoit and he is the hottest act in the company right now. If that injury at the beginning of '05 didn't occur than i believe he wouldve ended the streak. Bottom line is Orton needs to cut loose the Michael Cole endorsed nickname of "the Viper" and return to his legend killing roots. Orton should get his rematch against the Deadman at Wrestlemania because Cena has already defeated the likes of HHH and HBK on the grandest stage of them all. "The Legend Killer" needs to retire the Deadman at Wrestlemania 26.
Posted By: Aaron (Guest) on August 25, 2009 at 02:56 PM
No x 1,000,000 on Cena beating Undertaker. Vince owes Taker for being the only guy besides The Rock and HBK to not jump ship to WCW.
Rock had WWE's help getting his movie career start up; Michaels got to retire Ric Flair; Undertaker should keep his streak.
Posted By: J-R-Me (Guest) on August 26, 2009 at 08:53 AM
The Undertakers streak is something that has transcended pro wrestling. Even though the results are fixed it still holds vital significance. I do not believe there is a positive way you could end it at this point that would go over with the fans. I believe its best if Vince has the Undertaker retire with the streak intact.
Posted By: Fred (Guest) on August 29, 2009 at 01:47 AM
How can you say Undertaker has never changed the wrestling culture? Back in 1991 when the Hulkamaniacs still owned the joint there was a fresh never before seen megal-heel who for some reason made it seem like being bad was cool way before Stone Cold ever came around. And in his match with HUlk at Survivor Series, the crowd was split down the middle.
As for Cena-UT, heck no Cena shouln't win. You're saying Taker didn't have a hand in changing the culture of wrestling but you think Cena ending his streak will make him an ICON? Sorry, sounds like balogna to me. Yes I understand what mae Hogan a megastar icon was beating Andre, well, Hogan didn't face many megastars on the big stage prior to Andre. Cena has already faced H and had him tap, and he faced HBK, perhaps the greatest in-ring performer of this generation, and had him tap, in a match that was certainly not memorable by HBK standards. If he couldn't put up a 5-star match with HBK in the main event of WWE's premier show, he most certainly shouldn't be the one to end the streak.
Posted By: ROger (Guest) on September 14, 2009 at 07:32 AM
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