High Road/Low Road 03.05.10: Shawn Michaels/Undertaker Rematch at WrestleMania
Posted by Chad Nevett on 03.05.2010
In this week's edition of the High Road/Low Road, we look at the Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker rematch. Is the WWE doing the right thing by having a career vs streak match? Find out what we think inside.
Welcome back to the High Road/Low Road!
A brief explanation of the column: Sat takes the High Road (positive view) on angles, gimmicks, and other wrestling related "stuff" while Chad Nevett takes the Low Road (negative view).
Results for The Pope As The Number One Contender:
High Road: 64%
Low Road: 18%
Both Roads: 18%
Chad Nevett: I like the Pope, but TNA hasn't followed up on his win at Against All Odds as strongly as I'd hope. I think I'd choose Both Roads, though I'm leaning High.
Sat: I'm not surprised with the High Roads winning. TNA has to be given credit for pushing somebody new to the main event scene.
Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker II
High Road:
It is a smart move to have the rematch happen again at WrestleMania 26 because fans have been wanting to see the rematch for over a year. I thought there last encounter was very good, but nowhere near a perfect match. However, I think it makes sense to have a rematch because fans are bound to buy the pay per view solely based on this match.
Low Road:
I haven't wanted to see the rematch. I was satisfied with last year's match. While a rematch won't take away from last year's match, I don't see the constant appeal of wanting to see something awesome get a ‘sequel.' Why not let last year's five-star match stand alone? The Undertaker's health is, apparently, much worse than last year and that doesn't raise my hopes for his in-ring performance.
High Road:
Having Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker square off again at WrestleMania is the smart thing to do because what would Michaels and the Undertaker do besides this match. I think if they were not facing each other, we would probably have Michaels against Triple H and the Undertaker against Sheamus. I think the rematch was the logical option for the WWE.
Low Road:
The Undertaker could have been slotted into a few different places, but I would have rather seen Triple H/Shawn Michaels. They teased the break-up of DX and the two fighting, and that's a story I could have gotten emotionally invested in, unlike something like Triple H and Sheamus.
High Road:
Most of us would have been okay with just having Shawn Michaels getting a second chance to break the streak with no other stipulation. But, to have him put his career on the line really makes this an important match. We've seen the Undertaker put his streak on the line for the World Title, but never for somebody's career. We have been trained to think that the Undertaker does not lose at WrestleMania, so for Shawn Michaels to put his career on the line, really leads the fans to believe that either man could win at WrestleMania.
Low Road:
Ah, but does anyone really want to see Michaels ends the Undertaker's streak? While the stipulation makes the Undertaker walking away the winner less a certainty, I don't think anyone really wants the Streak to end at the hand's HBK. By making it Streak versus career, the WWE is put in a situation that may wind-up backfiring on them no matter who wins unless Michaels really is ready to step away from the ring and would be doing so no matter what.
High Road:
I look at this match and I see this being the main reason that people buy this year's WrestleMania. Bret/Vince (I'm writing this before RAW) is probably not going to be huge draw just because if they do face off, we know who is winning and most likely the fact that this will be a short match. I think that Batista/Cena will draw in a few of the younger fans to buy this pay per view, but I would be shocked if people do not consider HBK/Taker II the main reason to buy the pay per view.
Low Road:
It adds to WrestleMania, no doubt, but I think WrestleMania sells itself to a large degree. The past couple of ‘Mania's, I've watched them in a bar and, in both cases, the turn-out was much larger than any other PPV. WrestleMania itself is a large draw, partly because of the big matches, but for the same reason that the Super Bowl is a big draw. The casual fan/viewer doesn't care about the specifics so much as the spectacle and idea of the event.
High Road:
A minor high road here, but that video package right before the in ring confrontation of Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker was amazing.
Low Road:
It was... yeah, I've got nothing negative to say in response to that. That was one of the best (if not the best) video package I've seen the WWE do and they are very, very good at putting together video packages.
High Road:
This next high road came to mind while I was thinking of High Roads to write and I think it is an interesting one. We all know that Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker are going to have a few more confrontation before WrestleMania 26, but what are they going to do in these confrontations. Both guys really do not have to do anything more until WrestleMania because both guys are all in. It will be interesting to see what the WWE does in the next few weeks because they really do not have to do anything else to build to their match at WrestleMania 26.
Low Road:
The match being set could result in a lot of dragging and boredom whenever either man comes out. Or, stupid crap, like the Undertaker appearing on the screen to distract Shawn Michaels. I don't think there's anything else they can add to this match, leaving the next few weeks completely open in a way that could hurt the match's appeal.
Simply write "High Road", "Low Road", or "Both Roads" in the comment section.
E-Mails:
These are all of the e-mails that we received this week. We do not respond to the actual e-mail, but the reply to your e-mail will be below.
Jeremy Castillo Writes:
Yo,
I think D'Angelo Dinero getting into the main event is definitely a high road for various reasons.
1) He's great on the mic considering how little TV exposure he's actually had. I dreaded The Pope" as his nickname, since it had the potential to be ridiculously stupid, but Burke is doing great with it. "Dick Flair" was juvenile but no worse than Cena's bad breath and fart jokes. Also, the Impact Zone started the "Pope is Pimpin'" chant, not him, so obviously he's connecting with the crowd in only several months.
2) He's a very big asset in the ring. Every match he's been not bad at worst. He's young (32) and has a champion's build and physique by TNA standards since they don't really give the belt to hosses. The only one I remember is Abyss, who had it for like a month and won it by DQ. On the same note, I'm surprised nobody really mentioned this but before wrestling, Burke was a boxer, which means he's a proven athlete, and a cop, which, assumedly, makes him Wellness-friendly. (Not that TNA cares...)
4) Unlike a lot of TNA talent, current and past, Burke didn't have WWE baggage when he debuted. Hard Justice was his first TV appearance in 15 months, more than enough time for the casual fans to forget who he was. Plus, it's not like he was a big rising star there like a Miz or Sheamus. He only had two PPV appearances that I can remember: Wrestlemania 23 and the 2008 Rumble.
Sat: The crowd has really responded well to the Pope. Burke was called something major by Vince McMahon and I can't remember what it was off the top of my head.
Chad Nevett: I totally missed Burke in the WWE since I returned to watching wrestling just as he was leaving the company. I think he was released after several months of not appearing anywhere? So, my first experience with him has been as the Pope in TNA, meaning he has no WWE baggage at all with me.
Comments:
Below are the comments for last week's columns and our responses. Every comment will not be included because it makes our lives a lot easier.
Guest#1339 Writes:
Both roads
High that Pope is an actual young talented star that TNA is pushing as opposed Val Venis or Orlando Jordan (Or those damn Nastys).
Low that everyone just has to keep mentioning that WWE let him go which has absolutely NOTHING to do with anything.
Sat: I think the WWE letting him go deserves to be mentioned; he was let go because the WWE had nothing for him to do which is shocking.
Chad Nevett: I don't think it warrants mention because not everyone is the right fit for the WWE, specifically at certain times. That the WWE let him go and he's found some success in TNA (emphasis on ‘some' since he hasn't been with the company long) doesn't mean that the WWE would have been right to keep him. We like to imagine that every talented wrestler fits in with every company and that's not the case.
s1rude Writes:
Low road. Feels too much like Booker T or Kane as #1 contender to Trips in the E circa 2003 - the title shot as a blow-off back to the mid-card. And at least those guys got to be the focal point of the program for a month. Looks like the Pope is taking a backseat to a feud against a 60 year and a crying monster with a power ring.
Sat: When I first saw the power ring I was actually racking up some high roads in my head, but then remembered that we are in WrestleMania mode here at the High Road/Low Road.
Chad Nevett: But, if you want to see me saying negative things about Abyss and his magic ring, check out the 4Rs where I handle TNA Impact. I also wonder how much this shot will put the Pope over since the booking right now seems very wishy washy at TNA with people getting big pushes only to be kept off TV for several weeks. It's very inconsistent.
Scott B Writes:
Something that should be mentioned...
When Hogan and his cronies took over TNA, we complained about people like Orlando Jordan and Sean Morley betting pushed. People thought that they were making a relevant point that these are the people we wanted pushes for in WWE and didn't get them, so we should be happy.
What they failed to realize (or purposefully ignored in their desperate effort to defend Hogan) is that we were asking for these people to be pushed about a DECADE AGO. You know, back when they could still wrestle a decent match and deserved to be pushed.
In the Pope, we have a wrestler that we have wanted to see pushed, and still at an age where a push is relevant. Should he win the TNA title? No, he shouldn't. But this should be a push to solidify him as a main event wrestler. After this, he deserves to remain in the upper-card feuds. Knowing TNA, unfortunately, he'll lose to AJ and go back to curtain-jerking while AJ moves to Abyss and then Joe.
Sat: What happens to The Pope after his feud with AJ Styles is probably going to be the deciding factor on whether this is a high road or a low road.
Chad Nevett: Definitely. The next two or three feuds/stories that the Pope is involved in will be telling.
Elgrannoche Writes:
High Road. Not only is Pope talented and proven, but he has been treated well since getting there, has been working mostly with the upper echelon (outside a couple squashes which is fair) and he's been there 6 months which isn't a long time but definitely long enough that any "next TNA champion" comments from Etards are nothing but a meme.
He also has something that few guys have or will have: a wealth of WWE fans who still shake their heads wondering why he was let go and who might tune in to TNA instead/also to see him.
My prediction for Mr. Dinero is that he gets a great match out of AJ and stays in the upper card for a long arse time.
I almost forgot an important prediction. High Road will get under 30% due to "it's TNA, they'll screw it up" being an obvious Low Road for the Vinceco. Koolaid drinkers.
Sat: Haven't done the calculations yet, but I see the high roads getting over fifty percent on this one.
Chad Nevett: I wouldn't say ‘it's TNA, they'll screw it up' is a mentality exclusive to WWE fans, but one that extends to people who have watched TNA for more than two months and noticed that their booking is erratic and inconsistent. It's not necessarily a bias, it could just be being a perceptive viewer.
TheRev Writes:
High Road on the Pope. He's the best entertainer in Sports Entertainment. Pope has more talent in his pinky than the Miz has in his entire body!
Pope > the miz
while TNA is pushing their young guys to the top [the pope] WWE Universe is pushing the old guys:
Bret Hart
Mr. McMahon
Triple H
HBK
Undertaker
now THAT's a low road! or and OLD road!
Sat: I've been high on the Miz since his debut in the WWE and I think he has the potential to be a huge star for the WWE.
Chad Nevett: Yeah, the Miz is great. I think his mic skills are better than the Pope's, but the Pope is better in the ring. And I wouldn't say TNA is pushing their young guys, I think they're pushing them as much as the WWE. Then again, you just named people from Raw, which isn't exactly a reflection of everything the WWE is doing.
Guest #4247 Writes:
High Road.
Positives:
- TNA is striking while the iron is hot. Dinero is popular with internet and casual fans right now.
- If Dinero wins the belt, it may extract the world championship from the Hogan-Flair feud.
- Part of me would like to see Flair turn on Styles and align with Dinero.
- Dinero fits TNA's evolution into sports entertainment.
Negatives:
- Dinero fits TNA's evolution into sports entertainment. (Also a negative)
Sat: Totally off topic here, but I don't see Hogan wrestling too much in TNA. At most, I see two short matches a year for him.
Chad Nevett: I don't see Dinero winning the belt. They're very high on AJ right now (and rightly so).
HBK's Smile Writes:
High Road x10. The Pope is one of the few people who can bring something totally fresh to the TNA main event scene. He's got the charisma, look, and skill to draw in new fans in both the short and long term.
In a nutshell, he is MVP, only better in every way and not THAT similar as to look like an imposter. I'm heaping on praise like crazy I know, but he really could be the piece that propells TNA to legitimate contender status, appealing to the sports-entertainment WWE -minded fan without losing the workrate fan base.
Sat: The one thing I find surprising with the WWE is that they wait too long to push somebody. MVP was very hot for awhile and now he is just without direction. I've been high on Jack Swagger for awhile and he is also another one of those guys without any direction.
Chad Nevett: The WWE does have a habit of waiting far too long or starting a push and backing off immediately (Swagger's ‘not going to lose again in 2009' promise comes to mind). TNA is usually better at striking while the iron is hot, which is what they're doing with the Pope. However, as I said, the follow-up programs will be the key here. Anyone can be given a title shot, that doesn't make you a main eventer and, hopefully, TNA remembers that.
The Gold Standard Writes:
Both Roads. I'm a big Pope mark no doubt but i think its too early for him to compete for world titles.i have no problem him main eventing but rather him compete for a second tier belt before going for the big one.
Sat: I see him getting a shot at the Global Title after his main event feud with Styles.
Chad Nevett: The Global Title becoming the IC/US belt of TNA, while the X-Division belt is a cruiserweight type of title would be smart since there doesn't seem to be much middle ground or clear pecking order in TNA. What happened to that ranking system they talked about before Against All Odds? I loved that idea.
ROH Commish Writes:
Both Roads.
To be a legit contender, you have to believe that person can win. I don't believe Pope will or should win. He might deliver a good match and get a decent rub but this seems like a one shot chance at the title. It seems Abyss is next in line.
TNA doesn't have many legit contenders for the title and TNA putting a title on some of these guys would be counterproductive. A.J. needs a long reign losing ideally at Bound for Glory.
Importantly, TNA doesn't have a consistent pool of wrestlers that contend for certain titles. One week, Joe can wrestle for X division gold and then the next week he is wrestling for the heavyweight title. Such booking has hurt all their titles. The Global belt is hardly defended and I have no idea which group of wrestlers are contenders for it.
Sat: I'll admit that the odds are against The Pope winning the TNA Title. And I agree that TNA does some weird things. Joe is challenging for the TNA title one week and the following week, he is losing to Orlando Jordan. Something is not right there.
Chad Nevett: I believe the Pope as a contender because he beat the champion already and that win didn't look out of place or make me wonder what the hell they're thinking. That doesn't mean I think he'll win the belt or that he should win the belt, but I don't see those as requirements for a title shot. There have been a lot of cases of guys who become worthy of being a champion simply by being the same match as a champion. A losing effort can advance a career if done right and I hope that's what they do here.
PK Writes:
Low Road - I really wanted to go High Road on this and I disagree slightly with Chad on the level of the Pope's mic skills. But the fact of the matter is that I still remember that he took a clean loss to Orlando Jordan who has done almost nothing in his time with TNA. Forget about hating on OJ, in his current incarnation he has not been built up enough to warrant a clean win over someone who is now the number one contender. It just feels funny. Either, there was a reason for that fluke loss or maybe OJ should be the real number one contender (god, I hope not). TNA has heaped some very decent wins on the Pope but their inconsistency is hurting his image. If anything, I could belive him as only winning to be a transitional champion right now.
Sat: I think Orlando Jordan should not be getting any wins; I still remember that loss as well, and to a degree it does hurt the Pope because I think everybody thinks that Jordan is worthless.
Chad Nevett: Agreed 1000 times over.
Jimbo Writes:
LOW ROAD
He wasn't on iMPACT last night, so it is clear to me-it is a stop gap until Abyss or even Hogan gets the title...
Sat: I'm not too worried about that because he could be selling his injuries from the previous week. I really hope this alliance with Hogan can help Abyss out because I have been a huge fan of his for awhile.
Chad Nevett: I didn't mind the Pope not being on TV, because AJ cut a very good promo and explained it away: they put the Pope on the sidelines. It adds to the feud a little. Now, obviously, if he just comes back this week with little fanfare, ignore that.
Pope Is Pimpin To TNA Title Writes:
EPIC HIGH ROAD
You gotta laugh HARD at the so called TNA Smarks for claiming It's "too early" for Pope to be in there while the same people are bashing the WWE for not giving the gold and pushing to main event status guys like Kofi, Ted Jr and Morrison.
Hell they're the same people who have been bitching for months and years about having the same old talents on top and when they finally get a FRESH NEW ONE who is GIGA OVER they're all "oh but he won't last on main event scene and will go back jobbing in dark matches".
Yeah right let's have AJ vs Joe vs Angle for the BILLION Times in years !
So fresh, so new, so exciting !
And even better let's have Hogan vs Flair brother !
It's pretty ironic to read people here bashing the WWE for putting over guys like HHH, HBK Or Taker while all they do want is Hogan vs Flair in their beloved TNA !
Sat: The main thing I have to say is that some people are always going to complain.
Chad Nevett: People complain on the internet no matter what? No! Wrestling fans aren't a whiny bunch who complain just to complain! I refuse to believe that.
Your reasons for taking the High Road, Low Road, or Both Roads and suggestions for future High Road/Low Road are welcome at satuncletrunx@gmail.com or in the comment section. Your reply will be included in next week's column.
Potentially the biggest hyped match in the history of WrestleMania, and potentially the greatest rematch in WrestleMania history. Nuff said.
Posted By: Greg (Guest) on March 04, 2010 at 10:48 PM
High Road
"The Undertaker's health is, apparently, much worse than last year and that doesn't raise my hopes for his in-ring performance."
So you think he should sit WM out then? Or you'd rather he be paired with someone less likely to be able to carry him to a great match, if his health does turn out to be an issue?
Those are the obvious options for Low Roaders.
Posted By: Zack (Guest) on March 04, 2010 at 10:49 PM
Undetaker will win. That is a no brainer, but just the awe and build up behind it all will be worth it. High Road all the way!
Posted By: Mexicool (Guest) on March 04, 2010 at 10:49 PM
High Road.
As a wrestling fan, how could you not want to see this? They had the match of the year last year and the build to the rematch has been brilliant. That video package last week made it seem like the biggest match of all time, and it's not too far off. I believe this is in the top 5 of all time biggest Wrestlemania matches. Undertaker's streak v Shawn Michaels career, it just sounds epic! Don't be fooled by the talk of both guys being banged up, they will deliver another classic, I'm sure.
Posted By: Guest#7223 (Guest) on March 04, 2010 at 11:19 PM
Big negative has to be that this takes away the sole highlight of WM 25. If they deliver an equal performance, there is no reason to ever watch anything from WM 25 again.
Taker v Punk really should have been this mania's Taker match but they neutered Punk and rushed the angle. Taker really didn't need to return until Survivor Series at the earliest.
Really Mania sells itself. It is not necessary to have this match to pop a buyrate.
The greatest rematch was Rock v Austin and biggest hyped match was Andre v Hogan.
Posted By: ROH Commish (Guest) on March 04, 2010 at 11:22 PM
Resounding high road.
This is the biggest Wrestlemania match in years. The atmosphere in the arena will be amazing and the result is truly up in the air this year, the career v streak stipulation just adds even more historical significance to the match.
Posted By: Guest#0140 (Guest) on March 04, 2010 at 11:25 PM
High Road.
And in response to no one wanting to see HBK end the streak? I do. I'm not emotionally attached to the Undertaker keeping the streak alive.
I'll openly admit this is the mark in me that's been a fan of HBK since his Rocker days. And when it comes to big matches, I'm like a kid...I always want him to win.
So the mark in me, who's been a fan forever, would love to see HBK beat The Undertaker at WM26 and end the streak.
18-0 is impressive. But so is 17-1. And noone is ever going to repeat that record anyway so I don't see the harm in it ending this year.
Cheers!
Posted By: Chicken Boo (Guest) on March 04, 2010 at 11:26 PM
Im going low road with this since I dont want the streak broken and call me selfish but I dont want Michaels to retire either. Plus I'm not sure how they could make the match any better than it was last year.
Posted By: Ojj (Guest) on March 04, 2010 at 11:27 PM
Can't be anything but a high road for this one, if it's anywhere near the quality of last years match then it'll be MoTY plus the story they can tell with HBK's career on the line should be epic. Streak aint gonna end though, Shawn will go the Foley route from 2000 and find a way back within a few weeks of his "career being over"
Posted By: Guest#3675 (Guest) on March 04, 2010 at 11:34 PM
High road. Undertaker going into Wrestlemania has been a predictable outcome lately. Career vs. the streak though gives Wrestlemania a little something extra. HBK is still one of the best performers and the added incentive of it being Wrestlemania makes it that much sweeter. This time the Undertaker's streak is in serious jeopardy. The outcome could go either way and has fans talking. We all want matches where the outcome is unpredictable and we have it finally for an undertaker match.
Posted By: Kyle (Guest) on March 04, 2010 at 11:42 PM
Low Road.Usually Wrestlemania rematches happen at other ppvs ex. rock vs. hogan 2 nwo 2003 orton vs taker and hbk vs. angle happened at other ppvs.I just think its a lose lose situation because if you have Taker win, then its meaningless as he did a year before and people were expecting it.If Taker loses, then a guy (HBK) whos well established gets the rub of ending Takers streak win it would be better suited for an up and comer to do so.Like Ted DiBiase or yes Shaemus
Posted By: The Gold Standard (Guest) on March 04, 2010 at 11:42 PM
Both Roads.
Posted By: ROH Commish (Guest) on March 04, 2010 at 11:44 PM
Chad Nevett: "I don't think it warrants mention because not everyone is the right fit for the WWE, specifically at certain times. That the WWE let him go and he's found some success in TNA (emphasis on ‘some' since he hasn't been with the company long) doesn't mean that the WWE would have been right to keep him. We like to imagine that every talented wrestler fits in with every company and that's not the case."
But talented wrestlers shouldn't have to fit in with a company, the company should fit them in. I don't understand how WWE could let Burke walk, because "they have nothing for him to do", and keep some one like Khali....someone wanna explain that? I'm just saying that your most talented in the ring should ALWAYS have "something to do". I don't know if the "Elijah Burke Kiss-cam" would have caught on, but at least we would want to see him perform.
Posted By: JWestmoreland (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 12:58 AM
HIGH!
Posted By: like me (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 01:05 AM
Low Road.
Positives:
- The build-up has been good
- I trust both veterans to find ways to improve upon last year's match
Negatives:
- Will overshadow the title matches
- Likely screwy finish: Streak can't end and I don't think HBK would want to lose cleanly again
- Time running out: While Taker can still deliver, he needs to perform alongside young guys
Posted By: Guest#1599 (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 01:14 AM
Low.
HBK doesn't need the rub of beating UT and ending the streak.
UT doesn't need the rub of retiring HBK.
Such big stipulations will only push this match to be the biggest of the night and overshadow what should really matter (the titles).
There's no reason they couldn't have the fight at any other big PPV for the fans' sake.... With the two of them involved, there doesn't need to be anything on the line- so couldn't they have it at SummerSlam
just to see who the better man is?
Posted By: cyks (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 01:53 AM
HIGH ROAD!
Posted By: Dan (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 02:59 AM
Hogan turns heel Monday night on Abyss.
Posted By: EXCLUSIVE (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 03:09 AM
Major high road...until the ludicrous 'streak vs career' stipulation that all be guarantees a Michaels victory. I can't believe some people still think Undertaker's favourite in this situation.
Posted By: Cun\' (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 03:43 AM
10,000% HIGH ROAD
I was one of those that never wanted to see these two even attempt to re-create the magic of last year, but with HBK's career now online this is gonna be THE only reason I'm gonna order the PPV.
Batista did unbelievably well to make me care about his match with Cena (I kinda agreed with everything he said!), and MITB will be an enjoyable spot-fest as usual. The winner of the two title matches will not create a star or fulfill a boyhood dream for any of the participants, therefore HBK Vs TAKER, STREAK VS CAREER is THE reason for Wrestlemania this year.
If its a double DQ we riot!
Posted By: shabz987 (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 06:32 AM
High Road
Putting HBKs career on the line makes it an even bigger match then last year, it atually wouldnt suprise me if HBK won either, plus i think the guys just have great chemistry so im sure they can have another great match.
Posted By: jbardo (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 07:10 AM
High Road:
It is a smart move to have the rematch happen again at WrestleMania 26 because fans have been wanting to see the rematch for over a year. I thought there last encounter was very good, but nowhere near a perfect match. However, I think it makes sense to have a rematch because fans are bound to buy the pay per view solely based on this match.
----------------------------------------
People have been waiting over a year to see the rematch to a match that happened less than a year ago. That, my friends, is anticipation.
Posted By: Squid Vicious (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 07:21 AM
HIGH ROAD
At first, like many of you, I did not want to see this match. I thought we should leave last year stand on its own. However, creative has done an incredible job of making me want to see this match. In addition, the outcome is far more uncertain this year. Can anyone say with 100% certainty that Shawn Michaels will lose at Wrestlemania a 2nd year in a row to exact same opponent??? Finally, to those who ask "do you really want HBK to break the streak?" While I'm not dying to see that, it would be the perfect scenario since HBK is highly respected and is not at risk of seeing too much fan backlash from ending it.
Posted By: Chris-Chicago (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 08:17 AM
High Road. Streak vs Career gives us, for the first time in a long time, (1) a match that we can't predict the outcome of and (2) for me at least, a match that I could be convinced that either outcome was a good one. I would book it for Michaels to get the pinfall (as only Mr. Wrestlemania could end the streak), then have them shake hands and both announce their retirement - having nothing else to prove or accomplish in the ring. Given that they seem unwilling to turn HBK, why not play the face v face respect angle to the hilt?
Regardless of how they take the story after the match, Taker still has a "no one else is even close" 17 straight WM victories and can continue to win at the Big One so that his record remains 17+x and 1. Creative gets out of what is becoming a booking bind - how do you plausibly keep the Streak going, and how do you top (presumably) two 4-5 star matches with Shawn?
I just can't see the negative on this one...looking forward to it!
Posted By: s1rude (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 09:11 AM
Both Roads: It's being hyped as a huge match (and it will be), but I don't care. If you've seen a puro match, you pretty much see the formula they followed. I doubt they'll deviate from the formula this time around.
Posted By: Jaime (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 10:09 AM
High Road. Sorta..
Who doesn't want to see a match that can be generally enjoyed by all? It is kind of funny how the one guy the IWC as a whole accepts is Taker.. And bad health or not, he is still busting out great matches. However, their match at Mania 25 totally killed the crowd afterwards. Much like the way Hogan/Rock really hurt anything after it.
If the match is the main event, then oh hell yes. haha
Posted By: Eboney (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 10:20 AM
HIGH ROAD
Posted By: Justin (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 10:41 AM
This match is why I'll be getting the PPV. And no way am I the only one. What more do you need to know?
High road.
Posted By: KanyonKreist (Registered) on March 05, 2010 at 10:45 AM
HIGH
And I, for one, want to see HBK win.
Posted By: DragonDragon (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 10:55 AM
Low road,
The match will disappoint.
Why does HBK get a rematch?
Why not Edge or Batista, etc.?
HBK vs HHH and Cena vs UT would have been the better matchups.
Posted By: Guest#2666 (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 11:34 AM
Low Road. If anyone should retire HBK it should be Orton. He is the legend killer and he would make the most sense.I think it could have an awesome build too.
I don't think Takers streak should be ended ever. If it is to be beaten though I think it should be Kane or Morrison. Kane would make sense and Morrison could use this to break into the main event.
Having Taker beat HBK or vice versa is stupid as neither of them need the rub. They have been over for years.
Posted By: kolop1 (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 11:57 AM
high road. but you guys suck at debating
Posted By: Guest#6320 (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 12:16 PM
A road
It's a WWE marks pin up vs a WWE marks pin up, plus WWE are always giving us the same matches over and over and over again, does it actually matter? If the marks want that, that's what they're getting. It's WWE for Pete's sake, not pro wrestling.
Posted By: Vince McArsehole (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 12:50 PM
Low Road.
Is the outcome REALLY in question? HBK is not gonna end the streak, and everybody knows that retirements in this business are only good until Creative finds a good way to bring the guy back.
While the build up has been GREAT so far, and the match will likely be an instant classic, it just feels like lazy booking to me. HBK vs. HHH was the money match this year and I think the storyline that would have led to that match would have been much more emotional and compelling than a simple rematch of last year's WM.
Indulge me for a minute as I make a prediction for the end of the match:
Ref Bump, HBK makes a pin, which is counted by some sort of unofficial referee, match restarted, Chokeslam, Tombstone, 1,2, KICKOUT, Last Ride, 1,2,3, enjoy your 3-6 month vacation Shawn. See ya soon.
Posted By: Sneezy (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 12:55 PM
Both Roads:
The high for this match is that it couldn't take place anywhere but Mania. My guess is they always wanted to do a rematch probably as soon as they could seeing how the fans responded to the match. They just needed to see the condition of both men by the end of 2009, so the hype could start gain by the new year. This match might not live up to last year but the story of last years match just begged for a rematch.
The low for this is that the "win" does nothing for either man as they have more than solidified their LEGEND/ICON status in WWE history. Fans will not have a clear person that they will like winning or losing this match. People would rather just see Michaels just retire versus some forced retirement(even when he retired Flair all be it they ran this retire Flair storyline for atleast 2 to 3 ppvs's no one wanted to see a match force it more so than Flair just hanging it up). As for Undertaker's the WWE painted themselves in a corner with it. They made it seem so important now and they haven't built up any current superstars like they have done Taker, not even started building them like that. So to end the streak......you would think they would give that to an up and comer (Orton's attempt wouldn't count to me because he was already groomed for the big time with his time with Triple H/Evolution/title wins already) and they have jobbed Kane out to it twice(he would have been the storyline logical choice). At this point fans would rather it just stay as it is, no one out there seems worthy enough to take it or deserve it.
Posted By: Guest#7178 (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 01:05 PM
High Road - because there are so many questions.
Is Michaels ready to retire?
Is Taker ready to hang it up?
Would Taker want Michaels to end the streak over someone else?
Will they go with some sort of wacky finish where Taker wins but Michaels can claim something like his foot was under the rope?
Will they go with some type of double count out (neither guy able to answer a ten count).
Is Michaels loses, does he still stay with the WWE in something like a GM role on Smackdown and torment the Undertaker (leading to another match at say SummerFest)?
Will both of them disappear for a few months after WM?
If Michaels wins, does he go back to a face or go full heel? Isn't there another program with HHH still possible?
If Michaels was to lose a retirement match - would he want to lose it to HHH over anyone else?
If Michaels loses - would he leave for a few months then come back and say something as simple as if Ric Flair can get back in the ring, then by god you are not going to keep me out of the ring.
Posted By: SpankyHamm (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 01:15 PM
LOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: Yes (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 01:18 PM
HIGH ROAD:
I actually don't know who will win before the match. I want to see this!
Posted By: Guest#2795 (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 01:21 PM
Low... because they got my hopes up for heel HBK & then shattered them. While Taker/HBK II will be good, the story is much thinner than the DX break up would have been. Sheamus/HHH has nothing going for it, it feels like a feud they'd throw together for Vengeance or some other random summer PPV
Posted By: Madcapunlimited (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 01:32 PM
High Road. This simply is the one possible WM match that can maximize mainstream intregue and workrate appeal.
The backstory is already written - two legends, coming off the heels of the best WM match in years, put up their all in a rematch. Shawn's career vs Taker's career-defining accomplishment in the streak. And after last year, we know these guys can deliver in spades.
Could there be a better workrate match possibly signed for WM? Possibly (and Jericho-Edge may be that). Could there be a bigger possible match in terms of mainstream appeal? Possibly (Taker-Cena comes to mind). But no other possible match could fuse the two so well as the rematch.
Posted By: HBK's Smile (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 01:53 PM
Definitely High Road. Everyone has waited for this match for a whole year and I'm sure they will deliver.
Posted By: Richard (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 02:13 PM
I'll have to go both roads simply because I cannot go either other way. Don't want to see Michaels end the streak but doubt he will stay away from wrestling if he loses. What could be good is that Taker wins but Michaels (as an outsider) attacks week after week hoping to piss off Taker enough for another match. Security would drag him out since he isn't employed anymore. One final blow-off at a summer PPV. But I don't know if that would be any good either.
Posted By: Comment Board Poster (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 02:38 PM
igh Road.
And in response to no one wanting to see HBK end the streak? I do. I'm not emotionally attached to the Undertaker keeping the streak alive.
I'll openly admit this is the mark in me that's been a fan of HBK since his Rocker days. And when it comes to big matches, I'm like a kid...I always want him to win.
So the mark in me, who's been a fan forever, would love to see HBK beat The Undertaker at WM26 and end the streak.
18-0 is impressive. But so is 17-1. And noone is ever going to repeat that record anyway so I don't see the harm in it ending this year.
Cheers!
Right on you hit the nail on the head PeteK
Posted By: Pete K (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 02:42 PM
cyks:
Because the feud isn't about HBK needing to beat the Undertaker. The feud is about HBK needing to beat the Undertaker AT WRESTLEMANIA.
Posted By: Shylo (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 03:07 PM
High road. While both are old, hurt, and there may not be much of a chance to top last year, I'm sure the match will be more than worthwhile.
Posted By: The Great Capt. Smooth (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 04:16 PM
HIGH ROAD.
I'm so, so sick of this idea that breaking the streak should be used on an up-and-comer. It just doesn't seem to be all that logical. Breaking the streak would be wasted on somebody who is totally unproven like Ted DiBiase or Sheamus. At the rate at which booking flies all over the map, do you think "ending the streak" would compensate for any booking missteps made in the future? "DiBiase's title run has totally been botched, but remember! He broke the streak?"
If the streak is broken by an up-and-comer, then it will most definitely be more easily forgotten than if it were broken by a living legend in a hugely anticipated matchup.
Posted By: Gusty (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 04:24 PM
"There's no reason they couldn't have the fight at any other big PPV for the fans' sake.... With the two of them involved, there doesn't need to be anything on the line- so couldn't they have it at SummerSlam
just to see who the better man is? "
Absolutely not, cyks. It'd be a great match, most likely, but there are two problems with this.
1 - Foregone conclusion... Shawn would win, no other possible ending to such a match.
2 - The whole story is that it's at Wrestlemania. Shawn isn't obsessed with beating The Undertaker, and why would he be? He's beaten him COUNTLESS TIMES already. He needs to do it at Wrestlemania, a win at Summerslam would mean absolutely nothing to him.
Posted By: Gusty (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 04:28 PM
Low road. Last year's match was overrated and this year's will likely be worse than that. It's overshadowing guys who aren't pushing 50 and is a fine example of the business being stagnant.
Posted By: Hoff (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 04:33 PM
Absolute Both Roads. The Streak vs. Career stip made the match a must-watch match, and that will make them money, which is kind of the idea of what their Wrestlemania booking is supposed to do. On the other hand, while I think these two guys are great enough to live up to the hype and have another MOTY candidate, no matter what a fundamental part of wrestling will get shattered Wrestlemania night (assuming no loopy non-finishes). Either we lose HBK, which is a blow to lovers of good wrestling everywhere, or the streak is over, which is the wrong move to have HBK end it.
Posted By: The Glide (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 04:54 PM
I'm going High Road for several reasons. First, from a financial standpoint, a rematch to one of the greatest WrestleMania should-have-been-the-main-event matches of all time is a licence to print money. Matchwise, worn-down or not, Undertaker would never miss 'Mania if he could help it, and Shawn is the one guy who could take care with Taker and still put on at least a 4-Star match. We had near 2 years of Shawn v. Hunter, and while fresh by now, the set match is the one to bank on. There are many, myself included, who'd love to see Michaels take down the Streak (in my eyes, he is the only one worth it.) Yet if this is to be HBK's swan song, he should go out in a show-stealing blaze of glory. The only thing he hasn't done is face the Rock, which likely will never happen. I personally see only one downside: if Shawn Michaels loses, wrestling loses me.
Posted By: Kyatollah (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 04:57 PM
Triple H will definitely be involved in this match. Does no one else see this?
Posted By: Slunk House (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 06:00 PM
High road.
The streak is meaningless outside of WM, so I don't get all this 'a young guy should end it' stuff.
Let's say a young guy ends it, comes to Backlash (or whatever its called now)and boasts "I ended the streak." Well, his opponent will just say: "So what? It's not Wrestlemania now."
On the other hand, HBK winning cements his Mr Wrestlemania gimmick and, since he apparently doesn't want another title run, would be a perfect reward for putting on consistently good matches.
And if you think HBK is going to lose to the same opponent two Wrestlemanias in a row, then you really need to take a closer look at his career thus far (loses to Angle, beats him in rematch; loses to Cena, beats him in rematch; loses to Hogan and Hogan refuses to job in a potential rematch, so HBK says one match only and oversells in protest).
HBK is winning. ;)
Posted By: Jetfire (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 06:28 PM
I'm not a huge fan of a rematch of such a big 'Mania match, especially the very next year.
I would have done:
Undertaker vs. Chris Jericho
Edge challenges CM Punk for the WHC
HHH vs. HBK in the DX explosion
Sheamus vs. Rey
Posted By: Trooft (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 06:34 PM
High Road for everything alreadt mentioned.
Posted By: JLAJRC (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 08:14 PM
Gotta go both roads.
Good points on both sides.
Posted By: Guest#4552 (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 09:54 PM
Low Road
Posted By: BPN (Guest) on March 06, 2010 at 06:26 AM
Sorry, I have no desire to see this match again, especially since Deuce isn't around to shoulder the blame if Undertaker lawn darts himself on his plancha and nearly kills himself this year too. Everyone also conveniently forgets that nearly everything after that plancha was nothing but finisher/kickout/rest that people would rip everyone NOT named Shawn Michaels and Undertaker for doing. I think Rock/Austin III got flack for doing the EXACT SAME THING, but I guess it lacked DRAMA~!! or whatever.
WWE's bigger problem is Undertaker's complete inability to ever look like he's in danger of losing ANY match, not just WM ones, to anyone except the tippy top guys, which is why everyone says the streak would be wasted on a younger guy. The fact that a Shawn Michaels superkick ended his last title reign, not anything Chris Jericho actually did (c'mon Taker! He's almost 40 too!!) kinda makes me numb to the whole thing.
Low Road, but I will say this: This match BETTER be last, because asking ANYONE to follow it is DEATH. I hope they learned something from WM18 and 25.
Posted By: Shaukat (Guest) on March 06, 2010 at 07:50 AM
There's no reason they couldn't have the fight at any other big PPV for the fans' sake.... With the two of them involved, there doesn't need to be anything on the line- so couldn't they have it at SummerSlam
just to see who the better man is?
posted by Guest
The reason s that the biggest matches of the company should go to the biggest nights.
Posted By: Arnab (Guest) on March 06, 2010 at 08:02 AM
the highest road.
michaels gets the victory, cementing his place in history as mr. wrestlemania and the michael jordan of wrestling.
michaels is the greatest in-ring performer we will ever see.
Posted By: memphis b-rad (Guest) on March 06, 2010 at 09:39 AM
Highest road.
Last year's match was hailed as one of Wrestlemania's greatest, but it was hampered by the fact that we basically knew in advance who was going to win. Courtesy of the monumental career v. streak stipulation, this year's winner really is in doubt, making it that much more exciting. If on top of that, they manage to top the in-ring work of last year's match, we may well see the greatest match in Wrestlemania history.
Posted By: Joe Schmoe (Registered) on March 06, 2010 at 04:57 PM
Triple H will definitely be involved in this match. Does no one else see this?
Posted By: Slunk House (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 06:00 PM
I forsee HHH stopping HBK from winning,therefor Takers streak remains in tact as does HBKs career.
Both Roads-Im not a huge fan of Mania re-matches,but this one has the added bonus of streak vs career-but truely does anyone actually retire after one of these matches?
I would love to see Cena or punk get to face Taker and see Taker get to 20 and 0 then lose at Mania.
whatever happens I pray its the last match or I pity the guys coming out next.
I will be there and to be honest am cheering for Taker.
Posted By: Melissa (Guest) on March 06, 2010 at 05:49 PM
WHy doesnt HBK end undertaker streak... If a new upcomer does, and pulls a Brock Lesner then thats a huge let doen for the company
Posted By: Joseph (Guest) on March 06, 2010 at 09:00 PM
High Road...The people are actually thinking the Taker's streak could end. The last time i remember Taker's streak actually looking like ending was at Wrestlemania 21, but Michaels has a better chance than Orton and its 50/50.
Posted By: Pu55Y (Guest) on March 06, 2010 at 09:04 PM
Has anyone seen the Heartbreak & Triumph DVD? Vince himself said HBK is the best ever! What better way to solidify that than by letting him end the streak?
Posted By: Heartbreak & Triumph... (Guest) on March 06, 2010 at 10:09 PM
"Major high road...until the ludicrous 'streak vs career' stipulation that all be guarantees a Michaels victory. I can't believe some people still think Undertaker's favourite in this situation.
Posted By: Cun\' (Guest) on March 05, 2010 at 03:43 AM"
I can't believe people are naive to think the whole "hbk career on the line" thingy GUARANTEES an HBK Win.
Taker WILL WIN and HBK Will use this whole "retirement" thingy as an excuse to TAKE FOUR MONTHS OFF.
Plain and simple !
And no the streak should never end.
It's Taker's legacy, it's something one billion times more important to both HIM AND HIS FANS than any gold belt in the world.
RIP HBK - March 28th
18-0
Posted By: Taker's Streak = GOLD (Guest) on March 07, 2010 at 01:08 AM
You don't want to see sequels, but you'd rather see Michaels/HHH? What would that be, their fifteenth ppv match?
Posted By: joe (Guest) on March 07, 2010 at 11:53 AM
Taker WILL WIN and HBK Will use this whole "retirement" thingy as an excuse to TAKE FOUR MONTHS OFF.
Posted By: Taker's Streak = GOLD (Guest) on March 07, 2010 at 01:08 AM
He's never needed an excuse to take time off before (like LAST Wrestlemania, for example) so why now?
High road - and HBK wins.
Posted By: DragonDragon (Guest) on March 07, 2010 at 02:15 PM
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