Undertaker Undefeated No More.
Eat, sleep, break the streak. There was an out-of-body experience in the Superdome when the world witnessed The Undertaker’s iconic undefeated streak conquered by the “beast incarnate,” Brock Lesnar.
Yes, the legendary Undertaker was defeated for the first time in 21 tries at Wrestlemania 30. WHATT?! The WWE Universe and its fans stood there motionless and speechless with a look of despair when Brock Lesnar hit his third F-5 on the Deadman and then pinned him for the first time in Wrestlemania history, 1…2…3. It felt like time stood still, it felt like it wasn’t supposed to end this way, it felt like your entire childhood was ruined.
Speculations will carry on endlessly over why WWE chose Brock Lesnar to break the streak. Did Undertaker request this to happen? Did the WWE want to fool everyone? Let’s face it, no one gave Lesnar a chance in hell to win this match, so when the moment of defeat happened it was surreal.
Some actually wanted to see the Undertaker’s illusive streak end, including myself. However, many would argue that they would’ve much rather seen The Undertaker retire undefeated, but all great streaks have to end and this unexpected loss created arguably the most memorable moment in wrestling history. The streak had to end sooner rather than later so it was brilliant for it to happen on the historic 30th anniversary of Wrestlemania and on the cusp of the new “Reality Era.”
Also, the Undertaker wasn’t getting any younger, either. With each passing Wrestlemania, Taker was looking more sluggish and banged up in the ring. After his Hell in a Cell classic with Triple H at Wrestlemania 28, Undertaker’s appeal hasn’t been the same. His undefeated Wrestlemania gimmick was starting to die down and this year it really pummeled. The WWE universe needed a culture shock and they needed a monumental change to stir things up. However, the question will always be asked, was Lesnar the right man to break the streak?
The short answer is no. Lesnar had no business breaking this streak. He’s not even listed as a full-time wrestler and only appeared on the major PPV’s last year.
A young, rising superstar should’ve broken the streak instead. A guy who could’ve used this iconic victory to lift his career to new heights and make him an instant star. A guy who’s committed long-term to the company and its future. Someone like Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt, or even C.M Punk from when he and WWE were still on good terms last year. Heck, even John Cena would’ve been better suited to break the streak and that’s a match we probably will never see now.
It’ll be interesting to see how WWE handles Lesnar from here on out. Will he continue to be a part-time superstar or will they use this epic accomplishment to push Lesnar as “the guy” in WWE. This victory should automatically enroll him for an upcoming WWE world heavyweight championship match and put him in position for a big year.
Hate the move or love it, WWE shocked the world. Wrestlemania 30 had many memorable moments throughout however, the one moment that will never be forgotten is the moment when 21-0 became 21-1.
Is this the last we’ve seen of The Undertaker at Wrestlemania?
-Luca Rosano @TheSportsRose
