THE DAY THE UNDERTAKER'S STREAK ENDED

The Streak is over.
A term when used in regards to The Undertaker's flawless record at Wrestlemania was thought to be something that would never be said. This is a business where they truly mean it when they say "never say never". Sunday, April 6th, 2014 will be forever be remembered as the day The Streak died. At Wrestlemania XXX The Beast conquered The Streak. Brock Lesner defeated The Undertaker. Unless the Deadman himself was the one who chose to do this, then it feels as though it was all for nothing. And made the outcome of the main event almost predictable.

Of all of the wrestlers that have come and gone over the years, The Undertaker remained. During the Monday Night Wars when everyone was jumping ship to WCW for the big pay days, The Undertaker remained. Add that he kept working through mainly every injury he's sustained, which included some major ones that would immediately require time off nowadays (with the exception of a few), and that he took a cheesy gimmick and made it not only work, but evolved the character to continue to work in each passing era. He was also a top draw anytime he was required to carry the company. All of these things made it hard to argue that The Undertaker had earned the right to have a flawless Wrestlemania record. Something that could live on forever. If it were to ever end, then it would be something that would super-launch that wrestler to whole new level. It would be something that would almost make them instantly acceptable within the main event players.
Of course, being the one who ends The Streak could have its draw backs as well. It could kill the career of the person, with fan reaction being too harsh and forever be against them. Selected wrestler could implode or suffer a career ending injury. All of which would make ending The Undertaker's Streak meaningless. This is how it makes total sense that Brock Lesner was tapped to be the one. Lesner's career will go unaffected, he has endless other accomplishments that have cemented his legacy in both sports and sports entertainment. That being said, now that he has ended The Streak, it would be nice to see him carry the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in the near future. Daniel Bryan fans relax. Who better to take the title from Daniel Bryan and then put him over when returning the straps?
A lot of fans would have wanted guys like Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt or other wrestlers who are the future of the company to have been the ones. Understandably so, but although they are hot right now, still need a bit more time to ensure worthiness of being the one to end The Streak. The main problems with Brock Lesner making it 21-1, is that there is no chance for John Cena to face The Undertaker, or the possibly soon to appear Sting. Yes, these matches could still happen. Sting Vs The Undertaker is still a Dream Match, however without The Streak on the line, a little less meaningful.

And this couldn't have been the send off for The Undertaker. The flaming casket meant that this was the end (unless there was a lifelike Brock Lesner in the casket, and they didn't show it correctly). It would be safe to assume that the theatrics would have been much more on the grand stage of them all if this was the last we saw of the Deadman. He may have been known for The Streak, but the character that is The Phenom was born and should "die" at Survivor Series. So perhaps we will be treated to a farewell tour of sorts. If not and this was the last we've seen of The Undertaker, then a thank-you to Mark Calloway for everything that you have done in order to entertain us!


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NON-GEEKY NERD'S WRESTLEMANIA XXX PREDICTIONS PT.2

Here are the more far fetched and slightly preferred predictions for Wrestlemania 30.  In case you are just tuning in, you can find the more realistic and likely predictions HERE. Although far fetched, again, this is a business where they say to never say never. So, anything really is possible to happen and not too far fetched to occur this Sunday at Wrestlemania XXX. Even dreaming up the outcomes is tricky this year, as again the WWE has a habit of stacking the card the following night on Monday Night Raw.



Far Fetched Scenarios & Outcomes:

The Usos -Vs- Real Americans -Vs- RybAxel -Vs- Los Matadors (WWE Tag Team Championships)

• Goldust & Cody Rhodes. They turn on Los Matadors and enter the match.

Andre The Giant Battle Royal

• Hulk Hogan. He keeps teasing a physical involvement despite reports him failing a WWE physical a bit ago. Prefer here than the Cena match.

Daniel Bryan -Vs- Triple H

• Daniel Bryan. Clean win. Also garners Triple H's respect.

John Cena -Vs- Bray Wyatt

• Bray Wyatt. Super-Cena can make an appearance at a later date. Although it is hard to see John Cena losing this one

Vickie Guerrero Divas Championship Invitational (WWE Divas Championship)

• Kharma. After only a very breif appearance before, it is time for Kharma to return to the WWE and unleash her wrath upon the Divas Division. Or, Kharma returns, cleans house, helps AJ Lee retain the title replacing Tamina as her muscle.

The Shield -Vs- Kane & New Age Outlaws

• Kane and kind of the New Age Outlaws. Sticking with other prediction, with Rollins and Ambrose turning on Reigns, and replacing N.A.O. in The Authority.

Brock Lesner -Vs- The Undertaker

• The Undertaker. Brock Lesner is literally about to make The Undertaker tap-out when the lights go out and Sting appears. Distracts or takes Lesner out for Undertaker to get the win. The Phenom and The Icon team-up next night on Raw and take out Brock Lesner. Sting states that he wants to be the one who breaks The Streak next year at Wrestlemania.

Randy Orton -Vs- Batista -Vs-Daniel Bryan (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)

• Daniel Bryan. Fans unleash massive ovation including a huge "YES!" chant. Triple H comes out to congratulate him and then turns back on Daniel Bryan and makes a new impromptu match for the title.

Daniel Bryan -Vs- CM Punk (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)

• CM Punk. He's the new "face" of the WWE and begins a feud with Daniel Bryan that ends at Summerslam. Where Danial Bryan finally begins his Stone Cold Steve Austin like run with the belt.

Might be wrong on both accounts. Might even be spot on with one, or a combination of the two. Hard to predict this year with there being so many "free agents" out there and those who are likely to make a surprise appearance in and maybe win the inaugural Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal, and who could be put off until the following night on Monday Night Raw. Back in 2003 they had Goldberg signed by Wrestlemania, but waited to unleash him on Raw. Even hard to really get a reading from the various wrestling sites reporting on various former WWE wrestlers arriving in the area if Wrestlemania because of all the various non-WWE events taking place in the same areas. Could also be wrong about the Daniel Bryan situations, I am on the side with those who think his story culminates at Summerslam, and then main eventing Wrestlemania 31. Could also see Roman Reigns winning the Andre The Giant Battle Royal causing the implosion of The Shield. And Sting may appear on the Raw following Wrestlemania as the outcome above has a Sting -Vs- Brock Lesner outcome which is not going to happen. Perhaps he will appear on Raw and challenge The Streak a year ahead of Wrestlemania 31 similar to The Rock and John Cena a couple years ago. We could maybe see Hulk Hogan as the Raw GM and Sting as the Smackdown! GM after Wrestlemania XXX where we see Sting having nobody but himself to serve to The Undertaker next year at Wrestlemania 31.
Cannot wait to find out this Sunday. Remember to come back to Non-Geeky Nerd for a follow-up to the events of Wrestlemania XXX, and the situations that occur the next night on Monday Night Raw.

NON-GEEKY NERD'S WRESTLEMANIA XXX PREDICTIONS PT.1

The countdown is under the 48hr mark, and with only the WWE Hall Of Fame ceremony being the only thing that is left to do. This Sunday, Wrestlmania XXX will be viewed by the millions...and millions.  Hopefully there won't be any viewers lost due to a WWE Network error, something one would hope the WWE has prepared for, using the time between the launch and Wrestlemania to work out the glitches. With a pretty solid line-up booked that includes the inaugural Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal and Brock Lesner looking to end The Streak. It is looking to be one the best Wrestlemania's ever.
Of course everyone has their predictions as to how things will play out, who will beat who, even who will appear as a surprise on the grandest stage of them all. With the rumor mill in fill force once the Road To Wrestlemania begins at the Royal Rumble, and with the Raw that follows Wrestlemania usually almost as great in regards to who makes their debut or return to the WWE. People involved with the CM Punk walk-out situation (namely Punk, HHH and Vince) aren't saying a word on the subject. Sting a man who has yet to appear in the WWE and is rumored to do so every year since Vince McMahon bought WCW, is still a free agent if not already signed with the company. It is hard not to tune in to either Wrestlemania or Raw just to see who shows up. Adding to the intrigue is that even those who believe that The Undertaker's Streak will end the last few years, are hard to argue with when it is Brock Lesner as the opponent. If The Streak were to end, Lesner is on a very short list of those who would go unscathed as being THAT guy. Being the one who ends the Deadman's Streak will either be propelled to a whole new level or it could immediately kill their career in some aspects.
The Non-Geeky Nerd has come up with 2 different predictions. One being more basic only slightly unlikely, while the other is more far fetched or even a dream scenario.

Likely Scenarios & Outcomes:

The Usos -Vs- Real Americans -Vs- RybAxel -Vs- Los Matadors (WWE Tag Team Championships)

• The Usos retain the titles. Real Americans begin to implode.

Andre The Giant Battle Royal

• Big Show. He has been and surpassed being the next Andre. He's due. Real Americans fully implode.

Daniel Bryan -Vs- Triple H

• Triple H. He somehow screws Daniel Bryan out of the win. Possibly with the help of The Authority.

John Cena -Vs- Bray Wyatt

• John Cena. Bray will win the likely rematch that will follow either on Raw or next PPV. I can even picture the other Wyatt's bringing out a beaten up Hogan, which causes Cena to "Hulk-Up" into Super-Cena for the Win.

Vickie Guerrero Divas Championship Invitational

• Tamina Snuka. Leading to a feud with AJ Lee following Wrestlemania.

The Shield -Vs- Kane & New Age Outlaws

• Kane & N.A.O. Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose turn on Roman Reigns.

Brock Lesner -Vs- The Undertaker

• Undertaker. Because The Streak isn't ready to end.

Randy Orton -Vs- Batista -Vs- Triple H....-Vs- Daniel Bryan (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)

• Triple H. Vince McMahon returns to put Daniel Bryan into the mix. Triple H ends up winning after an Evolution reunion (Naitch too). Daniel Bryan runs the gauntlet with each member ending with a win over Triple H for the gold at Summerslam. If not Vince, then perhaps the prodigal son returns with Shane McMahon putting Daniel Bryan in the match, then fighting his sister and brother-in-law for control of the WWE.

Those are the more probably predictions, likely a higher chance of being true than the following list. The next list if more far fetched, but in a business of never say never, they aren't as far fetched as one may think. You can find it HERE It outcome of Wrestlemania XXX could end up being a mixture of this list and the upcoming list of predictions. The inaugural Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal is hard to predict unlike the Royal Rumble where the only guessing game is who makes a surprise visit before a more obvious star wins and moves onto the main event of Wrestlemania. It would be nice if the win meant more than bragging rights and lugging around an amazing giant gold statue of the 8th Wonder Of The World. Perhaps even if it was the new Money In The Bank of Wrestlemania. Winner gets a shot for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Which Andre The Giant kind of did when he won the Battle Royal at Wrestlemania II before facing Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania III. Again, you can find the other list of Wrestlemania 30 predictions HERE.

CM PUNK COMING BACK?

It is professional wrestling, so nothing is too far fetched, and unless they work amongst those "in the know" nobody can say, "that isn't going to happen" or "that will never happen". Some fans are open-mined enough to at least think about the match or scenario someone has laid out for them. Others are a tad bit close-minded and most times can't even accept what they are watching let alone an alternate theory or possibility. And of course there are those still stuck in a specific era of wrestling (from classic, to the 80's and the Attitude Era), however much like the people who don't even watch, their opinions are generally worth less than the Canadian penny.

With the age we live in, and the WWE being more tapped into the fans via Twitter and Facebook, it is harder than ever to tell what is a work and what is a shoot. The saying goes that everything related to wrestling is a work, but that is only because Vince and the wrestlers are smart enough to see when real life situations present a financial opportunity. As we all know, when it comes to business, Vinnie Mac always puts personal feelings aside. Possible exceptions of course, but how do we know for sure it was ever on Vince's part or if there was actual money to be made from them. How many times have we seen Hulk return over the years? Why is welcome back? Hulk makes Vince money (love or hate him, when the Hulkster returns to a WWE platform, it is usually good for business. Elsewhere? Not so much.

With all of that being said, CM Punk's apparent leaving the WWE. How do we know this isn't all one giant, brilliant "work"? The Stone Cold Steve Austin reference was almost too obvious. Add that there were rumors that Punk was hurt at the Rumble right before his departure. Then, we see CM Punk at various places from "The Talking Dead", to UFC events, as well as pics of him hanging out with a bunch of MMA stars. Which natually have sparked talks about Punk taking his MMA training into an octogon. How do we know this isn't all part of a plan by Punk and WWE? It isn't TNA or ROH who have the numbers to match WWE's, it is the UFC. With him being seen there, it is also almost free advertsing for the WWE. Remember that buzz that stemmed from Taker being face to face with Brock after one of Lesner's fights? Even the MMA world was talking about that. So is it too far fetched to think that CM Punk is currently resting and healing right now, and is doing more of the higher viewed spots (he's cancelled some smaller appearances) to keep his name out there as well as the WWE's with Wrestlemania XXX coming up? I don't think so.

Now this part, is a mix of what was stated already, mixed with a bit of dreaming and concluding with what I would say is "good for busniess". Flashback to near the end of 2013. CM Punk has just finished up with his feud with Paul Heyman. He is starting to take the jabs at The Authority, mainly Triple H. Punk is starting to team-up with Daniel Bryan both with grudge against The Authority, when Bryan is attacked and begins a short battle with the Wyatt Family. Daniel Bryan even became a member of the family in order to infiltrate and get Bray alone to throw him an butt kicking. Punk kept jabbing at Triple H and company and then the Royal Rumble happened. He kept jabbing for a few weeks later, then poof! he was gone. Punk was supposed to be in the Elimination Chamber, rumors were swirling that he wasn't happy with being in a match with Triple H at Mania. For the longest time, nobody would even give a definite answer in saying he was gone. One thing everyone was saying, was that he needed to heal up both physically and mentally after pushing so hard for so long. I may be alone, but I am thinking that Punk was injured or burnt out, and was given the time off. And everything since has been "worked" by both parties. Punk getting face time elsewhere, expanding the WWE brand. WWE has been loading their scripts with things that they know the online audience will feed into, and continue to advance this story overshadowing one of their "suprises". They may have thrown a curve tonight by making it that whoever wins between HHH and Bryan enters the main event with Batista and Orton. But, I am thinking Bryan (or both) enter the match, and just as Bryan is about to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt, CM Punk returns and screws him over. 

The next night on Raw, Punk would be declared the new "Face Of The WWE" and member of The Authority. He'd eventually win the title of course, if not handed the strap. And then a massive build-up to squaring off with Daniel Bryan at Summerslam. It was said that Bryan's path to the strap was to be a year long culmination at summer spectacular. Rumored that Vince is supposed to return to battle for control, why not have DB be the face of HIS company? Not many will agree with that. I can understand. It is just one of many scenerios that popped into the ol' skull. And of course, especially in this business where things change even during a match, don't read into rumors too much if at all. This was a mix of both, taking what rumors are out there, and going with but also against them. I will add though, that as much as I wanted Austin/Punk, I think Bryan is more the Austin of this generation, and Punk was more The Rock. Can't really compare any with each other, but if forced to that is how I see it at least in a mic style or character approach (Austin couldn't go back to heel after he "exploded", Rock went back and forth).

In closing, try not to initially throw this idea away. Think about it. Even for the sake of broadening ones mind, as it makes trying to play the guessing game with this industry a bit more fun. Especially the moments where we don't know what is truly coming next as there has been a trending problem at times in wrestling. Even without the internet. As always, the business will carry on without him, but it would be nice to think that Punk isn't finished. Contract is up in the Summer, TNA isn't "worthy" and ROH isn't "ready" (bigger star now), and a MMA career may be possible, not something I am itching to see like I was when I heard Brock started. Wrestlemania XXX in New Orleans in April is shaping up to be awesome. Should add something like a Title contract to the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal, to add a bit more to it, as it does slightly come off as a typical Mania "filler match". I will let it slide for one year, as long as Big Show wins this as he is/was the next coming of The Boss, and seems to have been forced to not only take on a full-time schedule, but also forced to lay down to the likes of Rey Mysterio. Which was okay, and makes sense, but would Hogan slamming Andre at Mania 3 been have huge if we saw Andre lose to anyone, let alone someone smaller than even Hogan? Not really.

Okay, now I am done.

Stay Nerdy!

WHO'S NEXT?

It's happened. The WWE Network has launched. While many of Vince's fellow promoters and businessmen all seem to think this is a bad idea, none of them are willing to bet against Vinnie Mac. I can see how this benefits them from guaranteed PPV views equaling more endorsements and things like that, to collecting a bit off of things we've all watched for free for years now, etc. And even if it fails like the XFL did before, they simply take the hit and go back to being a money making juggernaut. Vince McMahon's greatness lies in his willingness to "try". Even when, sorry, especially when people say it won't work (see inaugural Wrestlemania, amongst other things).

With access to the WWE's libraries as well as all the companies that they've acquired over the years, mixed in with the age that we live in currently and the current success of superstars Goldust and the New Age Outlaws making a resurgence of sorts of the Attitude Era. I am left wondering who could we see in a WWE ring in the future? Whether it be in-ring or or a non-active role. What superstars of yesteryear will begin to make appearance upon the list of what is "trending" a la Twitter, Facebook or some other form of social media? There are plenty out there who can "still go" and simply haven't been back  in WWE for awhile or luckily didn't end up in TNA Wrestling at some point over the years. Of course there are also those who have, but may have been forgotten. If anything perhaps it will help some of them get into the WWE Hall Of Fame and/or sign a Legends contract with the WWE. Some seem to be getting work at the new WWE Performance Center as trainers, etc, even then, it is one step closer to being called back up.

Here's a list of possible stars who we could see again in a more current role in the WWE thanks to the WWE Network launching...

Goldberg

New fans and old fans alike will witness and rewitness "The Streak" in all of its glory. Which was pretty well done I must say, it was how it was ended that was a tad bit suspect. It did have to end at some point. Add this to the fact that there is still a "Goldberg" chant that happens when ever Ryback is out there. Will lay mostly in Goldberg's hands though, as it has been more of his own preference not to be apart of the WWE.

Ken Shamrock

It is possible that some fans today aren't even aware of the UFC Hall Of Famer's run in the WWE. Not sure if others would want to see it, but in the properly run UFC, this would never happen, but Ken Shamrock Vs Brock Lesner. Of course the risk of "ego" could have this match turn into a shoot, but if the two were to remain professional, they could possibly come up with some new moves that incorporate multiple MMA's styles into pro-wrestling's catch-as-catch-can form.

Kurt Angle

He's in TNA Wrestling and still going, but cannot mention the two names just mentioned without adding Olympic gold medalist, Kurt Angle to the mix. He's expressed that he would be willing once his contract is up. Whether Kurt is still in good condition (with TNA who knows) and can have another run or not. Whether it would be to face the "new" Brock Lesner or to simply take his place in the WWE Hall Of Fame.

Kevin Nash

He's had some appearance over the years since leaving TNA Wrestling, his initial Royal Rumble return a couple years ago was huge. Maybe not a full-time inring job, but I could see a "back to basics" and being a bodyguard of sorts for HBK types (endurance, speed, etc) like Dolph Ziggler if he goes back to heal. Or even in some type of training role. He may be limited in moves in some other peoples opinions, but none can deny Big Sexy's mic work, can't teach the "it" factor, but you can teach those who have it how to deliver it.
Apparently he doesn't care about being in the HOF but I think that is to ensure he's talked about as being the one who "never got in" long after he's gone. Nash, always thinking.

Owen Hart

Obviously we won't see the late wrestler perform again, but with the WWE Network long time as well as a whole new generation will get to see Owen and all of his greatness. Not sure of the details, but perhaps Owen's wife would be open to him being inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Not a single drop of pressure though, given the understandable circumstances. But, it is really nice to see that a new gen' will get to enjoy The King Of Hart's as much as we did and will again.

E.C.W.

A chant that has somewhat died off like the "what?" chant has, possibly "Yes!" and "No!" being to blame, but don't be surprised if you don't start to hear it once again with the ECW catalog, not just WWE's ECW, but the original E.C.F'n.W. library in all its blood and glory. Now there aren't many that the WWE would really bother since they didn't push that many in the past, but the ones that did make it in the WWE like RVD (who's there now kinda), Tazz (in TNA doing color), and Bully Ray aka Bubba Ray Dudley and his brother Devon (Bully is in TNA, not sure where Devon went. Retired?). Who all added to the WWE's success pre and post purchase of WCW. The WWE Network could lead to a small last ECW run, or at least small solo runs for some, Hall Of Fame inductions for others.


There is really an endless list, all depends on everyone's favorites and if anyone even bothers to make some noise about the stars of yesteryear, but with the new generation there is a chance that at least the current levels get increased and the WWE takes notice. It is interesting to wonder how things would have been during any of the past era's let alone the Monday Night Wars if we had he multiple forms of social media that we have today. Which superstar and moments would have been top "trends"? Head to head for top spot on Twitter or Facebooks "trending" list, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Goldberg. Degeneration-X and the n.W.o. Think about it. Pro-Wrestling dominated television during the "Wars", and has always been one of the leaders in PPV's. Imagine what it would've done to the social media outlets at those peak moments. A lot more #SuckIt #nWo4Life #WhoopAss #SOB and heavy flow of #HolyShi...you get it.

Could give ol' Stone Cold the extra push he needs to at least give us...one more match!

Stay Nerdy!

#22?

The Streak almost cements that Undertaker's status. Not only because of the wins, but because of what it has become. An attraction. A main event attraction. Similar to what the late Andre The Giant was, only the caliber of matches are a thing of beauty. The last few years, the Deadman has gone to extreme lengths to ensure his match would be "Wrestlemania Moment" worthy and a worthy contender for "Match Of The Year" honors.

A lot of people surprisingly want or feel the streak needs to end. I disagree. It is all over what that happens. And with a year to heal and prepare, it should make 23-0 or 25-0 possibly. And the matches keep getting better. If the early matches in the streak were ever remotely good, it was because of the Undertaker. Take a look back, you'll see which opponents would be hard for anyone to work with...

Brock Lesner

The front runner in the rumor department. And has been a rumor since their brief face to face at an UFC PPV while Brock was exiting the cage after his fight. We may have seen these two square off during Brock's first run in WWE, but not on the grandest stage of them all, plus let's not forget, this is a different Brock Lesner. Will be interesting to see if they work some MMA-esque things in the match. 'Taker is a fan, and you can tell by his legendary strikes, may be "pulled' (luckily for his opponent) but they are near perfect form. Oh, and with Brock being more than just an amateur wrestler and now more rounded MMA fighter. As if I had to mention that. This match also has the drawing power that transcends into the MMA community (fans and media) who will watch and cover the event because of Brock's involvement. Especially if he is victim #22 and not the one to who ends the streak.

The Shield

All signs seem to be leading to a break-up of the dominant trio. Although many are thinking that they will all face each other at Wrestlemania XXX, I think there is a chance the split will happen at 'Mania, or the next night on Raw after the Deadman reclaims his "yard" making them "famous" (more so). Remember the last time we saw the Undertaker, it was The Shield who took him out of action. Retribution is coming at some point. Could it be a Wrestlemania XXX?

John Cena

Cena was rumored awhile ago, but now rumors and some recent events point to Cena facing Bray Wyatt at Wrestlemania XXX. Which is fine, Bray deserves a match with one of the WWE's biggest names. For the casual and hardcore fan alike though, Cena would've possibly been the biggest threat to the streak. For the casual fan he is what "Hulk Hogan" was in the 80's generation, then the rest are a mix of "it should end" and "Cena needs to turn heel". If it does end, it should go to someone who's proven himself not a "hopeful", and if Cena were to turn heel, this is one of the ways that would make it go over very well. Even the casual fan could have an issue with the streak ending and be against the person responsible. But also, being a loser to 'Taker at Mania is an honor, and Cena has also earned that.

Sting

For years, the rumors begin with "The Road To Wrestlemania" that WCW and TNA Legend, Sting, would be signing with the WWE. Not only to be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame (deserved when it happens), but also to fulfill a dream match against The Undertaker at Wrestlemania. With each passing year it gets closer to the "we hope it doesn't happen" age frame, but with a certain "Icon" no longer under contract with TNA, he rumor mills have been saying Sting is close to arriving. Most are stating this match won't happen this year, but there is high hope and more possible to happen at Wrestlemania 31 in LA. But, would be nice to see sooner than later with age being a possible but slight factor.

CM Punk

His "walk-out" may be legit. But, maybe it isn't. With the Undertaker apparently working with his opponents well in advance to fine tune their matches at Mania, perhaps that is where CM Punk has been. Also take a look at Undertakers last string of Wrestlemania victims, Shawn Michaels at 25 and 26, Triple H at 27 and 28, and then CM Punk at Wrestlemania 29. Just in case you missed the pattern, Undertaker has been facing his prey two years in a row, and CM Punk is set for his rematch. And although it may not be "the" main event for the strap, it is the next best thing, and better than facing Triple H.



With a lot of people being rumored and confirmed for the Raw immediately before the WWE Network Launch (Monday, February 24th, 2014) and the Phenom being one of them, I am sure we will get the answer as to who his next victim will be. Although it could be answered sooner than that via tonights Raw or next Sunday's "Elimination Chamber" PPV. Regardless, personally I can't wait.

Stay Nerdy!

JOURNEY TO GREATNESS

Not to be confused with the WWE's annual "Road To Wrestlemania", which is currently underway. This is about professional wrestlers who have gone through a string of characters before finding "the one". Some entrants on the list are those who had found the perfect character, but then revamped themselves to prolong their careers within the squared-circle. From a simple heel or face turn to a complete over haul, in most cases it was a matter of being allowed to be themselves. With the volume cranked past eleven as they say.

Will try to leave out the wrestlers who had already discovered themselves, but the WWF (WWE) forced a gimmick of sorts on them, but there are some who took their careers to another level with said gimmick...

Stone Cold Steve Austin

Stunning Steve Austin, and The Ringmaster. Austin made the "Stunning" thing work, and made it even better when teamed with the late Brian Pillman for the tag team "Hollywood Blondes". The Ring Master gimmick, despite adding the "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase Sr and holding the Million Dollar Championship belt didn't help this one. A combo of being himself (which he did in a short stop in ECW before) and Jake "The Snake" Roberts religion gimmick at that time, the "Austin 3:16 Says I Just Whooped Your Ass!" line was dropped and the rest was history. Oh Hell Yeah!! WHAT?!?

Hulk Hogan

The stars of the 80's, especially the ones who were at the forefront of Vince McMahon's vision of Sports Entertainment, are hard to add but hard not to add to this list. As most were already established stars across the territories before Vinnie Mac scooped them all up and made them global superstars. Which is where most of todays fans joined pro-wrestling fandom. The Hulkster made the cut for his ability to prolong his career, and even go to another level when he turned heel and unleashed the Hollywood Hogan gimmick on us via the n.W.o. Which translated into another "run" when he returned to the WWE and turned face. Even beating Triple H for the Undisputed WWE Championship strap. Love or hate him, he's the Babe Ruth of professional wrestling, Brother!

Bubba Ray/Bully Ray

Shocked that a current TNA star made the list? Understandable. However, I felt this one deserved in. Starting as the stuttering member of one of the greatest tag teams ever (Dudley Boys/Team 3-D), and evolving off of that and being more of the leader/mouth of the Dudleys. What helped him make this list is that he was able to find a gimmick that worked for him after the tag team split. Something that wasn't happening in the WWE days when they attempted to do the same. Bully Ray was even the leader of one of TNA's better things in the Aces & Eights faction. And he's in the best shape of his career.

Rikishi

Fun fact: Yokozuna was supposed to be a member of the Samoan tag team, "The Headshrinkers, but was replaced by Rikishi when they (WWE) decided to put Yoko in the Sumo gimmick instead. After that, he became The Saulton, and followed by more of an urban version of himself, and then finally, he became almost the wrestling equivelant of Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, became famous for dat butt. Talented in the ring of course, but the "Stink Face" would always garner a massive pop from the crowds.

Triple H

He came into the business via WCW as "", then came over to the WWF(WWE) and started as a blue-blooded snob from Greenwich, CT (Vince's jab at his neighbors) Hunter Hearst Helmsley. He really took off after forming DeGeneration-X with WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels and becoming Triple H, and then exploded after taking the reigns of D-X. Then he evolved into The Game. Now he has extended his characters career until his end with the corporate angle. Unless of course he and Stephanie get a divorce one day, but even then, the McMahons have a habit of pushing personal feelings aside in the name of business.

Kevin Nash

True, Big Daddy Cool made it big with the "Diesel" gimmick, but things went to another level when he and Scott Hall jumped ship to WCW, and used his real name Kevin Nash a co-founder of n.W.o. But not all are aware of the failed gimmicks Big Sexy had tried out before becoming Diesal or ending Goldberg's streak. There was Vinnie Vegas, Master Blaster, Oz (a rip-off of The Wizard Of Oz) as well as others. But I am sure Nash counts all the money he's made over the years and laughs along with us.


There are many others who have either gone through a string of failed gimmicks, or upgraded their gimmicks to remain fresh, but end up "making it" or at least have a lengthy career. Perhaps another list in the future covering some more like Kane, or even his brother the Undertaker. Love or hate the "American Badass" gimmick, it made way for a great return of the "Deadman".

Stay Nerdy!