Is retirement closer than we think for a WWE superstar?

[Celtic_Emperor]

Its been long speculated, even factualized by some people on the inside who release this kind of information that WWE superstar the Undertaker plans to retire at or after next year's Wrestlemania (which is only several months away).

From what I hear, Mark (Undertaker), started what is his last run in the business after his "Buried Alive" match against Vince McMahon and thus the reprisal of his classic persona as the "dead man".

Is there any validity to these rumors I'm hearing?

It seems about time and winning the WWE Championship at Wrestlmania one last time would be a good way to go out. In fact, I recall him last year on one show starting to say he was going to retire, but was interupted and didn't get to finish what he was saying and ended up getting into another feud and story line which ended up extending his contract.

Obviously as a fan I don't want to see him go. He unofficially carried the business to this point in my mind and it won't be the same without him.

His appearances are getting even more rare, and his involvement in the plots is all but gone (a sign things are winding down for him). I can only hope he'll go out with a bang. But its kind of weird imagining him speaking in character or as himself rather than the deadman all of a sudden, with a mic in hand and giving his retirement speech, if any.

Maybe its better he leaves without saying a word, but it would be an injustice to not send him off making an impression.

Maybe he'll be "called back to the underworld or heaven" to "rest in peace" finally or something.

I think that if this is going to be done with a storyline it needs to tie up all loose ends, like Kane, McMahon, and the own past of his character that he worked hard to build all those years.

I would imagine that hardcore Taker fans would be disaapointed with a "well, it was a good ride, thanks for having me" and he just exists the ring, walks up the ramp and out of our lives. While it may be just as simple as that, and thats all he'd need to say, as he's not one for speeches, I guess thats enough since we already know how he feels and has felt about the business and his fans worldwide all these years.

 

[AphxA]

About damn time. Theres only so much abuse the human body can take.

 

[maniactickler]

I wouldnt doubt it. i think his time is coming to an end.

 

[BigJim]

Calloway's been on his arse for about three years now. It's only sheer unadulterated bloody-mindedness that's kept him going for so long.

 

[Shem the Penman]

Given that he has done nothing but take part in some of the worst matches of the year (exhibit A: the Concrete Crypt Match; exhibit B: the Last Ride Match; exhibit C: vs. Heidenreich at Survivor Series; exhibit D: vs. Kane at Wrestlemania ... shall I go on?), I wouldn't give a toss if the Undertaker disappeared yesterday. Can't come too soon for me.

There are two types of older wrestlers. One kind, like Foley or Flair, are willing to use the star power they've built up to help newcomers get over, because they understand that's what's best for the business. The other kind, like Austin and Hogan, cling tightly to their star role, refuse to let themselves look vulnerable, and squash anyone who might look like a threat to their position as biggest dog in the yard -- until they're finally forced out. Undertaker definitely falls in the second category, and I don't expect a graceful retirement out of him.