Normally, this is a tradition we save for the Road to WrestleMania. But since all the signs coming out of ‘Mania 33 pointed to it being Undertaker’s last match at the Showcase of the Immortals, and a recent rumor has it WWE wants us to think the Dead Man might be coming back for SummerSlam in a couple of months...
Despite the fact when we last saw him on WWE programming he left his iconic hat and robe in the ring before breaking kayfabe by visiting with his family at ringside, and was subsequently spotted headed into an orthopaedics hospital in New York, supposedly for a pre-surgical consult regarding his ailing hip, the company allegedly wants to create the impression The Phenom could return for another showdown with Roman Reigns on Aug. 20 in Brooklyn.
Even the source of that rumor indicated nothing was confirmed, and it would seem it might only be out there to try and create interest in Raw and/or SummerSlam at a time when WWE can use all the buzz it can get. But could it be more than that?
While you’re pondering that, consider this. Taker’s wife Michelle yesterday (June 18) posted this Instagram of him with their daughter at a beach for Father’s Day. Does this look like a guy getting ready for another match?
Now, I’m not saying there’s anything in this image to suggest Taker couldn’t return. Heck, we’ve seen him on crutches in the months leading up to showing up for WWE, so the fact he’s standing on his own could be seen as a positive sign.
But this seems to me like a dad who’s enjoying retirement.
That’s my (over) analysis, anyway. What’s yours?