Each year as WrestleMania approaches, the legend of The Undertaker looms over proceedings.The man who won at an unprecedented 21 'Manias without defeat has been the spotlight of the pay-per-view for over two decades. His matches with Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Edge, Batista, CM Punk and more have been integral in defining the legacy of the Showcase of the Immortals.However, even the greatest performers can only work for so long. The Deadman began wrestling roughly 33 years ago and is the oldest performer on the active roster, with Goldberg the only wrestler even close in age. While he has continued to perform at a high level, the wear on Taker's body has been increasingly clear with each passing year.Three years ago, when Brock Lesnar ended The Streak at WrestleMania XXX, Taker already looked like a broken man, unable to keep up with Lesnar's frantic pace and being hospitalized once the match was over. Even though his performances have been better since, Taker has frequently been seen on crutches during his months off.At WWE Wrestlemania 33, Taker will step into the ring with Roman Reigns, who has promised repeatedly that he will retire The Deadman. While this is not the first time fans have considered the end of Taker's career, this match stands as the most pronounced example of WWEsetting up for his retirement.This may be a sign that even WWE feels the time has come to move on. Taker is the last of an era that has long since passed, a legend who has nothing left to prove. With each bout, he risks further putting himself in harm's way, with even one match this year likely a dangerous proposition, no matter how high the quality a contest.While some may have wished for a bigger dream match for Taker's last 'Mania, particularly the long-rumored Taker vs. John Cena clash, Reigns is the right performer to give The Deadman one last classic to add to his legacy. Just as Taker once worked well with Batista, he should mesh well with Reigns' speed and power in the ring.Moreover, having Reigns retire Taker would give WWE a huge story going forward. The Big Dog would likely have to radically change his character to benefit from the move, with a heel turn likely. He has long needed this type of character evolution and could well thrive as the top heel on Monday Night Raw.Most wrestlers go out putting another talent over, so it is likely that Taker would take the loss to Reigns if it is to be his last match. However, it would also be possible for The Deadman to win, only for Reigns to attack him afterward and complete a heel turn. Either way, the result would be a serious boon to Reigns' career and do little to hurt Taker, particularly with the Streak having already ended.As WWE continues to focus on protecting talent more and more, Taker may not even be physically cleared to compete by the time WrestleMania 34 rolls around. By making this match the last contest of his career, it would allow Taker to leave on his own terms and push Reigns on a new path that could help him take the next step forward as a performer.For the sake of Taker's health and his legacy, The Last Outlaw should pull out one last great performance at WrestleMania, then ride off into the sunset, ending a legendary career.
Click here to read full news..
