WWE: Randy Orton Says The Undertaker’s WrestleMania Streak Ending Was A Mistake And More
Randy Orton spoke in-depth regarding Undertaker’s impressive WrestleMania record, firmly stating that the iconic undefeated streak should not have been broken at all. He would then go on to promote Taker’s upcoming match with Roman Reigns, all of this in a recent interview with Yahoo Sports.
On Lesnar Breaking The Streak
“I think ‘Taker and ‘Mania go hand in hand. It’s unfortunate that he picked up a loss a few years back, I think that was wrong and I think everyone would agree with me for the most part with the exception of maybe Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar. I don’t believe that that loss tarnished his career, I just hate that his streak was tarnished.”
On Roman Reigns vs Undertaker
“Taker is going to face Roman Reigns and that’s going to be a good one. I honestly believe that should be the last match on the card, I think that everybody will be happy with the outcome of the match. I expect the Undertaker to throw Roman Reigns around like a rag doll. Roman Reigns is going to get his, but at the same time, this is the Undertaker we’re talking about.
Will [Undertaker] be around after this? If this is his last one and there’s speculation, all I can say is I hope not. Whether it was twenty years ago or today, when he comes to the ring and the gong hits and the music plays, the energy in the arena, it’s not like that for anyone else. I don’t care if it’s [John] Cena, Shawn Michaels or whoever, it’s a different kind of energy and he’s got more respect from the fans than I think any character or superstar has ever had in our business.”
Rob’s Hot-Take:
Even with limited build-up, it’s hard to deny that Roman Reigns challenging Undertaker is one of the most tantalizing matches on the star-studded card. The magnitude of that hype would have somehow been doubled if that streak were still intact; that loss against Lesnar might be the greatest mistake in all of WWE, and the added intensity of this match being for the streak is one reason why. Without it, it’s just a really exciting bout with some big names that could have been so much more. Regardless, it also should be the definitive main event, as there will be nothing more anticlimactic than watching Brock Lesnar and Goldberg hit a few high-impact moves on each other and be done in realistically and potentially under five minutes.
With that said, I do think Orlando will erupt into a cacophony of boos if Roman wins, especially so if he somehow wins without cheating or turning heel. Win or lose, I do hope that this isn’t Undertaker’s last match as there are still numerous great contenders for him to demolish in his yard, but it’s understandable if his hip condition really is getting bad to the point where the inevitable surgery he needs will finally kill The Deadman’s career.