Ending the streak. [Archive]

blak23

08-01-2013, 08:44 AM

I don't know if anybody read this but this might possibly be the best thing I've read from Lance Storm.

Booking The Streak

April 23, 2013

I've been asked many times whether I think the Undertaker's Streak should ever be broken. Originally I thought absolutely, it's what this business is about; you should always pass the torch. What's the point of building something up if at the end of that run it isn't used to get over that next generation? That thinking was several years ago and for the last few years I've changed my thinking. My new thinking on this was that the Streak means so much now a guy has to be built up to the point where he is already made in order to challenge for it, and if the guy is already made he doesn't need the win to be made so why not leave the Undertaker's legacy intact.

Well my thinking has changed once again and it was thanks to an idea, or more sort of a questions asked by my friend Todd Martin (@ToddMartinMMA). Todd's question was: Is the Streak being broken a better story? This got me looking at the problem from a whole different perspective. Instead of thinking, what's better for business, I'm looking at it strictly from a drama and storytelling aspect and deciding which is the better story. After some pondering I've made up my mind on what I think the better story is, and in the end it's even the best thing for business. The only shame is that it should have been started a couple years ago, for maximum effectiveness. I discussed this idea on my last F4W online interview and many people liked it so I thought I would share it all with you here.

Booking the Streak:

Yes I would break the streak, and oddly enough it doesn't even matter by whom. I would start the angle with a simple interview with the Undertaker. In the interview the Undertaker needs to be asked if he thinks anyone will ever be able to beat the Streak or if he thinks he will retire with the Streak intact. To this I would have Undertaker reply that he has no intention of retiring until someone does beat the Streak. Continuing the Streak as long as possible is the ultimate challenge and retiring before someone beats it, would be like quitting. He will not retire with 21 or 22 straight victories and live out his life wondering if he could have gone 23 or 24. He will defend the Streak until it is broken and the day it is broken will be his last match and he will retire.

This establishes two very important money drawing details. The first is that the Streak will most definitely end and the second, when it does it will be The Undertakers last ever match. The Streak is already one of, if not the biggest drawing aspect of WrestleMania but with this new addition I believe the Streak's drawing power increases greatly, and why I think this idea should have been implemented a few years ago, to get maximum effect.

The WrestleMania where the Streak being broken in the Undertakers last ever match is a legitimate once in a life time event that no wrestling fan will want to miss, and with this one simple promo fans know that it will happen and realistically fairly soon. Each year now as fans decide whether they are going to attend WrestleMania live or order it on PPV, they will have to ask themselves, is this going to be the year, will this be the year the Streak is broken and the Undertaker retires,and do I want to risk missing that once in a life time moment? Watching it back on DVD, won't be the same as witnessing that amazing moment live, when the referee's hand strikes the mat that third time marking the end of the Streak and one of the greatest wrestling careers of all time. With The Undertaker's age you have to know it's coming sooner rather than later, so how can you possibly risk missing another WrestleMania? The answer is you can't.

There are other benefits to this idea as well. Every near fall in every Undertaker match will have so much more emotion and drama. For the last few years the guys have had to work so hard to create that one moment when fans actually believe the Streak can be broken, but now that fans KNOW it will be broken, every near fall becomes believable and will bring more emotion. Every match will be more heated; every match will have more at stake. Every win will be bigger and that eventual lose will be the defining end a great career deserves.

There is the argument that no one wants to see him lose and the end of the Streak and the defeating of the Undertaker at WrestleMania will be too much of a downer but I disagree. Yes I think it will be a very sad disappointing moment when the Streak and the career of The Undertaker finally ends, but think about the ovation The Undertaker's wins currently get and how much bigger they would be when you add the relief of his career being saved and the reassurance that he will be around for one more defence next year. Each win becomes greater and when that ultimate end does happen I think there is a chance for one of the greatest moments in wrestling history.

When Taker does finally lose and the referee's hand strikes the mat for that third and final time, there will likely be a dead silence fall over the crowd, it will be a sad and surreal moment for sure, but that's okay. As the saying goes it is always darkest before the dawn. I believe that after that three count, if the Undertaker remains completely motionless and does not move, while the winner gets his hand raise, does whatever he has to do, and then leaves, the crowd will have time to absorb what they have just witnessed and I bet the loudest "Thank You Taker" chant would start to build, and when they are about to reach their peak you kill the lights to create silence and then you hit The Undertaker's Gong and a blue spot light on The Undertaker's motionless body, on the second Gong he sits up one last time. In my opinion the ovation this will receive could very well make this the greatest and most memorable moment in WrestleMania history. The perfect send of for one of the greatest ever.

Lance Storm

Discuss

Curd

08-01-2013, 08:52 AM

Lance Storm has a great point about the greater risk to 'Taker's career making the breaking of the Streak more impactful and game-changing.

Bad News Gertner

08-01-2013, 08:54 AM

Heath Slater is the man to do it.

Shisen Kopf

08-01-2013, 09:47 AM

If anyone should end the streak it should be Cena...or Heath Slater.

seapig4

08-01-2013, 10:35 AM

I do like this idea, the risk and reward each year would be brilliant. Still don't know who will break it though, I honestly don't think Cena will break it.

whiteyford

08-01-2013, 10:37 AM

Still not sold on the idea of the streak needing to end but that's the best idea I've read so far.

#1-norm-fan

08-01-2013, 07:06 PM

I think the streak needs to end. There's no reason for it not to. It doesn't tarnish Taker's legacy. Even with a loss to end it, he still had the greatest streak in wrestling history and it will always be part of WWE legend.

With all this hype over the years though, to not have the streak end would basically just be willingly depriving wrestling of it's most monumental moment ever. And for what?

#1-norm-fan

08-01-2013, 07:07 PM

And it should be HBK, dammit. :(

whiteyford

08-01-2013, 07:17 PM

You need someone young to end it to get the most value from the moment, I nominate Bo Dallas.

whiteyford

08-01-2013, 07:19 PM

I actually like Storms idea though I just can't think of anyone to give the rub too that can make a career out of it, Ambrose/Reigns maybe in a couple of years?

Mongo Lloyd

08-01-2013, 07:28 PM

storm said in order for his idea to work it should have started a few years ago. its too late now

whiteyford

08-01-2013, 07:35 PM

It still could, just depends on how long he sticks around for.

Lock Jaw

08-01-2013, 07:44 PM

Great idea, but yeah, it should have started a few years ago if they wanted to go that route.

Theo Dious

08-01-2013, 07:54 PM

At this point in my life, if anyone breaks the streak I want it to be DEAN FUCKING AMBROSE and nobody else.

Theo Dious

08-01-2013, 07:58 PM

I've always felt that whoever ends Taker's streak should have his "power" "transferred" to him. Don't hand over the gimmick entirely, but give the winner certain attributes of the Undertaker; the lights, the extra visual effects, etc. Ambrose is creepy enough to pull off some of that stuff, and I think it would add to his aura. He already dresses in black and the Shield have that "outlaw" aspect to them already.

#1-norm-fan

08-01-2013, 08:26 PM

Emperor Smeat

08-01-2013, 08:26 PM

I actually like Storms idea though I just can't think of anyone to give the rub too that can make a career out of it, Ambrose/Reigns maybe in a couple of years?

Daniel Bryan?

Think he was rumored as one of the options this year but declined either because the stuff with Team Hell No was helping him a lot more or the payoff with Undertaker would just have been as another streak victim and nothing more.

DAMN iNATOR

08-02-2013, 10:58 PM

Cena is the only guy I can see ending the streak right now. Like Storm said, at this point, you need to be established to even be one of the precious few who gets the chance to end the streak. Cena's the only full-time guy who hasn't gotten his chance. Plus, this video...

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/O24Mo2mWtCo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

needs to be used heavily in the build. The man who Taker was so impressed with on his debut, 12 years later is the one to finally end the streak. It would be a pretty awesome story.

I might have agreed with this 5 years ago, but UT is past 20-0 @ WM. It wouldn't make a bit of sense IMHO, to have anyone end the streak now. Let him win 4 more matches @ WMs XXX-XXXIII so he can bring the total to 25-0 all-time and have the 25th be his retirement match. Taker needs the streak as the majority of his legacy to be remembered by when everyoneasks why WWE is putting him in the HoF.

Skippord

08-02-2013, 11:03 PM

http://www.bubblews.com/assets/images/news/1178010161_1373508099.jpg

road doggy dogg

08-02-2013, 11:34 PM

I might have agreed with this 5 years ago, but UT is past 20-0 @ WM. It wouldn't make a bit of sense IMHO, to have anyone end the streak now. Let him win 4 more matches @ WMs XXX-XXXIII so he can bring the total to 25-0 all-time and have the 25th be his retirement match. Taker needs the streak as the majority of his legacy to be remembered by when everyoneasks why WWE is putting him in the HoF.

uhhh what I don't think anyone is going to ever ask why Undertaker is in the HoF. Even when I was a kid and had no idea what wrestling was, Undertaker was like one of 3 wrestlers I even knew the name of. PROBABLY IN LARGE PART because he was in the nintendo game BUT WHATEVER

Lock Jaw

08-02-2013, 11:54 PM

Yeah, even if you look at his accomplishments and career outside of the streak, no one would be questioning why he is in the HoF.

James Steele

08-03-2013, 01:21 AM

The fact that The Undertaker has only shown up once a year for the past few years and is still one of the biggest draws says everything about why The Undertaker is a Hall of Famer and is one of the all-time greatest icons in pro wrestling. He is the last wrestler going who still has that aura of old school wrestling. No matter how jaded of a smark you are, the gong hits and you feel like you're 8 years old.

#1-norm-fan

08-03-2013, 02:25 AM

Taker needs the streak as the majority of his legacy to be remembered by when everyoneasks why WWE is putting him in the HoF.

The streak ending does not mean the streak no longer exists. People will still remember when Taker went 22-0 or 23-0 or 24-0 at Mania. That won't be tarnished if it ends. That streak will still go down as possibly the greatest achievement in wrestling history. Like I said, it's silly for the streak NOT to end. Forget the whole putting someone over thing... there's no reason to willingly just forgo what would be one of the most memorable moments ever.

#1-norm-fan

08-03-2013, 02:28 AM

That and Taker would be a legend even if the streak didn't exist. He doesn't NEED it.

James Steele

08-03-2013, 10:18 AM

Lock Jaw

08-03-2013, 12:18 PM

Cena turning heel and ending the streak at the same time is like combining wrestling's two possible biggest moments into one mindblowing package.

Lock Jaw

08-03-2013, 12:19 PM

Pretty sure the IWC would implode.

James Steele

08-03-2013, 12:32 PM

...or Brad Maddox could end The Streak with a school boy.

Lock Jaw

08-03-2013, 12:46 PM

Fandango can go streak vs streak and win

James Steele

08-03-2013, 12:48 PM

He can then absorb Undertaker's powers. That'd be an awesome gimmick. Every time he shakes his hips, lightning rains down from the sky.

James Steele

08-03-2013, 12:52 PM

James Steele

08-03-2013, 12:52 PM

Getting erect at the thought of a demonic dancing Fandango.

James Steele

08-03-2013, 12:55 PM

James Steele

08-03-2013, 12:58 PM

James Steele

08-03-2013, 01:00 PM

Just picture druids coming out with giant glowsticks instead of torches. Instead of smoke, you get foam, and he is carried out on a giant light show UFO looking thing.

thegoat

08-04-2013, 01:14 AM

WRESTLEMANIA 30

Three biggest things in wrestling happens in one match

Cena beats taker thus ending the streak.

Cena turns heel to beat Taker.

Maybe: HHH maybe helps Cena because Vince and Hunter have "ALL CONTROL OF WWE" stipulation with HHH choosing Cena and Vince choosing Taker.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

HHH becomes the new heel chairman

Cena heel is money (Daniel Bryan is new main face) and CM Punk-HHH rivalry becomes an Austin-McMahon level of epicness.

Tom Guycott

08-04-2013, 02:29 AM

I actually like Storms idea though I just can't think of anyone to give the rub too that can make a career out of it, Ambrose/Reigns maybe in a couple of years?

This is the potential problem: WWE would just as likely give that moment to someone who:

a) doesn't appreciate the gravity of what they just got handed to them; or some flash-in-the-pan they see dollar signs on instead of someone who can actually carry that flag... like a Lashley or a Chris Masters.

b) doesn't need it. As much of a marquee matchup stuff like Taker vs HBK or Hunter or even Cena would be, the fact is those guys really don't need it. Pretty much what Lance said about them being "made men" is true.

Not saying it should be Dolph, but someone like him is in the best position *right now* to benefit the most, as he wouldn't be really hotshotted into the spot, but more or less adding the "seal of approval" on the guy. In a couple years, Ambrose, Reigns, or even Rollins might be that guy in that positon (everyone seems to want to discount Seth, but I'm willing to bet he'll be the one that finds that something later on in his career to become a breakout star everyone will suddenly be in love with). Barrett might get some hot booking and be back in the running to be that guy. They could brag that they did what (list all big names on the streak) couldn't do getting a massive rub, and at the same time, not turn out to be a huge bust that they tried to heap a massive rocket onto much to the delight of nobody.

DAMN iNATOR

08-04-2013, 10:46 AM

The streak ending does not mean the streak no longer exists. People will still remember when Taker went 22-0 or 23-0 or 24-0 at Mania. That won't be tarnished if it ends. That streak will still go down as possibly the greatest achievement in wrestling history. Like I said, it's silly for the streak NOT to end. Forget the whole putting someone over thing... there's no reason to willingly just forgo what would be one of the most memorable moments ever.

I know, but 25-0 just seems like a nice round number. :) And he may not NEED the streak, but there honestly never has been, nor will there ever be, ANYONE worthy of breaking it.

08-04-2013, 11:20 AM

Cena turning heel and ending the streak at the same time is like combining wrestling's two possible biggest moments into one mindblowing package.

Those 23 words are exactly why they should do it. Shame it doesn't mean they will.

Kane Knight

08-04-2013, 11:26 AM

Pretty sure the IWC would implode.

Excellent!

Swiss Ultimate

08-04-2013, 02:10 PM

I've thought this for years, and I am probably wrong, but I think Cena will cheat or something to end The Streak and turn heel. It will be an insane moment. It could be what Austin's heel turn could have been. Plus, I think it could give Cena the same shot in the arm it gave Hogan's career. He could be a heel for 5-6 years, and eventually turn back to a babyface to finish out his career.

Cena turning heel and ending the streak at the same time is like combining wrestling's two possible biggest moments into one mindblowing package.

He should cheat, but get the win via legitimate move. Ending the streak with something as simple as a illegal object or whatever is waaaaay too WCW of a move.

Turn Cena half-way through the match, almost get the win and then have the rest of the match be Undertaker beating the living shit out of Cena with the entire audience (including children) cheering him on. Then, have him kick out of a Tombstone and take him out like Triple H took out Foley in the retirement match (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltzsGt_lpjA).

Edit: I think they planned the fall through the cell here.

James Steele

08-04-2013, 02:17 PM

He should cheat, but get the win via legitimate move. Ending the streak with something as simple as a illegal object or whatever is waaaaay too WCW of a move.

Turn Cena half-way through the match, almost get the win and then have the rest of the match be Undertaker beating the living shit out of Cena with the entire audience (including children) cheering him on. Then, have him kick out of a Tombstone and take him out like Triple H took out Foley in the retirement match (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltzsGt_lpjA).

Edit: I think they planned the fall through the cell here.

I was thinking of the Rock/Austin finish from WM17. Undertaker kicks out of the AA for a 3rd time and Cena loses his shit and just beats the ever loving shit out of him with a chair. It is going to take something very drastic to get the kids to boo Cena.

Swiss Ultimate

08-04-2013, 02:25 PM

I was thinking of the Rock/Austin finish from WM17. Undertaker kicks out of the AA for a 3rd time and Cena loses his shit and just beats the ever loving shit out of him with a chair. It is going to take something very drastic to get the kids to boo Cena.

Well, they could do that mid-way through, 15 minute point Cena can't hit the AA and can't make Undertaker tap so he brings in a chain, table, chair etc. goes to work on Taker, we think it's over, Undertake kicks out and makes a comeback.

Then we see Cena after barely surviving the beating pull out a victory. No handshake afterwards. Kind of like Cena VS. Lesnar.

James Steele

08-04-2013, 02:28 PM

Well, they could do that mid-way through, 15 minute point Cena can't hit the AA and can't make Undertaker tap so he brings in a chain, table, chair etc. goes to work on Taker, we think it's over, Undertake kicks out and makes a comeback.

Then we see Cena after barely surviving the beating pull out a victory. No handshake afterwards. Kind of like Cena VS. Lesnar.

I don't think that'd be drastic enough to turn Cena heel, and he might even get cheers for making such an epic comeback.

Lock Jaw

08-04-2013, 02:36 PM

Undertaker kicks out of the AA for a 3rd time and Cena loses his shit and just beats the ever loving shit out of him with a chair.

Triple H already did it.

James Steele

08-04-2013, 02:37 PM

Triple H already did it.

Not like Austin did to The Rock though. Uncle Paul did use the shit out of that chair though.

Lock Jaw

08-04-2013, 02:38 PM

Matt Hardy should have ended the streak.

James Steele

08-04-2013, 02:39 PM

Swiss Ultimate

08-04-2013, 03:56 PM

James Steele

08-04-2013, 05:03 PM

No. All of the wrestlers do Make-A-Wish things. They'll just ask to see Punk or Sheamus more instead of Cena. You don't make business decisions based on kids who will probably be dead before they can order a PPV on their own.

Wake Up Call

08-04-2013, 05:41 PM

The streak will never end, the business the streak generates is far too great, to have any superstar, and I use the word superstar very loosely regarding the characters in the WWE right now.

No up and comer is hot enough to deserve the honor and let's be honest, if HHH wasn't booked to break the streak, it isn't going to happen

#1-norm-fan

08-04-2013, 05:47 PM

What business is WWE gonna stop generating if the streak ends?

Wake Up Call

08-04-2013, 05:50 PM

Suppose it goes to 25-0, which I assume it will. T-Shirts, DVDs ect...

Money, it's all about the money.

Hanso Amore

08-04-2013, 06:12 PM

Suppose it goes to 25-0, which I assume it will. T-Shirts, DVDs ect...

Money, it's all about the money.

You mean the shirts and DVDs that have already been sold? And tickets to the one show a year he wrestles at that will sell out either way?

Good points. Lots of money to be made that doesn't exist.

#1-norm-fan

08-04-2013, 06:19 PM

And even if they were gonna make money of shirts, DVDs and such...

Once he loses, put the number of matches he's won - 0 at the end.

... Like I said, the streak ending does not mean the streak never happened. They can still promote his 2_-0 streak forever.

Hanso Amore

08-04-2013, 06:24 PM

Joe DiMaggio didn't get a hit in his 57th game during 56 game streak.

Doesn't mean 56 straight isn't a mythical and amazing sports number that people still go to Cooperstown to see the 56th game ball.

Curd

08-04-2013, 06:25 PM

Wake Up Call

08-04-2013, 06:33 PM

You mean the shirts and DVDs that have already been sold? And tickets to the one show a year he wrestles at that will sell out either way?

Good points. Lots of money to be made that doesn't exist.

No I mean the new shirts and DVDs that will be released once he reaches 25-0. Why stop the money making machine? Doesn't make any sense.

08-04-2013, 07:01 PM

Thing is, The Streak will end one way or another. The only thing to debate is whether you let Mark Calloway go into retirement with an undefeated streak of Mania matches or do you have him give somebody the biggest rub of all time on his way out?

So by all means drag it out to 25-0, sell your merch then have him lose/retire at 25-1 (and repackage the DVD to include the match with the biggest moment in Mania history.)

Hanso Amore

08-04-2013, 07:24 PM

Think of all the money to be made on the guy who ends the streak, if you want to go that route.

Wake Up Call

08-04-2013, 07:52 PM

So lets say, (you fill in the blank) beats Taker, than all of a sudden decides to take a hit of a joint and gets thrown in jail. You've wasted the opportunity to sell thousands of dollars (if not more) on 25-0 merchandise on a guy that just threw it al away.

That's just an example of coarse, that's not gaurenteed to happen to the guy that beats him, but why risk it? It is Taker's legacy, and it shouldn't be risked.

Tom Guycott

08-04-2013, 11:51 PM

Hanso Amore

08-05-2013, 12:46 AM

So lets say, (you fill in the blank) beats Taker, than all of a sudden decides to take a hit of a joint and gets thrown in jail. You've wasted the opportunity to sell thousands of dollars (if not more) on 25-0 merchandise on a guy that just threw it al away.

That's just an example of coarse, that's not gaurenteed to happen to the guy that beats him, but why risk it? It is Taker's legacy, and it shouldn't be risked.

Better not push anyone, ever then.

#1-norm-fan

08-05-2013, 02:00 AM

So lets say, (you fill in the blank) beats Taker, than all of a sudden decides to take a hit of a joint and gets thrown in jail. You've wasted the opportunity to sell thousands of dollars (if not more) on 25-0 merchandise on a guy that just threw it al away.

You're not risking selling any merchandise.

Taker has to retire at some point. When he's wrestled his last match, you release a DVD of his 25-0 streak or whatever it is. It still happened. Even if he lost his 26th, he still went 25-0, it's the greatest streak in wrestling history and you don't lose a shitload of money because he didn't win the 26th match.

Like Hanso said earlier, Dimaggio's hitting streak is not fucked up because it ended. It was a monumental streak. Just like Taker's will go down as NO MATTER WHAT. No one is gonna say "Aww, fuck. Not gonna buy that DVD commemorating Taker's 25-0 streak because it ended."

If you wanna worry about someone throwing their career away after taking the streak, okay... you gonna worry about that every time you push someone? If you are, give it to a guy who's already established that you trust (which I actually kinda want them to do anyway). You make money off the fact that you just produced maybe the biggest moment in wrestling history.

Mr. Nerfect

08-05-2013, 06:07 AM

I'm a firm believer that the streak should end. As far as my dream opponents go for The Undertaker, here are mine for WrestleMania XXX:

1. Daniel Bryan

This is not me just being a total smark. Think about it: The Undertaker is respected enough to have a say in who his WrestleMania opponent is. He's worked with Daniel Bryan and has no doubt seen the tear he has gone on. Bryan would be able to work well with Taker, have another classic match and I'm sure Taker appreciates his MMA-influenced style. Plus, there's the added story of The Undertaker retiring Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXVI, and HBK being the guy who initially trained Bryan. Shawn Michaels appearing in the corner of Bryan, or even being the Special Guest Referee would be pretty epic.

2. John Cena

It would be a huge match. It'd be bigger if they had kept Cena strong at WrestleMania and he had a streak of his own, but Cena is the franchise and beating The Undertaker at WrestleMania would blow people's minds. Cena turning heel to do so would be absolutely incredible, as many have suggested.

3. Bray Wyatt

It's not insane, given that Wyatt is such a young member of the roster. If The Undertaker enjoys his character, he may request to work with Wyatt and give him the rub by being one of Taker's WrestleMania opponents. Could you imagine a story where Wyatt looks like he is going to fight The Undertaker fairly, but then has his Wyatt Family hit the ring causing the DQ by attacking Bray himself. Ultimate heel move. Triple H could then come out, use his authority to restart the match as No Disqualifcation and No Countouts, because the streak is not ending like that. The Wyatt Family can then brawl with The Undertaker and Triple H. You then have Kane (who could potentially be a Wyatt Family member at this time) hit the ring and clear the ring of everybody not Bray Wyatt or The Undertaker. They can then do a spot where Kane has to choose his new leader or his brother. Depending on the moment you want to create, you could go either way -- Kane Chokeslamming Wyatt and helping The Undertaker keep his streak alive would be pretty huge; but Kane could also be the one responsible for the streak being broken and helping Wyatt win in a shocking moment. Wyatt would be a huge star after that, but the history between The Undertaker and Kane also comes up.

4. Dean Ambrose

He's got issues with The Undertaker. You'd think if Undertaker were to return to the WWE, his first opponents would be The Shield. Maybe he even teams with Daniel Bryan against them heading into WrestleMania? But what if Dean Ambrose were The Undertaker's opponent. Ambrose has got some pretty great ring skills, of which The Undertaker is probably well aware, and he can cut a promo. Ambrose taking on a more unstable character as WrestleMania approaches could create an intriguing villain in the young man, who would no doubt get a massive rub out of just hanging with Taker, let alone beating him. Imagine an ending like the Hart/Austin I Quit Match where Ambrose doesn't tap-out to the Hell's Gate, but rather passes out, leaving Taker with what feels like a hollow victory over the young gamer.

DaVe

08-05-2013, 07:34 AM

Can't agree with the logic that 'if you do not want to risk wasting the ending of a streak on someone you should not risk pushing anyone ever'... The streak is bigger than any other title at Wrestlemania each year; the match itself is single biggest of the year. While Undertaker is a guaranteed hall of famer regardless of the streak, the Streak is the Undertaker at this point and as others have said, there are many benefits of keeping the streak in tact monetarily and intangibly/sentimentally.
Thus the consequences of blowing the ending of the streak are many orders of magnitude greater than having a wrestler blow a push and the logic outlined above does not make sense to me: just because you're happy to blow $50 on a bet does not mean you are happy to blow $1,000,000 on the exact same bet.

For these reasons the only candidate I can see for ending the streak is John Cena.

road doggy dogg

08-05-2013, 11:08 AM

Why, exactly?

Sure it's a big feat to accomplish, and definitely becomes a footnote on the person's Wikipedia page, but it's not exactly like Undertaker is the face of the company right now. It's not exactly a "passing of the torch", in the sense that say, beating John Cena at Wrestlemania (for a normal mid/upper-card wrestler, not The Rock) would be.

I think there's been far too much emphasis on the importance of the streak. In a vacuum it is certainly an important storyline, but it only has so much legs. After a wrestler beats 'Taker for the streak, how is that angle supposed to carry him in later feuds?

"Hey Dolph Ziggler! I ended Undertaker's streak, now I'm going to... wrestle you!"

I just don't think it's as important as a lot of people seem to think it is, in terms of getting someone over.

08-05-2013, 01:43 PM

It'd be as important as Jericho being billed as the "First Undisputed Champion" or Patterson being the "First IC Champion". Definitely more important than half of the roster being multiple-time World Champions. Numerous people can be World Champion/Rumble winner/Mr Money In The Bank/King of the Ring/etc, only one man can ever be the first to beat Taker at Mania.

Mr. Nerfect

08-05-2013, 04:23 PM

I agree with XL and road doggy dogg's assessment on the situation. It'd be huge, and the guy who does it would probably be made WWE Champion as early as Extreme Rules (or at least given a build to SummerSlam), but I don't think it's the career-crusher that people think it is. If it doesn't get a guy instantly over, it'll just be there as something to brag about when they do decide to push the guy again.

Remember when Drew McIntyre was Vince McMahon's "Chosen One?" Yeah.

#1-norm-fan

08-05-2013, 07:18 PM

I do think a "reliable company guy" like Cena should be the guy who ends it but not because of this fear that someone will get the streak and then not go on to be a star. I think it's more about the moment than trying to use the streak to put someone over.

there are many benefits of keeping the streak in tact monetarily and intangibly/sentimentally.

Like I've been saying... no idea why people have this idea that the streak ending is throwing money out the window. And if there is some sentimental reason to keep it, should that trump the entertainment value provided by making a new "Hogan slams Andre" type moment? Especially since the sentimental value for Taker probably amounts to shit. I'm sure the guy would fucking jump at the chance to not only retire having had the greatest streak in wrestling history (which again, will have still existed and will still spawn DVDs and make the company money anyway) but also to have used that streak to provide one of the greatest moments in wrestling history.

Mr. Nerfect

08-05-2013, 07:22 PM

When the streak is over, the mystique of The Undertaker can relax a little, and he can provide some backstage insight into his matches in a re-released version of all his WrestleMania matches. Wouldn't it be great to hear about The Undertaker's thoughts about going against Giant Gonzales or A-Train and Big Show at the same time? Or how he prepared for Shawn Michaels?

Arguably, you can make more money by breaking the streak.

08-08-2013, 08:12 AM

Taker is right near the top of people I'd like to see give their non-kayfabe insight either in a book or DVD.

Mr. Nerfect

08-12-2013, 06:08 PM

Could you imagine if someone like Dean Ambrose ended the streak and was gloating about retiring The Undertaker on RAW, but then he came out and was like "Bitch, I don't end with the streak. I'm still around to kick your ass," and Ambrose just shits himself.

scatterbrain28

09-01-2013, 03:35 PM

There's too much risk ending the streak with some newcomer who may or may not get over, so the guy to end it should be somebody established like Punk or Cena. Punk could have a rematch with Taker at Mania and make it 2/3 falls or last man standing and make it a picture perfect finish. It's not like Taker has much left in the tank. The time is coming soon.I would've loved to see it with Austin because they could create real magic in the ring and had a series of matches through 1998-99. If Austin beat Taker in last man standing match at Wrestlemania 18 or 19, that would be legit.

Heyman

09-01-2013, 03:40 PM

Realistically, at this point, the ONLY person that I would have end the streak is John Cena.

Lance Storm's scenario is awesome however.

mike adamle

09-01-2013, 06:42 PM

I hope he faces Lesnar this year, then Cena or DB, I'd like to see Cena lose and then DB get a chance the next year. Maybe if Taker sticks around for a few more years you could let him face Ambrose or Sheamus or The Rock or even Ziggler before he got to Cena and DB, but those last two are the money matches, after Lesnar of course.

scatterbrain28

09-01-2013, 06:57 PM

What if Kane ended it? Kane has a long history being Taker's brother and he's been floating in and out of the main event scene. What better competition than your own flesh and blood? They could do it Hell in a Cell with the WWE title on the line. You wouldn't pass the torch, but you might settle a long standing feud.

Nowhere Man

09-01-2013, 07:05 PM

I remember there were rumblings some time ago that Taker wanted Kane to be the one to end the Streak, but Kane said no. Frankly, that's probably for the best, since Kane's on the tail end of his career as well, and something that big should be given to someone who can use the most out of it.

Mr. Nerfect

09-01-2013, 08:19 PM

I'm still all for Daniel Bryan ending the streak.

mike adamle

09-01-2013, 10:00 PM