Hypothetical - Taker has to lose at Mania before retiring
 

Assuming Taker has only two more Manias left and baring any surprise mega pushes, the option is only between Punk at Mania 29 or Cena at Mania 30, who would you pick and why?

Would the potential negative backlash (public, "Universe", and/or IWC) against breaking the streak end up hurting the moment and/or the streak itself depending on who did it? Same goes for how the match ends.

Unless it was Cena turning heel it'd have to be Punk, Cena is this generations Hogan and it'd be wasted on him if it was just done for the sake of it. I don't think it'd go over well with 90% of fans regardless of who did it though, it's pretty much Undertakers legacy now, and sadly I think they'd squander the follow up booking and make it meaningless, even if it's someones 'Mania moment.

well said whiteyford

Cena. Punk will never be a franchise player. Might as well give it to the guy who has proven.

Ryback or Sheamus at Mania next year. CM Punk does not need it. If that reign as champ is not enough for him to get nothing is.

Iginfest, Billy Gunn is not an option, I see you viewing this thread, jog on sir.

Punk since he doesn't have nearly as many accolades compared to Cena who's pretty much done it all which also includes defeating The Rock.

Ryback would be the best choice, with Heath Slater coming in a close second.

Sting

If I had to pick between only Cena or Punk I'd say Punk for the previously stated reasons. However, if I can pick anyone I'd say give it to Ryback (if he's still Vince's golden child) or Sheamus (mainly because I just love Sheamus, but also because he seems like he's being groomed to be this generations HHH and if that's the case he needs more accolades).

The "if Cena wins we riot" prophecy might actually come to pass if he ends the streak.

If the streak ever does end, it has to be at Taker's last Mania appearance, so within the parameters of this discussion, then Cena, not Punk.

Cena, because I'd love to see WE try and keep him face after that.

No way Undertaker loses now after Paul Bearer passing away, huh?

Cena. Punk is big, but not big enough to beat the streak.

And suggestions of Ryback and Heath Slater can go to hell. Those guys are stiffs and worth next to nothing.

If it's going to end, it will be someone who is already established. You can't have an up and comer beat Taker at Mania - it puts way too much pressure on him to deliver and be the next Rock/Austin/Cena and carry the company.

If it's not Cena, I just don't see it happening.

Maybe if he laid off the meth and got some healthy steroids in him, he'd be viably large enough.

And yes, I know that's not the kind of "big" you meant. It was just more fun that way.

It would do wonders for Sheamus if he ended the streak, really. End the streak, give him a belt and let him keep it for longer than Punk. That puts Sheamus up there with Cena and Punk and Orton anyways. 4 bonafied superstars instead of 3. Unless you already think he is that good.

Or Ryback if they're still as high on him as they are now.

Also am hoping to see Taker come back at SummerSlam to face Lesnar. Dunno if it'll happen though. Just think it'd be really cool after their little staredown at UFC.

They should've just retired the streak at 20. A nice clean number. If they keep the streak going let's be honest here. Undertaker is going on 48. He doesn't have too many prime days left. I'd rather see one or two more (phenom)enal matches then 5 or so mediocre matches. This may just be my Punk bias but I think he should end the streak or Cena next year at Mania 30.

Taker is going to go 22-0. Maybe they can try and link it to his past in that he debuted on November 22nd, 1990.

He beats Punk this year and maybe Cena or Rock or Lesnar next year.

I think Cena cheating to beat The Undertaker and end The Streak would be an awesome ending to WrestleMania XXX and it would very much be in the same vein as Austin's heel turn at WrestleMania X-Seven.

I would not have Punk do it this year unless Taker is absolutely sure that he won't be back for another Mania. While Taker vs. Cena next year seems like the really obvious choice, it's also possible that a lot could change. Punk and Taker could have Taker's favourite match ever and he could be adamant that he wants to drop the streak to Punk at WrestleMania XXX the following year, which could make a pretty good story. Punk could interact with Kane, Shawn Michaels and Triple H heading into the PPV, and perhaps even battle Triple H en route to his big match with Taker. At the February PPV (which I do wish they would change back to No Way Out) Punk can battle Cena for the right to face Undertaker at WrestleMania XXX, with both outcomes being matches that people would want to see.

At the moment, I definitely think that Cena would be the best choice to end the streak at WrestleMania XXX, but if they give Punk another WWE Title reign in 2013, he beats Stone Cold Steve Austin in a special match at a PPV and the story lends itself to Punk doing it at WMXXX, then I might reverse my opinion.