For those of us who pay attention to pro wrestling, it’s been an interesting year so far. We’ve seen the return of Brett Hart, the debut of Hulk Hogan in TNA, and the appearance of indie star Brian Danielson (now Daniel Brian) in the WWE.

But perhaps the biggest news came a few weeks ago on Raw. After being screwed out of the World Heavyweight Championship by Shawn Michaels, the Undertaker finally accepted the Heartbreak Kid’s challenge.

That means, of course, that come March, we will all bear witness to the second coming of ‘Taker vs.HBK, one of the greatest matches in the history of professional wrestling.

But is it too soon for this epic confrontation? Surely it warrants a sequel, but it’s been only a year since the two squared off the first time. I personally was excited about the possibility of a rematch, but I had hoped that it would come perhaps two years down the line.

There are a few explanations for this somewhat questionable timing. First, it may be that the WWE is struggling so badly to create great rivalries that they felt the need to push Taker/HBK 2 to the immediate forefront. Or, perhaps, they’re scrambling to put something together which will distract fans from the upcoming head-to-head battle between themselves and TNA.

But there is another possibility more likely than any of those mentioned above.

This match is the meeting of two super-powers. Both men stand to lose a great deal, with Shawn Michaels’ career on the line versus the Undertaker’s legendary undefeated streak at Wresltemania. Could it really be that Vince McMahon will allow what is arguably the proudest record in the history of pro wrestling to be shattered? Or, more likely, is the Heartbreak Kid looking to retire and wants a chance to go out in a final blaze of glory?

This, to me and several other accomplished wrestling observers, seems to be the most likely scenario. HBK is beginning to to show his age, and his definitely lost a step in the ring. With all of his championship reigns and lime-light time, there is really nothing left for him to accomplish in his WWE career. That is, of course, except for a rematch with ‘Taker.

From the Dead Man’s point of view, there is nothing to be gained by putting his streak on the line against Michaels. Unless he has some nagging injury and desperately needs some time off (which is certainly possible), it’s difficult to understand why he would agree to a rematch so soon. If it is indeed a case of ‘Taker needing to take a break, it could surely be accomplished without him losing his hold on his Wrestlemania record.

So, he may have agreed to this match simply out of respect for a retiring Shawn Michaels. Undertaker is currently 44 years old, so he has a while left before bowing out of the game. If it truly is Michaels’ time to rest in peace, who better to put him away than ‘Taker?

- Taylor Maxwell

Popularity: 1% [?]

Tags | Heartbreak Kid, pro wrestling, Professional Wrestling, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, Wrestling