We’re getting to the point where a lot of Attitude Era and older big name wrestlers are getting close to retirement … if they haven’t retired already. The Undertaker hasn’t been seen on WWE television since WrestleMania 32, and has recently been photographed walking around on crutches while reportedly recovering from a hip surgery. Those photos started rampant speculation that ‘Taker’s career might be over. But there’s another person who’s weighing in on whether Undertaker’s time is up, and it’s someone who probably has a good idea about these things … longtime coworker Big Show, who himself is thinking about retiring within the next year.
In an interview with Digital Spy, Big Show waxed poetic about the career of The Dead Man, which he doesn’t believe is over just yet. He thinks Undertaker will return to WWE and to a WrestleMania ring again.
“No, I don’t think Taker’s story is done. Taker’s one of those amazing, iconic characters that has built WWE and stood by WWE through thick and thin times. He’s one of the guys that never jumped ship back in the day.
“My personal take on it? I wish Taker would have never lost in New Orleans [to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XXX]. There was no reason for it. I get it. Anyone can lose, anything can happen in our business, it’s entertainment, nothing lasts forever, I understand all that.
“I think the fans are happy to see Undertaker once a year and make that entrance and go out there and keep going.
“Taker’s always been a businessman too. He’s never been ego-driven like a lot of guys are. He goes out there and gets the match over, gets his opponent over and gets himself over. I think as long as Taker feels healthy enough and feels good enough to go out there he will. And I’m okay with seeing Taker on special events, because Taker is the ultimate attraction.”
It’s awesome that Big Show talks about Undertaker like he’s a fan — because he is. Remember that when Big Show broke into the business in WCW, the Undertaker character was already five years old and had held WWF’s top title. That’s pretty crazy to think about. And like all fans, he wants to see Undertaker stick around for a little while longer and get the big sendoff he deserves when it’s finally time for him to retire.
