WWE recently added an Undertaker vs. Sting “Fantasy Warfare” feature to their official website, which as expected, once again sparked discussion among wrestling fans about that potential dream match.
Prior to Undertaker’s streak coming to an end at WrestleMania XXX earlier this month, I wrote a piece on the idea of an Undertaker vs. Sting match, pretty much saying that I don’t feel it would be the greatest in-ring performance in the world. With both guys well past their prime, as well as quite banged up, and Undertaker having a string of classic matches at WrestleMania each year, I felt it wasn’t the right match to book. However, with Undertaker losing this year and the streak coming to an end, that kind of changes my opinion.
At this point, if Undertaker were to have another match at WrestleMania, who is there really left for him to work with that would be meaningful? Surely any match Undertaker is in at WrestleMania, or any other show for that matter, at this point in his career is going to seem like a big deal. But gone are the days where we have to debate “is this the right guy to end the streak?” or “should this guy lose just to become another notch on Undertaker’s belt?”
We can look past the fact that Undertaker vs. Sting wouldn’t be the best “catch-as-catch-can” classic in the world. We can look past the streak. Now, it’s just a dream showdown between two legends, both of whom have a dark similar-style character. Both are arguably the most “home team” type-players in WWE and WCW, respectively.
It’s hard to find a guy who has been more loyal and more associated with the WWE brand than “The Dead Man.” At the same time, it’s hard to find a guy more loyal and more associated with WCW brand than “The Icon.” Undertaker had a short-lived run in WCW prior to coming to WWE, but once he touched down in New York, he never “jumped ship.” Sting never had a run in WWE and outside of some Mid South and other territorial work, once he touched down in WCW, he never “jumped ship.”
We’ve been told that if Sting is going to come into WWE, which by all accounts it sounds like he is, he would only be competing in one match, likely at WrestleMania 31 in California. It sounds like Undertaker is done with in-ring competition, but if he were to wrestle one more match, now that “the streak” is over, it would really only make sense for him to compete again if it were a special match. A dream match, if you will. There’s no doubt that Undertaker vs. Sting is exactly that.
Personally, I’m very excited at the possibility of an Undertaker vs. Sting showdown. I think at this point in both men’s careers, it’s the perfect match for each guy. Who else should Sting compete again that would be meaningful? He isn’t someone who is going to be around long enough, or established in the minds of modern-day WWE fans as a guy who could “give a rub” to a younger guy. At the same time, if you’re a younger, up-and-coming guy, beating Undertaker at WrestleMania — while still significant — isn’t as special as it would’ve been prior to April 6th.
Basically, Undertaker vs. Sting is the only match that makes sense. If Sting is going to come into WWE and wrestle one match, the only match that really makes sense is against Undertaker. If Undertaker is going to wrestle one more match, the only match that really makes sense is against Sting.
Everyone knows timing is everything in professional wrestling. While obviously an Undertaker vs. Sting match would have been much cooler in the late 1990s or early 2000s, there’s an argument to be made that at this point in both guys careers, it might actually be even cooler. It’s a match that no one thought we would ever see, especially at this point in time. It’s one of those matches, like Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock at WrestleMania X8, where it would probably look very “special” once the bell rings. Much like Hogan-Rock, it might not be the best technical wrestling match of all-time, but you can bet your ass that it would have a ton of heat. The crowd would be electrified at the sight of Undertaker and Sting standing across from each other.
Will Sting come into WWE? If so, will he wrestle a match? Can he pass WWE’s extensive physical? Will Undertaker ever wrestle again? If they’re able, will WWE pull the trigger on such a match? These are the questions that need answered before we can truly get excited about the idea of an Undertaker vs. Sting dream match. As a fan, I hope the answer to all of those questions is “yes.” I hope we see Undertaker vs. Sting at WrestleMania 31. If it doesn’t happen next year, it probably never will.
For those who missed it, you can check out WWE’s “Fantasy Warfare” video feature on Undertaker vs. Sting by clicking here.
What do you guys think about a possible Undertaker vs. Sting showdown at WrestleMania 31? Leave your feedback in the “Comments” section below. You can also hit me up at Facebook.com/MattBooneWZR, or follow me on Twitter @MBoone420.