The Undertaker's Return: The Badass or The Deadman?

Wrestling Uncovered by Correspondent Written on July 09, 2009
Badass_vs_deadman_feature

As we all know this may indeed be the Undertaker's last year with the WWE. His age has just been catching up with him and he will be sorely missed by a lot of people, myself included.

However, in order for him to retire, he first needs to return. For those whom have kept up with Joe's 411(much like myself), believe that Survivor Series is a possibility. However we also see some hints have been dropped that the Undertaker may return as the Badass. That got me thinking...Which should he return under?

At this point both are a possibility and it really looks like they are leaning more towards having him return as the Badass, which would fit into their current "do whatever we can to surprise them" idea. Let's take a look at the issues of having him come in as the Badass or the Deadman.


1) Air of the Gimmicks

This is always something to consider. Every gimmick has a certain air around it. A gimmick is portrayed through ever move the Wrestler makes. That being said, Both the Deadman and The American Badass gimmick have different airs around them.

The Deadman gimmick is one that commands respect. His demeanor, his walk, and his appearance are all vital parts of the character however the entrance is likely the most fundamental part.

From the very moment the music hits you are intimidated. You expect the Undertaker to come in, beat the hell out of somebody, and leave just as mysteriously as he came in.

The Badass gimmick is a different story. While it still commands respect it does so mostly through appearance. He looks like he is going to beat the hell out of someone but you don't necessary expect him too. He might fight someone, he might not. It’s a basic Biker stereotype.

 

2) Mic time

If you expect the Undertaker to make it all the way to Wrestlemania before he retires, you cannot have him wrestling every day. Best way to make up for that? Promos and interviews.

Let's face it the Deadman, while quite possibly the greatest wrestling gimmick ever thought of, just loses most of the mystique surrounding the character if he talks too much. The Deadman is always more known for what he does in the ring.

If the deadman gimmick is used, you can easily composite for the lack of promos by having him attack opposing superstars in the ring and backstage or just some of the theatrics surrounding the character such as the arena going dark, the lightning bolts and even the occasional fire.

The American Badass gimmick is the one that it would be easier to have the Undertaker talk often. The time spent on the mic would easily supplement for the lack of wrestling matches and furthermore the Undertaker could still make himself look good by adding in the random Backstage and in-ring attacks.

While he does lose most of the theatrics, concerning mic time the Badass gimmick does look better specifically with interviews in mind.


3) Naming Issue

Single Page
Vote Now! - Author Poll

Badass or Deadman

  • Deadman!
  • Badass!
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

Badass or Deadman

  • Deadman!

    33.1%
  • Badass!

    66.9%
  • Total votes: 444
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written on July 09, 2009 Opinion

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