WWE: Why the Undertaker vs Ryback at WrestleMania 29 Is a Bad Idea
October 4, 2012
Ryback versus The Undertaker at WrestleMania 29 would be a big mistake.
According to reports from The Wrestling Observer Newsletter via Wrestlinginc.com,
there has been talk of doing Ryback vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania 29 with a Streak vs. Streak build.
The fans are getting behind Ryback, which is all the more reason not to do this match.
Put him up against The Undertaker, and the stadium won't be filled with “Feed Me More” chants. People will boo the tough guy and indestructible character who is standing across from the legend.
The match would work if Ryback was booked as the big bad heel for the future, but that's Wade Barrett. Ryback is being groomed as one of the big faces of the future.
For his first WrestleMania, Ryback needs to go up against a top heel. Don't book him with a special attraction legend, who is the ultimate face.
For the match to even be made, Ryback has to remain undefeated. Otherwise, the match concept is pointless. I will admit the streak versus streak gimmick would be the definition of a big money draw.
However, sometimes a money match doesn't always mean it's the right match to have. It can be done at the wrong time in a talent's career.
The Undertaker has a WrestleMania legacy and he only competes once a year. He's one of the few who you can say any WrestleMania match is a money match. Again, that doesn't make it the right match to book.
WWE will aim to give Ryback what it thinks will be the ultimate resume bullet point—a WrestleMania match with The Undertaker. But at what cost is it to the character?
How fresh and exciting can you keep Ryback? How fresh and exciting can you keep him until WrestleMania, while remaining undefeated? He can't and isn't winning a world title between now and then.
How many times can he chant “Feed Me More” and sell a match? Does WWE have enough opponents for him?
Ryback's character doesn't talk. Sure, with streak versus streak, the numbers should sell itself. If this was UFC, it would. This is a fake fight. You need drama to set up the confrontation.
What drama is there? If Ryback is undefeated and able to pick his opponent, wouldn't he choose to go after the world title?
Why does The Undertaker pick Ryback as his opponent? He feels Ryback's one-year undefeated streak and beating guys who weren't on the roster, is a threat to his 20-year WrestleMania streak.
I don't buy that.
Maybe general manager AJ Lee books it? The computer (Hornswoggle) sends an email!
You need drama and reasoning for the conflict.
Look at past feuds with The Undertaker for a WrestleMania match.
Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Edge and Kane. They all had intense drama, memorable promos, backstory and skits.
Ryback isn't breaking the streak. In my opinion, nobody ever should. Furthermore, if someone did, the pressure on the person would be unprecedented.
Imagine for a minute if Ryback broke the streak. That's a lot that his career must live up to. He'll forever be under a microscope from fans. The first bad booking of a storyline he gets, the first bad match he has after beating The Undertaker at WrestleMania―mass riots from the fans will say, “And this is the guy who beat The Undertaker's WrestleMania streak?”
If he didn't live up to the expectations, you've wasted the historic gift. You can't redo 20 years of work by The Undertaker. There will never be another streak like that. It's a slap in the face to The Undertaker's two decade legacy.
It's like trying to recreate Goldberg.
Even with Goldberg's undefeated streak, say whatever you want about Kevin Nash and the booking thereafter. While Nash may have not been the best choice to beat Goldberg, he wasn't the wrong choice. He already had won world titles, was established and had Hall of Fame credentials.
There was no risk in him slapping the undefeated streak of Goldberg in the face. People still hold the streak high in wrestling memory.
If anyone ever was going to beat The Undertaker, it should be an established name who has had success. Thus, it would not disrespect the legacy of the streak. Your current options worth discussing are Triple H, Shawn Michaels, CM Punk, Kane and John Cena.
Again, I don't think the streak should be broken at all.
So Ryback is going to lose against The Undertaker, then what? He's been fed more and he couldn't finish the meal.
What rub does he really get?
He still lost a WrestleMania match to The Undertaker. He's in the company of 20 other matches. He comes out of the match now no longer undefeated. Where is the gain for the face of the future?
I suppose he could gain credibility and a match for his career DVD, if he goes to the limit with The Undertaker. That's a big if.