Report: Undertaker's SummerSlam Status Revealed

In the weeks following WrestleMania 29, The Undertaker found himself embroiled in a mini-feud with the most dominant faction WWE had seen in years—The Shield.

Unfortunately for "The Dead Man," The Shield got the upper hand with a triple-powerbomb that sent shock waves through WWE. It wasn't often that the larger-than-life "Phenom" came across as weaker than his competition.

Nevertheless, most fans believed that although Undertaker didn't have the last laugh, he would return in time possibly for a marquee match to avenge his honor against Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins.

That day would seemingly transpire at WWE's second-biggest pay-per-view of the year, SummerSlam. However, just when individuals of the WWE Universe thought they'd catch more glimpses of their beloved Undertaker in 2013, recent news indicates that likely won't be the case.

Here's the scoop according to the members-only Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required): 

"

At one point Undertaker & Kane vs. The Shield was a potential SummerSlam match, stemming from the angle where The Shield put Undertaker through the table with the triple-team power bomb. However, Undertaker was either injured in that angle legitimately, or the angle was done because he was scheduled for shoulder surgery. Either way, he’s recovering from shoulder surgery now and won’t be at SummerSlam and it’s doubtful he’ll be around until his usual pre-Mania return...

"

Suffice it to say, while this revelation is a disappointment, SummerSlam should still be a super-card with John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan and the projected Brock Lesnar vs. CM Punk clash taking place on August 18.

Going forward, if The Shield remains a force in WWE, The Undertaker could still revisit his quarrel with them at either Royal Rumble 2014 or WrestleMania 30, especially if he's still not physically up to the task of having a singles bout.

On the other hand, if Undertaker and the members of The Shield never cross paths again, the latter could at least tout the fact that they may arguably be the only ones who bested the most indomitable figure in wrestling history.

It would be quite the feather in their cap and one that WWE commentators could remind viewers at home about throughout the years, assuming Reigns, Ambrose and Rollins continue to be treated as top commodities. 

Follow me on Twitter @ImaanJK