WWE: Why The Undertaker's Last Ride Is Rapidly Approaching

For the past two decades The Undertaker has ruled over WWE and been its most consistent competitor.  He's the only big name over that time that didn't leave the company for any extended period of time.  

Truth is, Mark Calaway has seen this company grow to new heights and break down frontiers that had previously been the norm.  Through it all, The Undertaker has been the only mainstay in WWE and has been its most identifiable face.

Something that is nearly impossible to believe is that The Undertaker is mortal.  Clearly through his character, he's portrayed as this immortal being that's kept resurrecting and coming back stronger than ever.

For what it's worth, this is the greatest gimmick in wrestling history.  But only this time, The Undertaker's true "MORTALITY" will get the best of him.

Sometime in the very near future, Calaway will retire and end what's possibly been the greatest wrestling career of all-time.  For people of my particular generation, he's been the one wrestler we grew up watching and now makes us feel old that he's still around.

The Undertaker will turn 46 shortly before WrestleMania, an event where he's a perfect 18-0.  This particular WrestleMania, No. 27, in Atlanta, could be The Deadman's swan song.

There are many things that have told us as of late that the end is near for Calaway.  His skills are on the decline and while he's still special to watch, the injuries have now taken their toll on his body.

The only thing in his foreseeable future in fact is the end, which could occur in Atlanta at WrestleMania XXVII.

"The Streak" as it is most commonly referred to, is quite amazing to wrestling fans.  To think that one man has remained undefeated on "The Grandest Stage of Them All" for this long is really admirable.  

The many rivals of his past have helped develop his astonishing streak to 18 consecutive WrestleMania victories.  From "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka to "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, 18 men have come and gone, but The Undertaker has remained.  

Now though, the end is near for The Undertaker as it has been for so many of his opponents over the years as he lines up for that patented Tombstone Piledriver.  

This year's WrestleMania though, one way or another, will be much different than all the rest.  As he's done so many times before, he will stand victorious over yet another 'Mania opponent, do his Undertaker Bow and ride into the sunset.  

But this time it will be his final call to the WWE Universe.  His own personal Last Ride will be a quiet one.  While equally as memorable as Shawn Michaels' farewell, it will be in so fewer words.  

It was never 'Taker's style to give a speech, nor should it be in his departure.  His standing at the top of the ramp and rolling his eyes far back into his head will suffice.

Possibly he may just tip his cap one final time and just disappear in typical 'Taker fashion.

For The Undertaker, tears will be shed by the masses of fans, but one thought will be in all our minds: he truly was the greatest of all.