The big news coming out of Monday Night RAW this week is the return of two major superstars. I'm speaking, of course, of the returns of the Undertaker and Triple H. It has been a long time since we've seen these two superstars inside the squared circle, and with Wrestlemania right around the corner now is the optimal time for these guys to rejoin the active roster. Read on to get my opinions regarding these high profile returns.
Like the rest of the wrestling fan community I was eagerly anticipating the payoff for the 2/21/11 teaser vignettes. I'd heard the rumors that the PG-rating might have finally attracted Sting to the WWE, but those hopes didn't last very long. Within a week or two extended 2/21/11 promos began to pretty clearly show glimpses of the Undertaker's visage, all but confirming the return of the Dead Man. Sure enough, at the 10 o'clock hour of this week's RAW, the familiar toll of the bell rang out and one of wrestling's true legends made his way to the ring.
It was a great moment to be sure, but one that wrestling fans have seen more than a few times now. It seems every couple of years the Undertaker needs an extended break from the business and his return is always heavily hyped. At this point the big showy returns are expected for this character; they have become routine. The WWE seemed to wordlessly acknowledge this by not overproducing the Undertaker's return entrance on monday night. There were no caskets or druids, just the dead man and his signature lighting and fog. I liked the simplicity demonstrated by creative here as they didn't try to overreach.
The return of the Undertaker would have been a great moment, but the rest of this segment elevates it to brilliance. Without being given the time to utter even a single word, the music sounded and Triple H made his way to the ring. An entire Wrestlemania angle was sold over the course of only a few minutes and with absolutely zero words being spoken. I have never before seen such an effective use of silence and facial expressions in wrestling. Five stars to both performers.
Without having cut a promo, it seems pretty obvious what Hunter's beef is with the Dead Man. After forcing Trips' friend, Shawn Michaels, into retirement last year, Hunter is looking for a small piece of vengeance. I've heard rumors that this year's Wrestlemania showdown will once again see the Dead Man's streak on the line against his opponent's wrestling career. If so, I suspect 19-0 will be the final statistic in Triple H's long and storied journey through sports entertainment.
I actually hope that this is not the end of Triple H as a live performer as he is still incredibly solid on just about all fronts. He still has the physique, he can talk on the mic, and his in-ring skills get the job done. At this point displacing Triple H from the wrestling side of the business would be a disservice to the product. On this flip side of this match up, I suppose I do have to consider that the Undertaker could lose to Triple H, but I just don't see this happening. So close to a perfect 20-0, I don't see what benefit would be bestowed on Triple H by ending the Dead Man's Wrestlemania win streak. Triple H is a long established talent who is also quite close to retirement if the stories are true. A win over the Dead Man just wouldn't make sense.
Finally, although I am in support of the Triple H vs Undertaker angle, I can't help but wonder where this leaves the loose ends from earlier story threads. Less anyone forget, Triple H was put on the side lines by King Sheamus, and the Undertaker buried alive by members of the group now known as the Corre. I would have expected these superstars to make a B-line for those that put them out of commission, but it looks like the WWE is choosing to ignore these stories instead. The seeming lack of payoff for those angles would be my only complaint, but I'm still excited to see where this new feud takes us!
Your comments on this subject are welcome below!
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