The Undertaker to Hang Up his Boots for Good?

Eli Rafail

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(Photo Credit via whatculture.com)

(Photo Credit via whatculture.com)

One of the most decorated sports entertainers of all time may have wrestled his final match in Orlando at Wrestlemania 33. The Undertaker took a pinfall loss to Roman Reigns at the Show of Shows, and after the match, The Phenom stood in the ring to a standing ovation. It was there where he left his gloves, trench coat and hat in the middle of the ring and walked back up the ramp for perhaps the final time.

This is a heartbreaking time for many WWE fans. A large number of members in the WWE Universe haven’t witnessed wrestling without The Undertaker around, so a retirement from the Deadman could be a huge change in wrestling as we know it.

People all throughout the wrestling world have reacted to this development. Everyone reminnese and paid their respect to The Undertaker.  “It was a crazy thing to witness,” said avid wrestling fan Sebastian Jellots. “My friends and I were watching it together and when Roman won, I knew it was over. It was so heartbreaking to see him walk away from the ring, but it was an iconic wrestling moment for one of the most iconic wrestlers ever.”

Some current WWE superstars paid their respects to The Phenom on Twitter. Many of the wrestlers have had the opportunity to step into the squared circle with Taker, and even if they haven’t, they know exactly the impact that he has had on the industry. The returning Matt Hardy had this to say about the legendary performer’s retirement. “The most MAGICAL being in the history of our industry. #ThankYouTaker.” -@MATTHARDYBRAND

The Undertaker went out on his back like the old time wrestler that he is. He put the younger Reigns over, but many people are extremely unhappy with the decision. It is well-documented that Reigns is extremely disliked by most of the WWE Universe, so it was expected that some people may in be a rage.

“The match could’ve been booked way better in my opinion. Roman should’ve went full blown heel and beat the Undertaker senseless to win or he could’ve attacked him after the Undertaker beat him,” explained Aaron Mylan. “I’m not mad at the decision, but it could’ve been done more effectively.” Mylan is included in the vast majority of wrestling fans that want Reigns to turn heel, but that may never happen.

It appears that Reigns will stay on the good side for now. Many people are unhappy with this, especially since he is so unpopular and the company continues to try to shove him down the fans’ throats. @ProWrestlingMag on Twitter had this to say about Roman winning the match. “You think that will help Reigns get over, Vince? Wrong.” Vince is in reference to the CEO and owner of WWE, Vince McMahon, who is a huge supporter of Roman’s push to the top.

However, the night was not about Roman Reigns winning, it was about the end of potential end of The Undertaker’s storied career. He finished with a record of 23-2 at Wrestlemania, the best in history, and also had 7 world championship reigns. As sad as it is to see the Deadman leave the company, there is no doubt the legacy that he has left behind.