In a recent interview, WWE legend The Undertaker opened up about a match that could have been a game-changer for the company, but ultimately never came to fruition. The Undertaker revealed that a potential showdown with wrestling icon Sting would have been a “home run” for WWE, but was ultimately opposed by the company’s then-CEO, Vince McMahon.
A Match for the Ages
For fans of professional wrestling, the idea of The Undertaker facing off against Sting in a WWE ring is a tantalizing one. Both men were at the height of their powers in the late 1990s, with The Undertaker enjoying a remarkable undefeated streak at WrestleMania and Sting still a beloved figure in WCW, where he had been feuding with the likes of Hollywood Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair.
The Undertaker, whose real name is Mark Calaway, joined WWE in 1990 and quickly established himself as one of the company’s top stars. With his imposing physique and menacing persona, he was the perfect foil for Sting, who had built a reputation as a high-flying, hard-hitting wrestler.
Storyline History
The Undertaker and Sting had a long history of clashing with one another on the wrestling circuit, with both men engaging in a series of intense matches and feuds over the years. However, despite their on-screen rivalry, the two men reportedly got along well behind the scenes, with The Undertaker even going so far as to say that Sting was one of the few people who could “out-Intensity” him.
In the late 1990s, WWE and WCW were engaged in a heated feud, with both companies vying for dominance in the professional wrestling landscape. The Undertaker, who had long been a key player in WWE’s roster, was seen as a potential game-changer for the company, and a match against Sting was seen as a way to bring in new fans and generate buzz.
Vince McMahon’s Opposition
However, according to The Undertaker, Vince McMahon, the then-CEO of WWE, was opposed to the idea of the match. While the reasons behind McMahon’s opposition are not clear, it is likely that he was concerned about the potential impact on WWE’s storyline and the company’s bottom line.
At the time, WWE was struggling to compete with WCW, which had a stronger stable of stars and a more robust broadcast deal. A match between The Undertaker and Sting would have been a major coup for WWE, but it may have also disrupted the company’s existing storyline and put pressure on its other top stars.
Fan Reaction
The news of the potential match between The Undertaker and Sting has sent shockwaves through the professional wrestling community, with fans clamoring for more information about what might have been. Social media is filled with theories and speculation about what the match might have looked like, with many fans calling for WWE to revisit the idea and make it happen.
Future WWE Implications
While the match between The Undertaker and Sting may never happen, it has sparked a renewed interest in the two men’s careers and the potential for a crossover match between WWE and AEW, which now owns the rights to Sting’s character.
For WWE, the news serves as a reminder of the what-ifs of professional wrestling history. With a new crop of stars emerging and a changing landscape of wrestling promotions, the company may be looking to revisit some of its classic matches and storylines, and a showdown between The Undertaker and Sting would be a major coup.
Conclusion
The Undertaker’s admission that a match against Sting would have been a “home run” for WWE is a reminder of the what-ifs of professional wrestling history. While the match may never happen, it has sparked a renewed interest in the two men’s careers and the potential for a crossover match between WWE and AEW. For fans of professional wrestling, the news is a tantalizing one, and it serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of The Undertaker and Sting.
FAQ Section
Q: Why did Vince McMahon oppose a match between The Undertaker and Sting?
A: The reasons behind McMahon’s opposition are not clear, but it is likely that he was concerned about the potential impact on WWE’s storyline and the company’s bottom line.Q: What was The Undertaker’s relationship like with Sting?
A: The Undertaker has said that Sting was one of the few people who could “out-Intensity” him, and the two men reportedly got along well behind the scenes.Q: Is there a chance that a match between The Undertaker and Sting could happen in the future?
A: While there is no concrete evidence to suggest that a match between The Undertaker and Sting will happen, it has sparked a renewed interest in the two men’s careers and the potential for a crossover match between WWE and AEW.Q: What is the significance of a match between The Undertaker and Sting?
A: A match between The Undertaker and Sting would have been a major coup for WWE, and it would have marked a significant moment in the company’s history.Q: What is the current status of The Undertaker and Sting in professional wrestling?
A: The Undertaker has announced his retirement from in-ring competition, while Sting continues to compete for AEW.