10 Rare Times Wrestlers Were Self-Aware

10. The Undertaker

In hindsight, it probably wasn't the best idea, amid sociopolitical war and an imminent global recession stemming from an unprecedented health crisis, for a multi-millionaire to whine about having instant access to an incredibly well-paying job that he wasn't very good at anymore, but was still guaranteed, while wearing a Blue Lives Matter t-shirt.

The Last Ride was a misfire of timing and tone. Meant to resonate with pathos - the battle against professional pride was harder than any defence of the Streak at WrestleMania, etc. - it just reeked of privilege.

The Undertaker discussed with honesty his physical decline and depressing blood money twilight years performance level. It ended happily enough - 'Taker's last two outings, at Extreme Rules and WrestleMania 36, were genuine and creative smoke-and-mirrors triumphs, respectively - but who was this for?

Those with no great affection for him hardly changed sympathised, and for his many loyal fans, it shattered the great myth WWE had spent decades curating.

Also, virtually all of pro wrestling no-sold what was the most tentative of retirements, caveated as it was with the old "At this stage of my life..." and "Never say never..." disclaimers three years after his first symbolic retirement.