WrestleMania 33 Review: 10 Major Talking Points
1. Undertaker RETIRES
One of the greatest wrestlers of all time - and unquestionably the greatest character of all time - literally hung up their gloves last night.
Ever the pro, he did so on his back. After a brutal and (by design) depressing twenty-three minute war, The Undertaker removed his gloves, trench coat and hat and placed them on the canvas. He didn't just leave his attire in the ring; he left his body in there, too.
The match itself wasn't the smoothest nor the most exciting 'Taker has ever contested, but it couldn't have been. As became painfully apparent, he wasn't physically capable of it - but to his credit, and the credit of whomever helped lay it out, it was an emotional affair that generated unbearable pathos. Much like his 'Mania 25 classic opposite Shawn Michaels, an unsightly botch only added to the drama. When 'Taker's body gave out at the midway point, Reigns couldn't complete the Tombstone reversal spot. It was a sad but no less potent visual metaphor, but 'Taker created something even more powerful by design. When he attempted to perform his traditional sit-up, the groans from the crowd perfectly mirrored his slow and depressing descent. 'Taker has lost several steps, but his psychology and body language was still frighteningly advanced. He did everything he could to give Reigns the rub.
But is Roman Reigns worthy of it?
Wrestling is one big paradox. Only when he turns heel will we get a true gauge of his potential popularity.