WWE Fan Backlash Cancels The Undertaker Vs Braun Strowman

For months, The Undertaker versus Wyatt Family giant Braun Strowman has been rumored for WrestleMania 32. If recent reports are to be believed, though, that match is currently not on the books - and the response from the WWE Universe may be to blame (or credit) for the decision. PWInsider reports that online backlash from outraged fans immediately after the Taker/Strowman story broke may have forced WWE to pull the plug on the program. While the Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer reported that the 'Mania match was merely a possibility and hasn't been seriously discussed, it's been said that Vince McMahon himself was high on the idea of "The Phenom" taking on the untested big man. Strowman's dominant Royal Rumble performance - in which he easily eliminated both Kane and The Big Show - signaled to many that a planned Undertaker match was inevitable.

Though matches against one-dimensional giants have long been a staple of Undertaker's career, the fact that the legend - who turns 51 in March - likely has, at most, a handful of WrestleManias left soured fans on the possibility of a Strowman bout at the event. For Strowman's part, his lack of experience and skill makes a bout with The Undertaker an unattractive proposal. Despite the fan anger and the news from PWInsider, though, creative plans in WWE change on a regular basis and nothing can be taken for fact until announced on TV. Rumors began to circulate late last year that John Cena would be The Undertaker's opponent at WrestleMania 32, delivering a long-awaited dream match to fans at the Dallas-area event. A shoulder injury to Cena in January - and an expected six to nine months of convalescence - has seemingly erased that possibility, though Cena has shown near-impossible healing capabilities in the past. If he will make the event, it's likely he'll face Undertaker as planned, but with Cena and Strowman presumably out of contention, PWInsider is reporting that 'Taker's opponent will be someone unexpected.