Greetings from the dark side… The whole Kane angle with the comatose Undertaker has everybody wondering who did this and awaiting his return. With the unfortunate injury that happened to the Undertaker courtesy of Rey Mysterio, I ponder the question, “What if ?”. What if this injury did not occur? Certainly the Undertaker was in the title picture as he was replaced by the winner of the Fatal Four way match…Rey Mysterio. And I have asked this question to myself many times over the years. “What if?” Seems Taker has had quite a few months-long absences in his career but never seemed to be in the title hunt as much as was maybe deserved until the new millennia. Is it coincidence or something more relating to backstage politics (not as much now as there was) in the sense that the Undertaker has been bypassed in world title pictures more than most other big superstars? Looking back to the 90′s, it certainly seemed the Undertaker was arguably under utilized. Was it because he was such a good worker, he was the one to lead the not so savvy rookies through their matches? (Berzerker, Kamala, Giant Gonzalez, etc.) Was it injuries that the Undertaker just fought through but they didn’t want to chance their champion fighting hurt? No one seemed to have the aura or intimidation factor in the 90′s more so than the Undertaker.

Lets look at the world champions through the 90′s. Hulk Hogan; The Ultimate Warrior; Sgt. Slaughter; Ric Flair; Macho Man Randy Savage; Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart; Yokozuna; Bob Backlund; Diesel; Shawn Michaels; Sycho Sid; Stone Cold Steve Austin; Kane; The Rock; Mankind; HHH and The Big Show. (Oh, and Vince McMahon… Geez…) World champions started becoming much more frequent towards the new millennia. And also until this time, the Undertaker was rarely, rarely ever beaten clean. Undertaker could have arguably held the world title for years throughout the 90′s. Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Stone Cold and the Rock ran the mid and later 90′s. The Undertaker was kept away from these men for the most part until 1997 when he began being involved with each superstar more frequently. Was it because he was dark, morbid, even evil; especially towards the latter half of the century. The Undertaker certainly seems a more proper fit in the attitude era rather the PG era. Is this why the Undertaker has been a part of Smackdown for so many years when many claim that RAW is the flagship show? Or is it all just coincidence and chance? Was the Undertaker in his prime during the time of sharpshooters, jackknives, people’s elbows, super kicks and stunners? Is he in his prime now? Was he always in his prime? Does the WWE still trust that he is at the caliber of a dominating world champion Undertaker today? I sure as hell hope so, as the Zigglers and Swaggers of the world don’t hold my plausibility like the lord of darkness.

I know it has been said, and rightfully so; the Undertaker needs no title to cement his place in legacy. All too true. But how can it not be felt that the Undertaker could reign supreme over Sheamus and Rey Mysterio? When the Undertaker returns, it will be quite interesting to see the manner in which he returns. I have heard many rumors. All rumors of course. I personally would welcome an American Bad Ass Undertaker again. The man had crazy mic skills during those days and was the guy you loved to hate even we he was being as heel as heel could be. The Ministry of Darkness was an under-rated and again…’underutilized Undertaker part of history in the WWE. A new Ministry in 2010 could be something amazing (especially seeing who Taker would choose compared to 1999), however I don’t think it could “realistically” happen with the PG era going on. It would be a great way for Taker to lead and have some pressure taken off him due to injuries. Also, with the Undertaker being 18-0 at WrestleMania, I don’t see him leaving til at least 20-0 or 19-1. (Yes, a loss at WM would not be very surprising anymore honestly; it would be much more shocking for a loss which is why I believe it could happen.) Is Taker’s title reign history over already or will he become more involved in being the top dog again? Will we see an American Bad Ass phenom again or possibly a new Ministry of some other sort of stable? If Taker was held back in the 90′s, he has shown why after 2 decades of destruction, he is still at the top of the heap. Will this angle with Kane lead the Undertaker back to glory or is this another road to purgatory as another new champion is crowned?