The Undertaker made a surprise return to the ring on Saturday night, appearing at a WWE house show in Waco, Texas. The former heavyweight champion of the world teamed with Sheamus to defeat Wade Barrett and Damien Sandow. The Undertaker hasn't competed in a WWE ring since last year's Wrestlemania. For the last several months, news sources speculated whether the "Deadman" would return for his annual Wrestlemania appearance, given his physical injuries. His surprise return in Waco on Saturday night may be an indication that the Undertaker is suiting up for a match at 'Mania.
For the last several years, the Undertaker has had a very limited, albeit high profile, role in World Wrestling Entertainment. At nearly 50 years of age, the physical toll that wrestling has taken on his body is extreme. The Undertaker has undergone several surgeries in the last few years, including a total hip replacement. It's been reported that he injured the replacement hip last year during his Hell in a Cell match with Triple H.
The Undertaker made his debut Wrestlemania debut at the seventh annual event in March 1991. He defeated the legendary "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka at the innagural event. Since then, the Undertaker has competed at Wrestlemania against such superstars as Ric Flair, Jake "the Snake" Roberts, Shawn Michaels and Triple H. The early plans for this year's Wrestlemania was for CM Punk to challenge Undertaker's streak. The "Deadman" is undefeated in all of his Wrestlemania appearances.
Although there is still certainty that the Undertaker will perform at the annual mega event, the likelihood is greater now that he appeared at a WWE live event. Regardless of the role the Undertaker plays in this year's event, one thing remains. Wrestlemania wouldn't be the same without an appearance by the WWE's biggest available asset.
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