The Undertaker tries to catch his breathe during a match against Brock Lesnar. (Photo : Getty Images/JP Yim)
The Undertaker has not appeared on WWE television since defeating Shane McMahon at WrestleMania 32 in a Hell in Cell Match. The latest rumors about his status are conflicting with one saying he is retired while the other suggests that a match at WrestleMania 33 is in the works.
After defeating Shane-O-Mac at WrestleMania 32, The Undertaker left his MMA gloves at the center of the ring. It is a symbol of retirement for many MMA fighters and many fans believe that The Deadman did the same thing that night.
There were several reports mid-year that The Undertaker is telling friends that he is done with wrestling. Rumors of a possible rift with Vince McMahon were also mentioned but nothing has been confirmed regarding their working relationship.
According to Ringside News, the WWE is planning to make the 2017 Royal Rumble in San Antonio a big event due to being its 30th anniversary. Shawn Michaels and Stone Cold Steve Austin are set to appear while The Undertaker, who is from Texas, is not expected to be in the PPV.
The report noted that the 51-year-old legend was telling people that his WrestleMania 32 match with Shane was his last. The chances of him being used for the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 33 are currently slim to none.
On the other hand, a conflicting report has surfaced that the WWE is already making plans for The Undertaker's match at WrestleMania 33 in Orlando next year. According to Sportskeeda, Kevin Owens will be superstar facing The Phenom on the biggest stage of them all.
"There are growing reports that Taker's opponent at Mania will be none other than WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens. The idea is that Owens will lose the Universal title well before WrestleMania and will enter into a feud with the Undertaker," the report noted.
It is also mentioned that The Undertaker is in great physical shape at the moment despite his age. The belief in the WWE is he will be able to perform yearly but nothing has been confirmed. These are all just rumors and should be taken with a grain of salt.
Besides Owens, there are other superstars rumored to be facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania 33. Finn Balor and Sting are two of the names being mentioned but Balor is currently recovering from a shoulder injury while Sting is retired.
John Cena was scheduled to face The Undertaker at WrestleMania 32 before he injured his shoulder in January. It is likely the backup plan since the WWE is focused on Cena tying Ric Flair's record for the most world championship in wrestling history.
Check out the video below for the highlight of The Undertaker's match against Shane at WrestleMania 32.
