The Undertaker tries to catch his breathe during a match against Brock Lesnar. (Photo : Getty Images/JP Yim)
One of the most speculated topics in the WWE this past week is what role The Undertaker will have at the Royal Rumble. The latest rumors suggest that The Undertaker's appearance at the event in San Antonio is based on his health.
The 51-year-old wrestling legend made his return to television on the November 15th episode of SmackDown Live. It was his first appearance on WWE TV since WrestleMania 32 which made it more special.
The Undertaker revealed that he will be staying on SmackDown Live on more regular basis. However, his role is still in question since Team SmackDown won at Survivor Series. It was rumored before the event that The Deadman will feud with the superstar who costs the blue brand the win.
According to The Inquisitr, The Undertaker might face A.J. Styles at the Royal Rumble. It will be a dream match for many and it is going to be for the WWE World Championship. Styles is currently scheduled to face Dean Ambrose at the TLC PPV.
However, it is expected that The Phenomenal One will retain the championship. One of the possible storyline starters at the TLC is to have The Undertaker appear after Styles defeats Ambrose. He could then challenge the champion in a match at the Rumble.
The WWE is trying to sell out the Royal Rumble event in San Antonio and they are willing to pull out all the stops. They have already announced that Bill Goldberg is going to be in the Rumble match. However, Goldberg's name is not enough to sell out a 67,000-seater Alamodome.
Other names rumored to be appearing in the event include Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels. There were even reports that Michaels vs. Styles is going to happen but The Heartbreak Kid is not interested in coming out of retirement.
"Michaels has always been strongly negative about doing another match and according to one friend of his, he's given no indication of changing his mind although it is wrestling and money talks and almost everyone does come out of retirement," Dave Meltzer reported on The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required).
Nevertheless, these are just purely speculative at the moment. The Undertaker could always just enter the Rumble match or feud with The Wyatt Family. However, The Wyatt Family is currently moving towards a tag title shot which makes it more interesting.
The WWE Universe has been swerved hard at the Survivor Series and the company is looking to do the same at the Rumble. Check out the video below to see The Undertaker's return on the 900th episode of SmackDown Live.
