Undertaker to Challenge for CM Punk´s Title
Undertaker to be New Number One Contender for the World Title
Following the climactic events of 2009´s Summerslam pay-per-view, it almost seemed that Smackdown was without the top face it sorely needed. Fans the world over cheer former the former World Heavyweight Champion with a vigour that is not too often seen in pro-wrestling today, and thus he became the face of the brand. However, the conclusion of the event saw not only the toppling of the superstar from his position as World Champion, but also his departure from the company. With the recent lack of established faces on Smackdown, a void became clearly visible. But, it was short lived as the smoke rose from around the ring and Hardy´s broken body was removed and replaced with the towering figure of The Undertaker.
The State of Smackown
Undertaker´s return at the Summerslam pay-per-view came after several months of rest and recuperation, rehabilitating several nagging injuries that the superstar has been suffering since around the time of this year´s Wrestlemania, where he had his legendary match against the recently returned Shawn Michaels. With Undertaker off the scene for so long, and the recent reshuffles the WWE has seen with the draft lottery this year, Smackdown seemed to have lost a large portion of its star power, especially in the face department, including probably the company´s biggest player, Triple H. Smackdown has always been the stage for rising stars, seeing the development of many superstars into upper-card status over the years, however it had always had its main stay drawers such as Batista and, of course, The Undertaker.
With The Undertaker gone, Smackdown was left to tend to developing faces, who can usually only be grown through confrontations with the more experience heel superstars. But with Edge gone and Chris Jericho engaged fully in the cross-brand program as unified Tag Team Champion, this has been difficult. It has only left now three-time champion CM Punk, to take up the reigns as the brand´s major heel, who was previously one of the brand´s major faces. It also doesn help that Punk was fully embroiled in a feud with Jeff Hardy, who has recently departed, despite the short term draw power the feud provided. With this being the case, it would seem the return of The Deadman is a blessing all over.
Return of The Undertaker
The Undertaker is undoubtedly one of, if not ´the´ biggest draw the WWE possesses. His return after so many months of absensce was, to those that don't follow internet news and rumours, a complete surprise. The first inclining that the viewers and crowds got of ´Takers´s return was the smoke billowing from under the ring. The symbolism was clear. Hardy´s broken body disappears to be replaced with The Undertaker, the place has been taken, that position as king of the mountain. But it´s not just this symbolism, according to numerous wrestling news sites, The Undertaker is schedualed to face CM Punk for his title at upcoming Smackdown/ECW live events. Warm-ups undoubtedly, seeing as how the company operates, for the program planned for the two.
Undertaker is a six-time World Heavyweight Champion and 6ft 10 giant to boot. Compared to CM Punk, when standing against CM Punk, this fact is instantly highlighted. Yet, it would seem clever booking has made CM Punk as viable threat, with his clean win over the departing Hardy in their Summerslam pay-per-view match up. Hardy owns a victory over The Deadman in a similar style match, yet the match up, with ´Taker as a face and Punk as a heel seems to place the underdog in the wrong position. Either way, each superstar´s interest in MMA style fighting seems like clever booking on the part of the WWE. If internet reports are correct, then the rivalry should be beginning very soon. Whether The Undertaker will take the title is still undisclosed.
The Undertaker
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