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LOOKING AT THE ODDS UNDERTAKER FACES AT THE SURVIVOR SERIES

Will Undertaker stand or hit in pursuit of curtain closer at Survivor Series 2015?

It's one of the most legendary careers in professional wrestling history.

Twenty-five years after debuting in what was then the WWF, The Undertaker looks likely to play a pivotal role in this year's Survivor Series. There's still a lot of anticipation surrounding the matchups that will take place but it seems like a formality that Undertaker will be a part of it.

One of the rumored matches involved a Brothers of Destruction reunion with Undertaker, Kane and some unannounced teammates taking on the Wyatt Family in a grudge match. This kind of huge showdown could serve as a major showpiece to send ‘Taker out on a high as an emotional last hurrah for his quarter of a century anniversary. Although the Brothers of Destruction did feature together briefly last month, a Survivor Series outing would be the first major outing in years and would generate a lot of interest. At fifty, it hasn't been definitively revealed how long he can expect to last but the right story could let him go out with the respect he deserves. However, how the roles are played out will make a big difference to the reception it gets. Given the analogy of playing blackjack, will he play it safe or go all out? Stand, Hit or double down? We look at the options.

Stand

If this was Blackjack, there would be a few ways for The Undertaker to go. Staying with the analogy, he'll be dealt with a favorable initial hand - it's his show. After twenty-five years of amazing storylines and putting his body on the line for the fans, he approaches his final appearance, and it's hard to see the WWE throwing up any harsh surprises. They could pair Kane and ‘Taker up with likeables such as the Dudley Boyz and force them into the aforementioned battle with the Wyatt Family. Given the recent history between the warring factions, these seem to make the most sense. 

This has all the right build-up, it will generate a good buzz, and taking a victory over a set of fresh rivals will be a huge crowd pleaser. Seeing the Undertaker and Kane ambushed has already set up a good storyline and a desire to see vengeance from the fans.

Hit

If a team win over the Wyatt Family is the good hand on the table that provides an easy way to take the money and run, then there are some other options that could provide slightly different scenarios and outcomes. This feud in particular could develop and push us towards Wrestlemania, with more twists and turns. ‘Taker can draw another card and go in again, looking for that more emphatic of victories. After luring Undertaker back from a hiatus, Bray Wyatt has been a formidable adversary in 2015 and he is the next generation. A continuation of this could work positively for both men. It would allow a storyline for the old dog to go out with a final victory over a young buck, but it'd also help to continue raising Wyatt's profile as a competitor the WWE will work with for years to come.

Double Down

Should they really want to light the touchpaper and generate a huge grand finale, ‘Taker could be thrown a curve ball with a cameo from Brock Lesnar. Two of the sport's brightest stars have history for years. The rumored Brothers of Destruction vs. Wyatt Brothers battle could serve as a mere vehicle for Lesnar to enter the fray, maybe in disrupting proceedings and forcing a victory the other way.

A Double Down is a big move - it's bold and has more risk. However, the payoff can potentially be much more rewarding. There's unfinished business and two stars that will generate as much interest as anybody in the industry, especially with a retirement looming. After ending Undertaker's streak last year and some underhand tactics by ‘Taker earlier in 2015, there's been a tit for tat that many thought would reach its conclusion at Hell in a Cell. There's still enormous scope for entertainment and any half-baked storyline would be an injustice to one of the game's longest serving combatants.

Whatever happens and whenever the retirement does eventually come, we know there'll be something to inspire at Survivor Series 2015. The Undertaker has been a part of some of the most legendary battles in the show's history - from a debut in 1990 to memorable battles with Mankind and feuds with Stone Cold. It's been a key part of his career and an event he's always delivered on. Expect the same again.

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