Where
The first question is where should The Undertaker retire? WrestleMania seems like the obvious choice, as his streak has become synonymous with the event. It's easy to see why so many people argue that Taker should bow out at The Grandest Stage of them all. However, since The Deadman lost the streak at WrestleMania 30, it somehow seems less special when he appears at WrestleMania anymore. Any appearance is huge, but it doesn't feel quite the same as it used to. Now I am beginning to think that there are more options than just The Show of Shows.
Survivor Series, SummerSlam and Royal Rumble could all be good choices because they are all big shows, and Undertaker's retirement would be a huge draw for any of these events. My choice out of these 3 would be Survivor Series. There are two reasons for this. First of all, I would argue that Survivor Series has the least appeal of the 'big 4' and Undertaker's retirement would act as a huge draw for the event. The second reason is that it is the event where Taker made his debut, so it has significance for him in the first place.
Another, less likely option is that Taker's retirement could be used to build up a newer event such as Payback, Battleground or Fastlane. This would give one of these events a huge draw and increase its stature. However, the only problem with this is that the event would struggle to live up to this and it wouldn't give Undertaker the send off he deserves.
My choice: WrestleMania. Mania is The Deadman's stomping ground and he deserves to get his send off in the biggest and best possible manner.
Who
The next question is who should face Undertaker in his last match. The most obvious answer here would seem to be to face an established name such as John Cena or Randy Orton. This would give Taker a solid last match against an opponent who, it could be argued, deserves to beat him and doesn't make him look weak in defeat.
A different approach could be to Undertaker face a less established opponent, either giving someone the final push to main event level such as Dean Ambrose or Bray Wyatt, or giving them a push from lower down such as Finn Balor or Kevin Owens.
Another option would be to have Taker retire against a historic character, friend or foe, like Kane or Triple H. This would reflect the storied history of The Undertaker. However, this may result in a lackluster match and would be putting over someone who doesn't need it.
My choice: Finn Balor. Not only would this have a great story of 'The Deadman against The Demon, but it could also propel Balor to the main event level and give him the huge push that he deserves.
Match
Retirement matches usually go one of two ways: either it is announced that it is their final match and they have a standard singles match, or a superstar loses a 'career threatening' match and is, kayfabe, forced to retire. I have never been a fan of the latter as it seems more like they're getting fired than choosing to end a career, so I'll rule that one out. The announced retirement with a standard match is a strong option because it creates a big draw and means people can come and know they are watching Undertaker's final match.
However, I think there is a better option for The Undertaker. Taker is the pioneer of many match types such as Hell in a Cell, Casket match and Buried Alive match. To have Taker retire in one of these matches would be a great way to have a sense of finality to his career.
My choice: Buried Alive match. This would give The Undertaker a fitting send off in the match that he popularized and that fits his character.
Result
Everyone loses their last match. That's the rule of the business. However, The Undertaker is the only example I can remember where this has been called into question. Many people believe that The Undertaker's service and commitment to WWE means that he has the right to end on a high. It is questioned whether Vince McMahon would allow this to happen, but I don't think that's what will stop this from happening. Undertaker is known to be the biggest stickler for the rules there is, so I don't believe he will allow himself to win his last match.
My choice: Lose. Undertaker will do the right thing and put someone else over in his last match.
Championship
Having a championship involved in a retirement match is, again, a topic that rarely seems to come up, but it seems to be common talk that people want Undertaker to be involved in a title match to end his career. In my eyes, this match is a big enough draw in itself and doesn't need to involve a title, but if it were to involve a title the only viable option is to walk in as champion and have someone else leave as champion.
My choice: No title involved. Undertaker's retirement is big enough, it doesn't need complicating or giving extra.
So there we have it, I believe that The Undertaker should retire at WrestleMania with a loss against Finn Balor in a Buried Alive match. I can already see the coup de grâce into the grave to mark the end of Taker's career being one of the highlight moments of WrestleMania, and pushing Finn Balor higher than any other match could. But that's just what I think, so what other options have you guys thought of? How would you give The Undertaker the send off he deserves? Let us know in the comments below.
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