Why the Undertaker vs Goldberg Match in 2019 was One of WWE’s Greatest Mistakes
The WrestleMania 35 undercard featured what was supposed to be a dream match between The Undertaker and The Rock (Goldberg). However, by 2019, these two aging legends were no longer the unbeatable forces they once were. The consequences of their advanced age, combined with factors like dehydration, concussions, and jet lag, resulted in one of WWE’s most disastrous matches in history.
Under the Spotlight: A Once-Dream Match Becomes Nightmarish
When The Undertaker faced The Rock in 2019, it was expected to be a clash of titans, a meeting of two of the greatest wrestlers in WWE history. Unfortunately, this match turned out to be one of the worst in WWE’s history. The reason for this? Age and inactivity.
Around the WWE, and particularly among The Undertaker himself, this was a match that could be done as one last hurrah. The Undertaker, who had retired a few months earlier, knew he was past his prime, while The Rock, famous for his incredible work even in the latter stages of his career, was unfit for such physical challenges.
The Star Power Diminished by Physical Reality
The physical reality of the match was starkly different from the star power these two once commanded. The Undertaker, despite still being an iconic figure, was unable to carry The Rock, who also struggled with his own physical limitations.
Adding to the chaos, The Rock entered the match with a concussion from banging his head against a locker before the match. During the contest, a second concussion further incapacitated him, leading to a performance that was both comical and heartbreaking to witness. The match's poor execution was further exacerbated by the extreme heat and jet lag, which impacted both wrestlers significantly.
Conditions and Circumstances Contributed to Disaster
The ambient temperature during the match played a significant role in the poor outcome. The stadium was exceptionally hot, and The Undertaker, already at an age where physical endurance becomes a challenge, quickly became dehydrated. This dehydration further compromised his performance, resulting in an uninspired match that failed to live up to its potential.
For The Rock, the physical challenges were even more pronounced. Not only was he suffering from concussions, but the heat and jet lag contributed to his mental and physical state. By the halfway point, The Rock had become so disoriented that he was led around the ring like a dog on a lead, a testament to the extent of his physical and mental deterioration.
The Aftermath and Legacy
Despite the match being seen as The Undertaker’s last hurrah, it did little to endear him to the WWE community. The match was a reminder of the age and inactivity that often come with prolonged careers. While The Undertaker’s retirement was noble, the fact that he participated in such a subpar match raised questions about timing and legacy.
For The Rock, this match marked a significant milestone in his career. It was a harsh reality check, showing that even the greatest of wrestlers are not immune to the physical toll of time and inactivity. The match is remembered not for the skill and athleticism it displayed, but for the disappointment it represented.
In conclusion, the Undertaker vs The Rock match in 2019 stands as one of the most forgettable matches in WWE history. It serves as a cautionary tale about the limitations of aging wrestlers and the importance of aligning a wrestler’s physical condition with the demands of the matches they take on.