Opinion

The Undertaker and Kane: Leading the Way for WWE Part-Timer Resurgence

The Undertaker and Kane are fans are speculating on the company’s for featuring part-time superstars as main event attractions.

Published

7 years ago

October 6, 2018

Tom Clark

The Undertaker and Kane are back together again and it’s led many WWE fans to begin speculating on the company’s future. It’s not necessarily because of the impact that The Brothers of Destruction could potentially have together. It has more to do with the company’s penchant for featuring part-time Superstars as main event attractions.

(Editor’s Note: This article was written before WWE presented Super Showdown, where The Undertaker battled Triple H in Australia.)

It’s an old argument and one that has been happening quite a lot over the past few years. That’s due to the presence of Brock Lesnar of course, who basically held the WWE Universal Championship hostage for 504 days. That situation was caused by the company itself however, meaning that WWE is very high on the idea of utilizing part-time stars at the top.

Evidently that trend is continuing now. Many WWE fans have a great deal of respect for The Undertaker and he is very worthy of that respect. If anyone in WWE has the right to call his own shot, it’s The Deadman. He’s fought many wars in the past and he’s always stepped up when he was needed the most.

Indeed the aura surrounding The Undertaker is still alive and well. For every fan that complains about Taker’s slowed steps in the ring, there are many more that accept his pace because of The Phenom’s contributions to the WWE product. It’s not that he gets a pass for his age, rather he gets the benefit of the doubt because he’s deserving of it.

So every time he comes back, The Undertaker sees criticism from some and adulation from many. This has been the ebb and flow of his WWE career from the moment he was pinned by Lesnar at WrestleMania 30. But while Taker continues on and fans debate it, Kane is back and the same conversation is taking place.

Without The Undertaker, there is no Kane. Destiny dictates that their careers always cross and indeed they always will. That’s just how it is. So now that The Big Red Machine is back, it’s only logical that he’s back at the side of his storyline brother. Of course Kane may not draw the criticism that The Undertaker does, but there are still many fans that question the move.

Does WWE really need Kane back in the fold? For that matter, does the company really need The Deadman either? Those questions, while valid, may be unnecessary at this point. Whether or not the audience wants something tends to be irrelevant in the world of WWE. Oftentimes, Vince McMahon’s company delivers what it wants when it wants and there’s just no way to fight it.

WWE wants The Brothers of Destruction back on the roster so that’s exactly what happened. WWE continues to blur the line between expectation and reality, just as it alway does. So even though fans are getting another flashback, it remains unknown if the majority of them actually wanted to time travel.

On the flip side of this coin are Triple H and Shawn Michaels. The Game is always around of course, though he’s not often in the ring anymore. He has his hands full with corporate responsibilities, both on the main roster and in NXT. Triple H is a huge asset behind the scenes and it’s safe to assume that one day, he will either be the man calling the shots for WWE or he will be just to the left of that spot.

Fans seem to have less of a problem with The King of Kings getting back in the ring than the other veterans of WWE. Hunter is at a very interesting point in his career in which he has a great deal of respect for his work with NXT yet some fans still question his motives.

However those questions are whispers these days. They are no longer broadcast for the whole world to hear. The chorus that heralded the unjust rule of the man with the magic shovel has been somewhat quietened over the past few years. Is Triple H truly responsible for “burying” one talent after another during his WWE career? Does it even matter now? As with The Undertaker, it seems some fans are quick to overlook any faults in favor of respecting achievements.

But the real story here is Shawn Michaels. The Heartbreak Kid has spent the past eight years of his life graciously refusing any offers to return to the ring and politely denying any rumors to the contrary. He’s fielded thousands of questions concerning his possible future between the ropes and he’s done it all with a smile on his face. In a company full of uncertainty, Shawn Michaels was the one constant. But not anymore.

Will he lace up the boots again in 2018? This is the discussion that’s now taking place and this time, the discussion has some real legs under it. It’s no longer a question of whether or not he will at this point. Now the question has become why? Why would the man that had no reason to turn back the clock and proclaimed he never wanted to, actually do it now?

WWE doesn’t need Shawn Michaels back in the ring. The same is true of Triple H, Kane and The Undertaker. These four giants of professional wrestling have accomplished things that other stars, past and present, could only dream of. WWE as a company is still thriving without the quartet on the roster. SmackDown Live’s move to the Fox Network in 2019 didn’t happen thanks to The Brothers of Destruction or DX. WWE as a company is full of talent and every brand brings something different to the table each and every week.

But if this is what the company wants, then there may be no stopping it now. Of every part-timer currently booked, or will be booked in the future, it’s The Undertaker that made it fashionable. He called his own shots a long time ago and he continues to do so now. He has that right and there is no denying that. How long this trend will last is unknown. Whether or not fans want to see it keep happening is a debate that will surely continue for a long time to come.

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1