When Undertaker came back to defeat John Cena at WWE's WrestleMania 34, it was a sigh of relief for fans, as well as the Dead Man himself after his disastrous showing just a year before in a loss to Roman Reigns. While the match was short squash of Cena, he looked fit and fast, pulling off his iconic moves to perfection in a five-minute outing.
The second episode of WWE's The Last Ride, "The Redemption," gives more insight into how 'Taker prepped for this match and how much a fired WWE superstar factored into his redemption.
That superstar is none other than Primo Colón, the son of Carlos Colón Sr. and brother to Carlito. The Puerto Rican family has a rich wrestling heritage all across the world, with Carlos making it into the WWE Hall of Fame as well. Epico also made it into Vince McMahon's company to keep adding to the family legacy, although admittedly in Primo's case, he didn't quite live up to his potential after joining WWE in 1999.
He would win tag team gold with Carlito, and later on form a formidable partnership with Epico to take gold again, but he just never had a lengthy run as a champ. Eventually, he and Epico formed Los Matadores and then took on an even more comedic gimmick that saw them become bona fide jobbers, only to get the ax in the COVID-19 staff cuts. This ended his 13-year tenure of with WWE, which makes it so heartbreaking that just two years ago he helped 'Taker do the unthinkable and make a comeback.
When the Dead Man was offered a shot at Cena, he knew he had to get fitter and lose weight after looking old, slow and sloppy against Reigns. He wouldn't take the match unless he was ready and began a four-week camp at home in Texas. He got a gym space and WWE wcwn had a ring built so 'Taker could run drills, take bumps and work the ropes. However, he needed someone agile to help, and Primo left a RAW showing at Pittsburgh to come down and work with the Phenom.
It helped 'Taker out greatly and in The Last Ride he credits Primo for tuning him up a lot. The episode shows them working shoulder bumps, arm drags and the whole nine yards, with Michelle McCool videotaping. 'Taker makes it clear that while he might not be young again, he can give it a go for one night, and this video is what McCool sends to McMahon at Elimination Chamber on deadline day to confirm the match will go forward.
As for Primo, when he gives a brief interview, he mentions how much he reveres and believes in the Undertaker. He talks up his discipline, dedication and skill as what makes him a legend. Primo indicates that it's an honor to help out and as they embrace and part ways, it's clear to see that 'Taker was feeling rejuvenated from their training.
Witnessing the Undertaker performing as sharp as ever against Cena is bittersweet, knowing that Primo helped McMahon's prized asset out when the Dead Man was at his lowest only to be let go by the company two years later. It's cruel to see that at a time when WWE has funds and is still making profit, he was somehow deemed expendable alongside a slew of stars, including Epico. It just goes to show that no matter who's grateful to you or who you help in the business, unless you're a top dog, you are expendable.