The Undertaker is an institution in WWE, evidenced by his multitude of wins, titles and, of course, the famous 'Streak.' In fact, he's one of WWE's most iconic faces which is why Vince McMahon always tries to bring him back for WrestleMania. 'Taker wasn't at last year's edition, the first without him for 19 years. But now it seems the creative team wants him back for one last hurrah but this time, against the 'Phenomenal' A.J. Styles.
It's a surprising match-up for Undertaker, as many thought another battle with John Cena could be on the cards, or one against the demonic Fiend, which would fit their macabre themes. Those would make much more sense because as it stands, Undertaker against Styles is truly an awful fight to book.
Firstly, stylistically it makes no sense. Styles is a high-flyer who's best suited for technical fighters and lightning-fast wrestlers. Athletes such as Seth Rollins, Finn Balor, Roman Reigns, Samoa Joe and Kevin Owens come to mind as fighters more in that vein. On the other hand, 'Taker's is 54 years old and he really wouldn't put on a good show given that his style has slowed down so much. It's just hard to ask Styles to carry this match because while he has carried some before, it just wouldn't be believable as they're so different in-ring.
Admittedly, Undertaker can get through slog-fests with the likes of Brock Lesnar, Shane McMahon, Cena and Reigns, but even in those fights, his age showed. Dial it back to WrestleMania 31 when Bray Wyatt had to carry the "Dead Man" and it was obvious how worn out 'Taker is when it comes to quicker athletes from the new breed. Styles is even quicker than the likes of Shawn Michaels and John Morrison, to the point many believe he would have been perfect for the WCW Cruiserweights of the 2000s. With that in mind, one can see how they wouldn't mix in the ring, and honestly, Styles toting 'Taker would diminish the latter's career.
Secondly, there's no reason this should happen because no one would benefit from a win. Styles is a heel right now but him copping the victory and bragging rights would devalue Undertaker's 'Mania performances. Fans are still ticked off Lesnar and Reigns have wins over him at this event so essentially, WWE would be jobbing 'Taker out again to someone who doesn't need the push. If it was Keith Lee of NXT or someone who needed a victory as a giant-killer, fans would be more understanding but Styles has held major titles and is over as heck. Once he gets back from his shoulder injury, with the kind of heat he had disrespecting the crowds, he doesn't need to go over 'Taker.
As for Undertaker, if he beats Styles, it would be a farce. Styles can't go from holding the WWE Heavyweight Championship to the U.S. Championship to losing against a veteran who barely wrestles and doesn't perform that well. That would be the equivalent of Styles jobbing and it'd feel like they're just giving 'Taker a pity win. Sure, some fans would lap it up but ultimately, it stains both men's legacy. Had this been in 'Taker's prime, the stakes would have been higher and the anticipation would have been there, but that's not the case today.
At the end of the day, it's way too late to get excited about a match where neither should win, and neither should lose. Sadly, right now, it seems like such a placeholder fight with no consequences later down the line. It's a bad idea for a filler match and it'll feel like its taking momentum away from WWE's centerpiece for the year.