The Undertaker’s legendary WrestleMania streak, which lasted 21 undefeated victories, came to a shocking end when Brock Lesnar, known as The Beast Incarnate, defeated him at WrestleMania XXX. This loss marked the first time The Deadman’s shoulders were pinned at the event, a record that stood from the show’s inception until that moment. Ultimately, The Undertaker finished with a 25-2 WrestleMania record after a later defeat to Roman Reigns.
This historic streak loss has long fueled speculation among fans, but during a recent episode of his Six Feet Under podcast, The Undertaker shared insight into the decision behind ending this iconic run, revealing how Vince McMahon played a key role in this pivotal moment for WWE history. The focus of the discussion centered on the implications and pressures surrounding the Undertaker WrestleMania streak ending.
Behind the Scenes: Decision Making and Business Considerations
Speaking candidly, The Undertaker acknowledged that while the 21-0 streak could have lasted indefinitely, the overwhelming consensus among many involved was that its conclusion was necessary. He reflected,
“I mean, 21 – 0 may last forever, but I think the general consensus, nobody wanted it. I think it would have been just the lore, the legend, and lore of that would have been … it would have been really cool for wrestling.”
— The Undertaker, WWE Hall of Fame
Despite the widespread anticipation about why he agreed to lose, The Undertaker made it clear that this was not a choice he embraced freely. He explained the weight of the situation:
Image of: WrestleMania
“But it wasn’t my decision. And people ask me all the time, ‘Well, why did you do it?’ You know? Like well, I didn’t really have a choice. Yeah, I guess I did have a choice, I didn’t have to do it. And then what happens? And then me and Brock are having to shoot at WrestleMania, and then it’s gonna, you know, it wouldn’t have been good.”
— The Undertaker, WWE Hall of Fame
The Undertaker further described the business perspective driving the decision. He recognized that others in the company may not have wanted to build him up in that particular way, but the decision was ultimately made by management. He said,
“But you know, you have to look at this business in a sense of, there’s a lot of people that maybe didn’t want to put me over to get me into that position, and they did it, and it’s just kind of the way it works. Wasn’t my decision. I had to make the best of the hand that was dealt [to] me.”
— The Undertaker, WWE Hall of Fame
Significance and Future Implications for WWE History
Ending the Undertaker WrestleMania streak ending not only transformed the narrative landscape of WWE but also carried enormous weight for the company’s business strategy. The streak’s conclusion underscored the shifting tides in WWE’s storytelling and management philosophy, emphasizing the necessity to surprise audiences while also maintaining viable future stars like Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns.
The decision remains a landmark moment in pro wrestling, reflecting how creative and corporate factors intersect in shaping wrestling lore. As longtime fans reflect on this watershed chapter, the broader impact continues to influence how matches at ‘The Show of Shows’ are approached, with the legacy of The Deadman remaining deeply rooted in WWE’s history despite the controversial ending to his undefeated streak.
Steven Monroe is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, covering the fast-paced world of WWE.
With two years of experience, he reports on match results, superstar rivalries, and behind-the-scenes developments across Raw, SmackDown, and NXT.
Steven delivers timely, detailed coverage that keeps wrestling fans informed and engaged with the ever-evolving world of sports entertainment.
His work combines accuracy, storytelling, and a deep understanding of professional wrestling culture.
