Why Tommy Dreamer Calls WWE Ending Undertaker-Mania Streak Wrestling's Worst Decision

In the realm of professional wrestling, many decisions have sparked debate and controversy, but few have drawn as much ire as the ending of The Undertaker’s iconic WrestleMania winning streak. Legendary ECW wrestler Tommy Dreamer, who has been entrenched in the industry since 1989, recently voiced his strong disapproval of this pivotal moment during an episode of "Busted Open Radio." He specifically pointed to Brock Lesnar’s victory over The Undertaker at WrestleMania 30 in 2014 as what he considers the worst decision in wrestling history.

Dreamer's Perspective on the Streak's End

Dreamer’s sentiments reflect a widely held belief among fans and fellow wrestlers alike that The Undertaker's Streak was a sacred aspect of wrestling lore. "I still to this day would say perhaps the worst decision in professional wrestling history. I just don't think Brock needed it at the time either," Dreamer remarked. He emphasized that the decision to have Lesnar break the Streak felt detrimental to the atmosphere of the event itself, pointing out that it seemed to suck the excitement out of the arena.

From a business perspective, Dreamer expressed his confusion over why WWE made this decision and why Lesnar, in particular, was chosen to end The Undertaker's unparalleled legacy. "The Streak was as popular and as a draw for WrestleMania. If you think about it, he had a few more matches left in him," he elaborated. Dreamer believed that The Undertaker still had the potential to headline future WrestleManias, making it even more perplexing that WWE opted to end the Streak when they could have continued capitalizing on its allure.

The Impact on WrestleMania

Dreamer noted that the Streak had become a significant draw for WrestleMania events, providing a guaranteed main event that didn't require the promotion to overthink their choices. "When you went to two days, that was a guaranteed main event right there where you didn't have to overthink what you had, who was going to be this next person to do it," he explained. In Dreamer's view, there were many alternatives for how the Streak could have been handled, and Lesnar's victory did not serve to elevate the company or the match itself.

Dreamer strongly believes that such a monumental outcome should only be assigned to someone who genuinely needs it to elevate their career. "Never would have done it; Brock didn't need it," he insisted. "You always do something like that for someone who needs it. I wish it never happened; the only way I think 'Taker should have lost is if it was his last ever match." This perspective aligns with many fans who felt that the decision was not only poorly executed but also lacked a compelling narrative rationale.

A Comparative Analysis of Poor Decisions

Dreamer’s critique of the end of the Streak answers a question he posed in a previous discussion, where he ranked the worst decisions in wrestling history. He identified the ending of The Undertaker's Streak as the top blunder but also cited another significant misstep: WCW’s decision to remove Rey Mysterio’s mask in 1999. This comparison emphasizes Dreamer's belief that certain elements in wrestling should remain protected and respected for the overall health of the industry.

Legacy and Long-Term Consequences

The fallout from the decision to end The Undertaker’s Streak has had lasting implications on the wrestling industry. Dreamer’s remarks highlight the sentiment that such pivotal moments in wrestling should be approached with careful consideration, particularly when it comes to the legacy of iconic figures like The Undertaker. Many fans continue to lament the choice, believing it detracted from The Undertaker's legendary status and the mystique surrounding his character.

The Streak was more than just a record; it symbolized the power and intrigue of The Undertaker's character, and many fans felt that its end diminished the legacy he had built over decades. Dreamer’s reflections serve as a reminder of the emotional investment that fans and wrestlers alike have in these narratives, illustrating the delicate balance between business decisions and storytelling in professional wrestling.

Tommy Dreamer’s perspective on the end of The Undertaker's WrestleMania Streak sheds light on the complexities and challenges of storytelling within professional wrestling. His assertion that this moment ranks as the worst decision in wrestling history underscores the importance of protecting legacies and recognizing the emotional ties that fans have with characters and narratives.

As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve, Dreamer’s insights encourage both current and future promoters to be mindful of the stories they tell and the decisions they make, particularly when it comes to legendary figures who have shaped the industry. Whether or not WWE will revisit or reevaluate the implications of such significant decisions remains to be seen, but the conversation surrounding The Undertaker’s Streak and its end will undoubtedly continue to resonate among fans and professionals for years to come.

In wrestling, every decision matters, and as Dreamer highlights, some choices can alter the course of history, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of the sport.