Now... there's a LOT of talk about WRESTLEMANIA XXVIII already... no, not about The Rock VS. John Cena but, about something else... the fabled "Streak" of the UnderTaker. MANY a Superstar have fallen to the Deadman at "The Grandest Stage Of All". 19 to be exact and he has never lost at the big dance. There have been a few times "The Streak" was in jeopardy but not fully. I'm going to dissect IN MY OPINION who the "Top 5" guys are that even have a viable shot at beating him. But, first I'm going to give my "5 Least Likely" and a brief explanation as to why. So, lets get into this...

TOP 5: (LEAST LIKELY)

05.) MICK FOLEY -- A lot of people are saying that in September when his contract expires that he will be back in THE 'E. Now, we all know this is more than likely going to happen. He's even stated that he wants on more BIG MATCH! This has a bunch of people calling for a HELL IN THE CELL rematch. But given the conditions of these two great warriors, I doubt we'll see that magic ever happen again. Let alone @ WrestleMania.

04.) CHRIS JERICHO -- I know he's stated that he wants to be the one and that he feels he deserves it but the truth of the matter is, they currently started something that may happen between himself and CM Punk to lead into WrestlemaMania next year. I wouldn't be surprised to see CM Punk and Y2J tear the house down on that one but alas, UnderTaker is nowhere near to be seen here.

03.) TRIPLE H -- IHe stated that when the time was right and The Deadman came back, he'll be waiting. Recently Haitch has taken over as the COO of THE 'E and is apparently no longer wrestling. We've seen hints on that ending soon enough though because a short term program seems to be developing between himself and CM Punk for Survivor Series. Now that doesn't rule Haitch out but I feel it lessens his possibilities considering we don't know when this feud may end.

02.) THE MIZ -- Really? Really? REALLY? The Miz is nowhere near coming close to The UnderTaker on this one. He's accomplished a lot but that doesn't honestly mean a damn thing. He's still not an "it" guy. If you have someone take "The Streak" you'd want someone who has long term goals with the company. I can honestly see The Miz pulling a Jericho in a couple years and not even being there.

01.) BATISTA -- Yes, his MMA career is over but that in no way means he's coming back to THE 'E. He's happy right now doing his work at the newly opened Gym. He's happy he doesn't have all of that muscle mass anymore and on the road. He's in the best condition of his life right now. I honestly don't think we'll see him in the ring anytime soon, if ever again.

Like I said, this blog is being broken down into two categories, those were the people LEAST LIKELY to face The UnderTaker @ next year's WrestleMania. It was done in countdown form. The next list is the MOST LIKELY to face The Undertaker @ next year's WrestleMania. It will also be done in countdown form.

TOP 5: (MOST LIKELY)

05.) SHEAMUS -- Right now he's in a feud as a face with Mark Henry. This is his first turn as face so expect it to go on for a while. I can honestly see him having nothing to do come November so why not place him in a feud with The UnderTaker and do a slow build?

04.) CODY RHODES -- He's got a load of talent and can talk his ass off. With his gimmick he could make it work, and with him being on Smackdown! and running a feud with Daniel Bryan currently, I don't know what the plans will be for him come WrestleMania time but remember, he did beat Mysterio this year...

03.) DANIEL BRYAN -- He's had a bit of a big time streak going on right now. He's won MITB, he's looking good against Wade Barrett and Mr. Rhodes himself. Bryan has a chip on his shoulder and he's already announced that he's taking on whoever the World Heavyweight Champion is at WrestleMania is next year so, why couldn't UnderTaker come back and win the Championship @ Elimination Chamber per say, setting the match up?

02.) KANE -- His "Brother" and him have had the longest feud I believe... ever. You could easily give this one to him. Make The UnderTaker 19-1 against his "little brother". They've beaten each other up and down the USA and all around the World. Bring it home one last time...

01.) WADE BARRETT -- There's much discussion that UnderTaker still has unfinished business with Barrett after The Nexus buried him alive last year. We all know how The Deadman hates being buried. And not to mention, if done right, we could see the rebirth of The Nexus as well. Nothing like some good old fashioned interference and controversy leading to his downfall.

Now again, this is my list. Agree or not, it's up to you. I believe in all honesty that The UnderTaker should be able to retire undefeated at WrestleMania, I understand it's good to go out like a gentleman but dammit, Mark has deserved everything he's had in THE 'E. He's been loyal since 1991 and should be able to go out how he wants. Yeah, it may look selfish to the IWC in the end if he chooses to do that but, who cares? It's his career and again, he should be able to end it like he wants to.

Instead of calling me an idiot for my choices, why don't you throw yours out there and we can get some good conversation going... it is August after all and we'll surely change out minds 9,000 times between now and then. So please if you must you can leave deragartory statements but, I'd perfer you not. Have fun discussing though.

Quick website whoring:

STATE OF THE 'E: (THE WEBSITE)

STATE OF THE 'E: (THE PODCAST)