The Undertaker made a big impact in the Royal Rumble, eliminating both Goldberg and Baron Corbin to massive reactions. But if it seemed like the Deadman had lost a step or two, it wasn’t just your imagination.

According to today’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Undertaker was in a great deal of pain during the Rumble, which explains his less than stellar appearance during the match. The pain was already clear backstage, and it’s certainly part of the reason why he appeared so late in the Rumble.

Taker had recently undergone hip surgery, and Meltzer speculates that he came back too soon from from the operation.

The current plan for Undertaker, based on both backstage reports and the story being set up at the Rumble, is for him to take on Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. With two months for further rehab, it’s possible that the Deadman could get back into shape for a solid match. But in any case, it seems Taker’s last rodeo isn’t far away.

Undertaker has been one of the most prolific wrestlers in history, beginning his career in the 80s in WCCW. The Undertaker character debuted on WWF TV in 1990 and the rest, as they say, is history.

What are your thoughts on Undertaker’s Royal Rumble appearance? Do you think he’s ready for another huge WrestleMania match? Let us know in the comments below, or on Facebook!

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