So lets break down who we think it is. I'll keep updating the main thread with the possibilities.

Out on a limb I am going with a return of Dustin Rhodes as Se7en or Papa Shango.

It's the return of Mosh and Thrasher and they are going to take the Tag Titles and make them awesome again.

Dennis Stamp. He was finally booked.

The Long-Awaited Return of Eugene: Now He's Mad.

Shockmaster makes his return.

Ralphus Returns!!!

The Yeti?

brooklyn brawler with a new gimmick

I see the smart ass responses are taken, so I'm going with Sting. Undertaker is going to Smackdown not Raw.

Hornswaggle's identical twin brother

http://wrestlehut.org/images/8/8a/Laparka2.gif

Viscera?



In all seriousness though its either Sting or Taker, with an outside chance of Tyler Black.

Come on, guys. It is clearly Vinnie Mac, back from his coma.

I see the smart ass responses are taken, so I'm going with Sting. Undertaker is going to Smackdown not Raw.

Brands mean pretty much nothing at this time of the year. Especially for Taker, don't be surprised to see him popping up on both shows en route to Mania.

It's Gangrel.

Buff Bagwell.

Buff Bagwell.

LyBrkWxO8T8

http://wrestlehut.org/images/8/8a/Laparka2.gif

La Parka, the chairman of WCW.

LyBrkWxO8T8

Well, there's 73 seconds of my life that I'll never get back... :pickle:

Not Sting apparently. Meltzer says there has been no contact.

If it's not Sting then it has to be Taker. Anyone else would be a let down.

Gilberg:sarcasm:

I just don't get why it would be Taker. All the guys who put him in the "grave" so to speak are on SD. The only one not feuding is Kane.. which frightens me because nobody wants to see that match. Why in the world would they waste this awesome promo on a guy that doesn't need one? Sting on the other hand.. this is the hype we've been waiting for on this guy. This is the type of promo that would be amazing to bring in Sting.

For the other possibilities - why? Awesome Kong? Seriously? She doesn't need anything more than just walking into the arena and scaring the **** out of Lay Cool or whoever is the champ at the time.

Realistically, the WWE writing team has had great opportunities to take wrestling to the next level.. but then they leave us hanging. Nexus is case and point. They got us interested - then botched the whole thing. This might be another one of those things. They put together one heck of a promo. It exemplifies "keep it simple stupid". Look at how much the wrestling world is talking about it and it wasn't even brought up to the announcers. Heck, the first time i saw it, I just thought it was a stupid Saw movie or something.

I hope they do this right and give the fans a "wow" moment.

If it's not Sting then it has to be Taker. Anyone else would be a let down.

Taker would be a let down as well.

i'm starting to think more and more its Tyler Black

I just don't get why it would be Taker. All the guys who put him in the "grave" so to speak are on SD. The only one not feuding is Kane.. which frightens me because nobody wants to see that match. Why in the world would they waste this awesome promo on a guy that doesn't need one? Sting on the other hand.. this is the hype we've been waiting for on this guy. This is the type of promo that would be amazing to bring in Sting.

For the other possibilities - why? Awesome Kong? Seriously? She doesn't need anything more than just walking into the arena and scaring the **** out of Lay Cool or whoever is the champ at the time.

Realistically, the WWE writing team has had great opportunities to take wrestling to the next level.. but then they leave us hanging. Nexus is case and point. They got us interested - then botched the whole thing. This might be another one of those things. They put together one heck of a promo. It exemplifies "keep it simple stupid". Look at how much the wrestling world is talking about it and it wasn't even brought up to the announcers. Heck, the first time i saw it, I just thought it was a stupid Saw movie or something.

I hope they do this right and give the fans a "wow" moment.

If this was a few years ago I would be certain that it is Sting. However, as you point out, the WWE writing team has seriously botched a few story lines. You can add the Raw GM to the list along with Hornswaggle lasting over nine minutes in the Rumble.

kinda think it will be Dustin Rhodes as Se7en. or the return of Cody Rhodes, maybe. how awesome would that be?

http://wrestlehut.org/images/8/8a/Laparka2.gif

oh hellz yeah!!

Seriously though, I think its going to be a completely fresh face.

I'd hate for it to be taker...

kinda think it will be Dustin Rhodes as Se7en. or the return of Cody Rhodes, maybe. how awesome would that be?

Back of my mind thinks maybe Cody, but the figure looked too big to be him.

All I've got to say is, if it's not Sting, then WWE has screwed the pooch on what would be THE mark-out moment of the 21st Century to date...

All I've got to say is, if it's not Sting, then WWE has screwed the pooch on what would be THE mark-out moment of the 21st Century to date...

Sometimes the IWC gets a little ridiculous when they read too much into a storyline. All of us would be disappointed, but the WWE did nothing to say "Sting is coming to the WWE!"

However, now that the rumors are out there. They need a promo tonight to show us he isn't coming if that's the case. Give us a small hint to let us down gently.

Sometimes the IWC gets a little ridiculous when they read too much into a storyline. All of us would be disappointed, but the WWE did nothing to say "Sting is coming to the WWE!"

However, now that the rumors are out there. They need a promo tonight to show us he isn't coming if that's the case. Give us a small hint to let us down gently.

True.

They need to soften the blow. If reveal time comes and we are still led to believe it's Sting and it's isn't (again like you said WWE did nothing directly to tease that it's Sting, but trenchcoat + rain = Stinger in most people's book and fair enough) , then I pity the worker that they're debuting because their will be some backlash.

All I've got to say is, if it's not Sting, then WWE has screwed the pooch on what would be THE mark-out moment of the 21st Century to date...

Not at all.

Only wrestling fans would have themselves to blame. WWE has not given ANY indication that it's Sting.

It reminds me of fans thinking that Christian was behind the Jeff Hardy attacks back in late '08/early '09.

Not at all.

Only wrestling fans would have themselves to blame. WWE has not given ANY indication that it's Sting.

It reminds me of fans thinking that Christian was behind the Jeff Hardy attacks back in late '08/early '09.

Again this is true, but having a dark promo with a guy in a trenchcoat and in the rain and not having it be Sting is like teasing a promo with numbers and a countdown clock and not having it be Jericho. You can't really blame people for thinking that it's Sting (it's just like when the very first Save_us promo hit a few years ago people instantly thought it was Jericho.. and guess who it was). Regardless, it's either going to be the biggest mark-out moment in years or the biggest disappointment in some time

I hope it's Sting so it can save this potentially dreadful WrestleMania. If it's not Sting, hopefully they make it apparent within the next 2 weeks so there won't be any let down when the reveal happens.

Again this is true, but having a dark promo with a guy in a trenchcoat and in the rain and not having it be Sting is like teasing a promo with numbers and a countdown clock and not having it be Jericho. You can't really blame people for thinking that it's Sting (it's just like when the very first Save_us promo hit a few years ago people instantly thought it was Jericho.. and guess who it was). Regardless, it's either going to be the biggest mark-out moment in years or the biggest disappointment in some time

I hope it's Sting so it can save this potentially dreadful WrestleMania. If it's not Sting, hopefully they make it apparent within the next 2 weeks so there won't be any let down when the reveal happens.

It could easily be a promo for Taker's return.

It could easily be a promo for Taker's return.

Perhaps, but IDK.

It's unlike any Taker promo we've ever seen. Usually his promos feature himself, the supernatural, druids, etc and we know right away Taker is coming back (I realize that some see the promo and instantly think Taker, but I digress). Outside of the tenchcoat, it just doesn't feel like an Undertaker promo to me. It has the feel of a new (new to the *WWE universe*)/re-packaged character on the horizon (but at the same time feels familiar), not for a guy like the Taker who A) doesn't need it and B) will not be re-packaged at this stage in his career.

Hopefully they reveal more tonight that will points us in one direction or another. No doubt about it that Taker will appear on the 2-21-2011 edition of Raw so he can get his WrestleMania program started with whomever, but I'm just not convinced that this promo is for him.

Perhaps, but IDK.

It's unlike any Taker promo we've ever seen. Usually his promos feature himself, the supernatural, druids, etc and we know right away Taker is coming back (I realize that some see the promo and instantly think Taker, but I digress). Outside of the tenchcoat, it just doesn't feel like an Undertaker promo to me. It has the feel of a new (new to the *WWE universe*)/re-packaged character on the horizon (but at the same time feels familiar), not for a guy like the Taker who A) doesn't need it and B) will not be re-packaged at this stage in his career.

Hopefully they reveal more tonight that will points us in one direction or another. No doubt about it that Taker will appear on the 2-21-2011 edition of Raw so he can get his WrestleMania program started with whomever, but I'm just not convinced that this promo is for him.

This is exactly why this promo is throwing me off. The WWE is very smart with how they do things. They wouldn't openly be saying that Taker is returning in a commercial they have locally running for the show 2/21/11. This promo is so mysterious. The man is obviously being shaded out for a reason.

What I'm hoping to see tonight is a promo is the guy grabbing a shovel and digging at Takers grave or something. Then we could possibly have our Sting moment as the fallen angel that helped Taker out. Taker & Sting vs. Kane/Barrett at WM. Sting gets to be a face, Taker wins. Kane gets to retire, Barrett was immediately over because he's in a match with 3 HOFers in my opinion.

It needs to be Taker vs. Sting, not Taker/Sting vs. anyone. If you are going to bring in Sting to be in a program with Taker, they need to cash in on this money-making feud. Adding Kane and Barrett would be classic overbooking.

WWE aren't big on tag matches at WM anyways.

It needs to be Taker vs. Sting, not Taker/Sting vs. anyone. If you are going to bring in Sting to be in a program with Taker, they need to cash in on this money-making feud. Adding Kane and Barrett would be classic overbooking.

WWE aren't big on tag matches at WM anyways.

I agree with you, but why would Stinger come in as a heel? I'm just trying to think that's best for Sting at 51 to actually come in to a big payday... that ALSO works within the storyline.

True, but Takers WM match is now kind of beyond being heel/babyface (last 2 years it's been babyface/babyface).

Depending on how they write the logistics, they could easily hit it from the *greatest wrestler Undertaker has never faced and is coming out of the darkness to end the streak* angle and just see how the fans take to it.

If the WWE Universe hate Stinger and he successfully plays mind games for a month with Taker and gets the upper hand every time to try and create some doubt that perhaps Taker is outmatched (even though there's no chance Sting would win) then he can be a heel. Or if they take to him and pop for him no matter what than it can be babyface/babyface.

I agree with you and Vic that adding anyone to the match at any capacity would pretty much ruin it. Kane can do whatever and they could slide Barrett into a Nexus/Corre type match or if they do MITB put him in that and have him win it (sure that would be underwhelming for Wade, but it's his first Mania)

Hoping for Sting, but expecting Undertaker. Then naturally we get Undertaker v Kane for Wrestlemania.

I certainly hope not though. So far WM is looking pretty poor.

Hoping for Sting, but expecting Undertaker. Then naturally we get Undertaker v Kane for Wrestlemania.

I certainly hope not though. So far WM is looking pretty poor.

Someone on Wrestlezone posted this card. It looks like a very, very good WM card. We'll see if the writers go that route:



WWE Championship
The Miz (c) w/ Alex Riley v.s. John Cena

World Heavyweight Championship
Edge (c) v.s. Alberto Del Rio w/ Ricardo Rodriguez

The Phenom vs The Icon
The Undertaker v.s. Sting.

Battle of the Giants
The Big Show v.s. Diesel

The Corre v.s. The New Nexus (8 man No DQ Elimination Tag Match)
The Corre (Wade Barrett, Ezekiel Jackson, Justin Gabriel, & Heath Slater) v.s. The New Nexus (David Otunga, Mason Ryan, Michael McGillicutty, & Husky Harris)

Grudge Match
Randy Orton v.s. CM Punk

Last Man Standing Match
King Sheamus v.s. Triple H

Mask vs Mask Match
Rey Mysterio v.s. "Dashing" Cody Rhodes

Special Tag Match (If Lawler & Morrison win, Lawler gets 5 minutes alone with Michael Cole. If Ziggler & McIntyre win, Cole gets to pick a new partner at the announce table)
Jerry Lawler & John Morrison w/ Kelly Kelly v.s. Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre w/ Vickie Guerrero & Michael Cole

Divas Championship 6 Pack Challenge
Eve (c) v.s. Michelle McCool v.s. Layla v.s. Natalya v.s. Beth Phoenix v.s. Awesome Kong

WWE Tag Team Championship 4 corners elimination Match
Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov w/ Tamina (c) v.s. The Usos v.s. The Great Khali & Mark Henry v.s. Michael Tarver & Skip Sheffield

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Daniel Bryan w/ Gail Kim v.s. Evan Bourne v.s. R-Truth v.s. Ted Dibiase v.s. Tyson Kidd v.s. Jack Swagger v.s. Kane v.s. Kofi Kingston v.s. Booker T v.s. Christian

As was said here re: Meltzer it's apparently going to be Taker as he's being advertised on the local radio spots and box office posters for that night, and that is a disappointment. Let's face it, the guy has gotten hurt and come back so many freaking times, there's no reason to give him such a cool promo. The fans live will pop when the lights go out and the bell rings, but fans watching on TV aren't going to care.

Meltzer also wrote that right now it's Barrett vs. Taker (Oh yeah, the streak will be broken), and no one has contacted Sting nor is he interested.

I agree with you, but why would Stinger come in as a heel? I'm just trying to think that's best for Sting at 51 to actually come in to a big payday... that ALSO works within the storyline.

HBK/Taker the past two years was face/face. Why would Sting have to be a heel?

HBK/Taker the past two years was face/face. Why would Sting have to be a heel?

You guys are right. It was face vs. face even though the first time around they had HBK doing all the heel things w/ his character.

I just figure all the kids under 18 would boo a guy coming into the WWE to face Undertaker. Realistically, the fans don't know Sting. The fans that come in and support Cena just don't know the guy we've all understood to be the best wrestler never in the WWF/E promotion.

Sting should take the money and do a WM match against Taker AND be inducted into the HOF. It would be the greatest moment as a fan to enjoy.

HBK/Taker the past two years was face/face. Why would Sting have to be a heel?

HBK definitely tried to play himself up as the heel, but was too over for it to completely work.

As was said here re: Meltzer it's apparently going to be Taker as he's being advertised on the local radio spots and box office posters for that night, and that is a disappointment. Let's face it, the guy has gotten hurt and come back so many freaking times, there's no reason to give him such a cool promo. The fans live will pop when the lights go out and the bell rings, but fans watching on TV aren't going to care.

Meltzer also wrote that right now it's Barrett vs. Taker (Oh yeah, the streak will be broken), and no one has contacted Sting nor is he interested.

Those adverts and the 2/21/11 promo don't have to be connected and probably aren't. Why would they spoil their own promo? Could easily be a Taker match/appearance for the live audience only.

Meltzer also said Lesnar wanted to quit UFC and join WWE.

I don't get why it would be Undertaker.

Think about it this way. These days, the WWE appeals more to the younger crowd/people who don't know jack **** about wrestling. They're too young/weren't even born during the apex of WCW, thus they're not that familiar with Sting. They see a dark vignette like this, they're just gonna assume it's the Undertaker anyway, since that's all they can associate this type of vignette with. Where's the mystery in that?

If the WWE was smart they would have Taker come out fooling everyone that it was him. During his promo they could have Sting in the rafter or confront Taker. That would be awesome if it happened. Assuming of course that Sting has signed with the WWE.

I'm going to look at it in a different way.

The promo is for some chump like kong who clearly doesn't need a build-up promo....In the meantime Triple H is returning and they're trying to keep it as down low as possible for a huge surprise. Kind of like The Rock's last few apperances :laugh:

I kind of wish it was Repo Man, that'd be cool.

Lmao Repo Man. That would be pretty epic.

Lmao Repo Man. That would be pretty epic.

Yeah, an epic disappointment... :laugh:

Meltzer also said Lesnar wanted to quit UFC and join WWE.

When did he say that? I think the only thing he's said is that Lesnar might want the one big payday at Mania and doesn't want to have to leave UFC to do it.

http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/article/more-evidence-of-22111-promo-advertising-undertaker-123215

more hints of it being 'Taker. Hopefully not, but wouldn't be surprising.

Since its pointing at taker...only reason i see him coming to raw is so Triple H can ruin his return and setup a mania feud for retiring HBK.

http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/article/more-evidence-of-22111-promo-advertising-undertaker-123215

more hints of it being 'Taker. Hopefully not, but wouldn't be surprising.

I hope not.

Why does taker need this type of build up? Its not like these promos are going to make him stronger than he already is.

Its different if you've been out for a few years like jericho was, or if you are new to the company, but this is just a waste of time and more importantly, a waste of hype.

Those adverts and the 2/21/11 promo don't have to be connected and probably aren't. Why would they spoil their own promo? Could easily be a Taker match/appearance for the live audience only.

They've done it before. Promo's for Survivor Series were very prominantly promoting (too many "P" words) Nexus before Cena vs Barrett's HIAC match with stipulations that if Cena won Nexus was disbanded and if Barrett won Cena joined Nexus.

I hope not.

Why does taker need this type of build up? Its not like these promos are going to make him stronger than he already is.

Its different if you've been out for a few years like jericho was, or if you are new to the company, but this is just a waste of time and more importantly, a waste of hype.

which doesn't seem like a WWE type misstep at all...:naughty:

It would be awesome if they had a huge swerve.

latest promo's point towards it being Taker. Disappointed, but my own fault. I didn't use Occams Razor.

Call me a crazy, but i love me some conspiracy theories.

2/21/11

21 minus 2 = 19

19/11 backwards is November 19th

November 19th = Chris Jericho returns in 2007.

2-21-11 = Jericho always had a thing for this crazy numbers crap. It's a countdown if you think about :sarcasm:

PS - Holy **** it's been THREE AND A HALF YEARS since jericho came back? jesus christ.

Call me a crazy, but i love me some conspiracy theories.

2/21/11

21 minus 2 = 19

19/11 backwards is November 19th

November 19th = Chris Jericho returns in 2007.

2-21-11 = Jericho always had a thing for this crazy numbers crap. It's a countdown if you think about :sarcasm:

PS - Holy **** it's been THREE AND A HALF YEARS since jericho came back? jesus christ.

People are so mad it's Taker, they are doing anything to hope it's someone else. I've even heard people saying that the two promos are very different meaning TWO people are coming (Sting/Taker). I know you were just partially being sarcastic, but that was such a sweet promo just to get Taker back.

We all want that amazing Raw that sets the tone for WM, but it's not happening. I'm guessing Corre will crash Raw and set up the Nexus vs. Corre WM match and Taker will come take our Wade or for some reason Kane. I just have no faith for the creative team to really shock me with that.

If it's not Sting and not Jericho... I'm hoping Taker comes out and walks about WM. The music cues "Time to play the game..." and we get Taker vs. HHH because HHH is pissed HBK is gone. After WM it gives him enough time to go back to working w/ Sheamus and cover up that part as well. Taker can go back to beating up Wade & Kane in the crappier PPVs.

People are so mad it's Taker, they are doing anything to hope it's someone else. I've even heard people saying that the two promos are very different meaning TWO people are coming (Sting/Taker). I know you were just partially being sarcastic, but that was such a sweet promo just to get Taker back.

We all want that amazing Raw that sets the tone for WM, but it's not happening. I'm guessing Corre will crash Raw and set up the Nexus vs. Corre WM match and Taker will come take our Wade or for some reason Kane. I just have no faith for the creative team to really shock me with that.

If it's not Sting and not Jericho... I'm hoping Taker comes out and walks about WM. The music cues "Time to play the game..." and we get Taker vs. HHH because HHH is pissed HBK is gone. After WM it gives him enough time to go back to working w/ Sheamus and cover up that part as well. Taker can go back to beating up Wade & Kane in the crappier PPVs.

I was being partially sarcastic, but at the same time i'm not mad or angry that its a taker promo, I'm a fan of taker, I don't mind the promo's at all.

That being said, It's going to be a ****Storm on this board when its actually jericho coming back :sarcasm:

:laugh:

It will be Undertaker. He'll start to come out, and then BAM! Sweet Chin Music out of nowhere. ONE MORE TIME.

I think the guy who was suppose to look like Undertaker is HHH in the video.

lwy7itJdupM

Watch @29&30 just the facial hair and facial features look more like HHH.

Unless the dark lighting took away Undertakers slowly more noticeable loose neck and made his jaw/chin shrink a bit I think he is the 2nd man in the video.

The guy inside was definitely Undertaker. The mystery is who was the guy outside stalking the Undertaker. My guess in light of recent news is HHH

boo undertaker. he should return to wm as the american bad ass.

It's Demolition Ax

4J01KpBsipI

The cowboy boots are a dead giveaway. They are clearly promoting a new Trace Adkins music video

Call me a crazy, but i love me some conspiracy theories.

2/21/11

21 minus 2 = 19

19/11 backwards is November 19th

November 19th = Chris Jericho returns in 2007.

2-21-11 = Jericho always had a thing for this crazy numbers crap. It's a countdown if you think about :sarcasm:

PS - Holy **** it's been THREE AND A HALF YEARS since jericho came back? jesus christ.
:amazed: Whoa.

The guy inside was definitely Undertaker. The mystery is who was the guy outside stalking the Undertaker. My guess in light of recent news is HHH


Yeah, the guy in the shack is definitely Taker...looks like his wrestling gear with the the black duster jacket.

Guy outside was Jeff Hardy. That was his house.

The guy inside looks like 'Taker to me.

Hmmmm.

FAcVwtnowec

Guy outside was Jeff Hardy. That was his house.

But there weren't any drugs :naughty:
I'm hoping for a return of the Smoking Gunns to help revitalize the tag team division :sarcasm:

The guy inside looks like 'Taker to me.

Hmmmm.

FAcVwtnowec
Meh, bit of a stretch. I hope so, though. That would be unreal.

According to Rajah, Sting hasn't even signed with WWE yet, so it's almost certainly going to be Taker related and only Taker related.

EDIT: And it most definitely will be at least Taker due to the song + the website of the Raw host advertising Taker:

http://www.savemartcenter.com/

According to Rajah, Sting hasn't even signed with WWE yet, so it's almost certainly going to be Taker related and only Taker related.

EDIT: And it most definitely will be at least Taker due to the song + the website of the Raw host advertising Taker:

http://www.savemartcenter.com/
I haven't seen anything solid that says that the WWE has even contacted Sting.

If it's just 'Taker, then whats the point of showing him inside and outside the house?

If it's just 'Taker, then whats the point of showing him inside and outside the house?

Maybe it's supposed to be flashing forward each time the scene changes.

Like showing him inside the house, then leaving getting ready to return to Raw?

If it's just 'Taker, then whats the point of showing him inside and outside the house?

yeah, I brought that point up earlier. The fans are gonna go nuts whenever taker comes back, and by giving this info away, they probably took away from the pop. Unless the WWE has something else up their sleeve, this whole process is pointless.

I could have understood the lead-in for Undertakers return this Monday if The Rock hadn't returned this past Raw. It would have gotten notice out that this was the one he was going to return and it'd help build up more viewership I think in the casual fan that wants to see how they do it.

The Rock returning changes that, hitting 5.7 just from people finding out last second The Rock was on TV I think has to give them a large starting audience for this weeks show in anticipation of Rock/Cena/Wrestlemania/EC fall out.

If they snuck in a Undertaker return it would have been great and received a bigger pop.

I expect Undertaker to have some sort of role in the EC as well while not making an appearance. Perhaps a "lights out" or 2-21-11 on the big screen to freak out Kane and have him lose if they decide to continue the Taker/Kane story into Mania and not have Taker/HHH.

Either way, I will be tuning in this Sunday & Monday to see how they roll it out and to the WWE that's the important thing.

At this point, what's more exciting? The Elimination Chamber PPV or 2/21/11?

There isn't much to look forward to on this PPV. It's a waste of a PPV to set up Mania. It shouldn't be an absolute buy. I'm looking forward to the follow up of Rock on 2/21/11. What will Cena say? What was the 2/21/11 promo all about?