Why didn't Strowman beat the Undertaker?

[Hobby Drifter]

Brawn just pounded Roman Reigns into a pulpy goo, much to the delight of the live crowd. A live crowd that chanted, in unison, "You deserve it" to a man who was being stretchered away.

THAT is the kind of heat that Roman Reigns victory over the Undertaker has brought down upon himself. Heat nuclear enough that getting run through a meat shredder as his wife was delivering twins was met with overwhelming approval from the live crowd, the people watching at home, and 5 million+ YouTubers.

So...why didn't they just have Braun (sorry, BRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAUN) get the V over 'Taker? You know, because he's a heel. And retiring arguably the most beloved character in the history of wrestling MAY be something that'd work better for getting a heel over than a babyface.

What was the thought process there?

I get that Taker almost certainly decided to go out on his back. But why against Roman, rather than Strowman? Avenging the Undertaker MAY have got Reigns a cheer or two. But as the guy who made him decide to hang 'em up for good...there's no coming back from that.

[YAKMAN is ICHIBAN]

Real life: Seems extremely likely it will be Brock vs Reigns at the next Wrestlemania, and they can work into the build a soundbite that both men beat Undertaker at Wrestlemania.

Kayfabe: Even Braun isn't that big of a jerk as to beat up the elderly

[Mid-Carder]

They want Braun to be one of the Guys. Roman is THE Guy.

[fw91]

because Braun doesn't have the kayfabe pedigree to main event mania/retire Taker just yet

[Jake, The Jake, Jake]

Because Roman is the next Cena, and Braun is the next Big Show.

[the2ndevil]

Wasn't it stated that Undertaker asked to work with Roman?

[keezy]

Should have made it a triple threat with Roman, Braun and Taker. At least Taker could take a move and roll out, allowing them to do most of the work and then coming in for his signature spots.

[Allie Kitsune]

Braun definitely should have been the one to do so, especially now that it looks like he's the one they want to have feud with Brock now.

[Oh Cry Me a Screwball]

You know, the way that Braun interacted with Taker and Roman during the build up to Mania almost seemed like Braun respected Undertaker too much to finish the Deadman off. (Braun never laid a hand on Taker, IIRC)

It would be an interesting choice if Braun was now pursuing Roman because he's pissed that Roman retired the Deadman.

[Pooh Carlson]

I definitely don't think the match would've been the same, nor do I think Braun would've magically gotten a ton of heel heat due to retiring Taker. I don't think Roman is magically getting more heat because he retired Undertaker. He's just still getting heat because Roman.

[Hobby Drifter]

Apr 14, 2017 22:55:41 GMT -5 Oh Cry Me a Screwball said:

You know, the way that Braun interacted with Taker and Roman during the build up to Mania almost seemed like Braun respected Undertaker too much to finish the Deadman off. (Braun never laid a hand on Taker, IIRC)

It would be an interesting choice if Braun was now pursuing Roman because he's pissed that Roman retired the Deadman.

If they want to make Braun the most popular babyface since Bruno, having him body the guy who retired the Undertaker is the way to do it.

[Deleted]

Strowman doesn't have the kayfabe pedigree and could still bust while Roman Reigns is heavily established and is indeed popular being one of the top merch sellers. I just wish Taker retired at WM30 and only came back to face Sting at WM31 as the bonus alternative happy ending where the dream match isn't overshadowed by The Streak

[J. Hova]

Probably a combination of things. As has been mentioned kayfabe wise, he doesn't have the pedigree (speaking of which isn't it time for HHH to destroy him and kill another promising star?).

In actuality, if they want Roman to be the man, he's the choice to do what he did. Plus as much as I hate the Roman Reigns character and the absolute abortion of booking that goes with it, he's probably one of the safer guys in the ring. It wasn't until fairly recently that Braun's work wasn't the drizzling shits and at times looked pretty dangerous. The last thing I'd want is to have my greatest creation get all kinds of f'd up in his last match if I can prevent it.

[King Devitt]

Honestly Reigns SHOULD be heel right now coming off of that.
His genuine heat is amazing.
His response the day after WM was straight up heel.
Then they ruined it again a week later.

I don't even want full on heel. I just want "boo me if you want I don't give a shit come at me" Reigns.
Less kiss ass already.

[The Dark Order Inferno]

Braun Strowman isn't good enough to carry an ageing Undertaker to a worthwhile final match at this point in his career, simple as that. Turns out Roman wasn't either, but I can understand them choosing him over Braun.

[Tea & Crumpets]

Apr 14, 2017 22:55:41 GMT -5 Oh Cry Me a Screwball said:

You know, the way that Braun interacted with Taker and Roman during the build up to Mania almost seemed like Braun respected Undertaker too much to finish the Deadman off. (Braun never laid a hand on Taker, IIRC)

It would be an interesting choice if Braun was now pursuing Roman because he's pissed that Roman retired the Deadman.

Braun wants revenge on Roman and finds the urn, between it and his time learning under Bray becomes the greatest supernatural force on the roster, but slowly seems like he's getting possessed by the spirit of the Undertaker. Eventually leading to the Braundertaker, complete with gong before BRAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUN in his theme.

[pegasuswarrior]

Roman is a way better wrestler than Braun.

Long-term planning, that's why.

Braun is a sideshow attraction. Roman is more of the ringmaster (no pun intended). Way shorter shelf life for Braun.

[A Platypus Rave]

the big Babyface Braun has too much respect for the undertaker

[saintpat]

Apr 15, 2017 2:22:45 GMT -5 J. Hova said:

Probably a combination of things. As has been mentioned kayfabe wise, he doesn't have the pedigree (speaking of which isn't it time for HHH to destroy him and kill another promising star?).

In actuality, if they want Roman to be the man, he's the choice to do what he did. Plus as much as I hate the Roman Reigns character and the absolute abortion of booking that goes with it, he's probably one of the safer guys in the ring. It wasn't until fairly recently that Braun's work wasn't the drizzling shits and at times looked pretty dangerous. The last thing I'd want is to have my greatest creation get all kinds of f'd up in his last match if I can prevent it.

Good point on Roman being a safe worker. There's a spear at WM where he hontestly barely touches Taker, no shoulder at all, just kind of gently wraps his arm around the guy and guides him down.

Not saying that's why they made the match, but if Braun had been the one chosen and he recklessly tossed Taker the wrong way one time, the entire WWE 'universe' would have turned on him in a very bad way.

[Thunderbolt]

Braun probably could've given us a better spectacle match if the Undertaker had enough left in him - Braun Gorilla press slamming Taker would've been a more memorable visual than anything we got in the match with Roman. But I think one of the factors not mentioned in this thread is that Taker probably couldn't get Braun up for the Tombstone at this point. Can't have Taker's last match without a Tombstone in it.