The Undertaker has reflected on his WrestleMania 34 match with John Cena, revealing that he entered the bout driven by a desire for redemption after his performance against Roman Reigns the previous year.
Speaking on his Six Feet Under podcast, The Undertaker said he was unhappy with his physical condition at WrestleMania 33 and felt he had not delivered the match he wanted against Reigns.
“That was one of those instances where I had really gotten myself because I was really unhappy with my physical condition against Roman,” he said. “I was really banged up, and I didn’t get in the shape, and I don’t feel like I did for Roman what I was supposed to do. I had one of my hips done, and I really had something I wanted to prove. Even at that point in my career, I’m always like, I want to go out and steal the show.”
Determined to prove himself, Undertaker said he trained intensely for the Cena match, expecting a much longer bout than what ultimately took place. Undertaker stated that he didn’t find out how long his match was going to be until he spoke to Vince McMahon at the venue.
“I let the old man know, yep, I’m ready to do this. Let’s go full steam,” he said. “So I’m training like a freaking maniac. I’m not thinking story as much of redemption as far as my in-ring. Then I get there, and Vince goes, ‘Yeah. Three minutes.’”
What Was The Undertaker’s Reaction To This News?
The Undertaker admitted he was surprised by the decision, noting that he felt physically capable of going much longer.
“I was in shape. I could have done it holding my breath. I could have done 25 minutes,” he said. “All I’m thinking is, the last time you were in the ring, you stunk it up.”
Despite his initial reaction, he ultimately accepted the plan for the match, which saw him defeat Cena in under three minutes.
“I’m in a whole different frame of mind. I get there and, yeah, it was perfect.”
