Showdown in Motown

Showdown in Motown

When World Heavyweight Champion Batista steps into the ring at WrestleMania 23 to face Undertaker, he will be there to defend his title against the most impressive streak in the world of sports-entertainment. Fourteen wins and zero losses is the amazing record Undertaker has compiled throughout his career at WrestleMania's WWE. Over the years, Undertaker has dismantled foe after foe en route to establishing a record that may never be approached again.

SmackDown's Kane is no stranger to Undertaker, as the two faced off at WrestleMania XIV and WrestleMania XX, respectively. Each time, Kane looked to end the streak, and both times was unable. The Big Red Monster, a man of few words, has an ominous message for The Animal heading toward April 1 in Detroit.

"Batista's chances are not good at all," said Kane. "14-0 at WrestleMania and Undertaker's always at the top of his game. So odds aren't good for Batista. He should try not to get dropped on his head," Kane continued. "He's got to be in tip-top form; Undertaker's going to be. He has to be as good as he possibly can be on that particular night, or he's not going to have a chance. No one does.

Another Superstar familiar with Undertaker is Raw Superstar Randy Orton. The Legend Killer faced Undertaker at WrestleMania 21, when WrestleMania went Hollywood. The outcome of the match, however, was anything but a storybook ending for the third generation Superstar.

"I had all the pride and confidence as I headed into WrestleMania 21, and Undertaker had his way with me," said Orton. "I don't think there's much of a chance for Batista to win this one. I really hate saying that because I'm all for the younger talent, the newer guys like myself," he continued. "Undertaker is Undertaker -- he's the Phenom. He's a legend that cannot be killed, that cannot be destroyed."

Orton though, did reserve praise for the World Heavyweight Champion.

"Batista -- he's one of the biggest, strongest men in this business. He's done things nobody would ever be able to do, or ever will be able to accomplish." Orton's praise quickly changed to a somber tone." This is one thing Batista and I have in common -- it's that we can't beat Undertaker."

As for any advice he would have for former Evolution running mate Batista and what to expect, Randy Orton's message is clear.

"If you see the energy that [Undertaker] carried to the ring at WrestleMania, then you're prepared for what you will face at WrestleMania. That is where the magic happens. That is where the record lives, in those moments, in the energy Undertaker brings to the ring."

Perhaps the person with the greatest advice for Batista would be the man who faced Undertaker in a No Disqualification Match at WrestleMania X8 -- Ric Flair. The former 16-time World Champion believes differently than Orton and Kane.

"As great as I think Undertaker is, I think it might be Batista's time," Flair said. "I'm not sure Undertaker can overpower Batista. A year ago I would not have said this, but Batista has gained tons of experience in this past year."

However, the Dirtiest Player in the Game feels that a match like this can be determined by one thing: desire.

"A match like this can come down to whoever wants it the most," Flair said. "Undertaker and I had a brawl at WrestleMania X8 at the SkyDome -- foreign objects involved, and lots blood," he continued. "If it comes down to that, Undertaker is dangerous, and could be more prone to succeed."

April 1 in Detroit, at WrestleMania 23, the only opinions that will matter are those of the World Heavyweight Champion Batista and the challenger to his title, the man with the perfect record of 14-0 at WrestleMania -- Undertaker.

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