When The Undertaker returned to SmackDown Live on November 15, he announced that he is back to "take souls and dig holes." However, "The Deadman" has not appeared on television since then but there is a good explanation why.
According to Ringside News, the WWE is holding off The Undertaker's return once again because there was so much time in between the final pay-per-view of 2016 and the Royal Rumble. The possible return date for "The Phenom" could be the first SmackDown of 2017 on January 3.
Bill Goldberg and possibly Brock Lesnar are scheduled to appear on Monday Night Raw the night before which means SmackDown has to do something similar. The Undertaker and John Cena are two of the biggest names on the blue brand with the latter returning in the final show of the year.
The Undertaker returning to television is a big deal for the WWE and its fans. The company expects his appearance will boost the ratings and it increases the interest in whatever action he makes. Many people have speculated that the legend will face A.J. Styles at the Royal Rumble.
The 2017 Royal Rumble is going to be held at the Alamodome and the WWE wants to sell it out. It would be difficult to do but the presence of The Undertaker makes it attainable. Add the possibility of him facing the best wrestler in the world is very appealing even for casual fans.
However, the only problem with that scenario is The Undertaker's health. He underwent hip surgery in September to prolong his career but there is no word if he has been cleared to wrestle. According to Wrestling Inc, the 51-year-old legend had a noticeable limp while backstage on Raw earlier this month.
Fans will always be excited for an appearance from The Undertaker since he is a living legend. There is also the possibility of him retiring at WrestleMania 33 which makes his every appearance a must-see event.
