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‘I Was Pitched To End Undertaker’s WrestleMania Streak

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The opportunity to end The Undertaker‘s streak at WrestleMania was the ultimate goal for most wrestlers making their way up the WWE ladder. The Phenom’s dominance at the Showcase of the Immortals lasted over 20 years, and he saw off some of the most formidable stars in the company’s history.

‘Taker secured 21 consecutive wins at ‘Mania, starting with Jimmy Snuka at WrestleMania 7, and including victories over Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 25 and 26) and Triple H (WrestleMania 17, 27, and 28). A victory over CM Punk at WrestleMania 29 was his final streak win before time stood still, and the unthinkable happened in April 2014.

Brock Lesnar shocked the world and beat The Deadman at WrestleMania 30 in a decision that caused widespread debate about The Beast Incarnate being the right choice. Many felt the honour should have gone to a young star who could have done with the major star-making triumph, which was Chris Jericho‘s thinking.

Chris Jericho’s Pitch For Ending Undertaker’s WrestleMania Streak

Chris Jericho

The Undertaker faced several stars at WrestleMania who were in the early stages of their WWE careers, including Randy Orton at WrestleMania 21 and Batista at WrestleMania 23. They were two of a portion of talent that many had put forward as the right options to end the streak.

Chris Jericho never faced ‘Taker at ‘Mania, but had pushed for a relatively new main roster star to defeat The Phenom on The Grandest Stage of Them All.

He revealed on Chris Jericho’s Saturday Night Special (via 411MANIA) in 2020: “There was a time when Ryback was so popular, that I suggested he should be the guy that beats The Undertaker. He’s the one. And it didn’t go that way, and sometimes there’s complaints about his work.

“I loved working with Ryback. I did a bunch of house shows with him in Calgary, and we had great matches. So really, really a big fan of Ryback. Especially at the time, probably 2014 or 15, when he was kind of at his peak.”

Ryback

Ryback debuted in WWE as part of the game show version of NXT as Skip Sheffield, a young rookie looking to get his break in the company. He was part of the Nexus stable, the group of rookies from the ‘competition’ who took WWE RAW hostage by targeting John Cena and other top stars to make a name for themselves.


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Nexus’ split coincided with Sheffield spending a period away from the ring due to injury before returning and being rebranded as Ryback. This was a monster persona with robotic mannerisms and catchy catchphrases such as “Feed me more!” and “Stupid!” as he went to hit his finisher.

Ryback became a hit with fans and was positioned as WWE’s next big thing, akin to Brock Lesnar’s arrival in 2002. ‘The Big Guy’ feuded with CM Punk for the WWE Championship, among several other high-profile rivalries, but failed to reach the level of superstardom his initial debut as the monster teased.

WWE & Ryback’s Sell-Shocking Separation

Chris Jericho alluded to question marks over Ryback’s in-ring abilities, which became a constant stick he’d be beaten with throughout his WWE career. CM Punk called him ‘reckless‘ to work with after asking for his release in January 2014, right when The Big Guy was in the main event picture.

This coincided with the inconsistent booking of the 291-pounder, who was booked at the top of the card, but then moved into the mid-card scene. He held the Intercontinental Championship, but couldn’t make a permanent step-up to the main event environment, and he voiced his frustrations with his creative years later.

Ryback was nursing back and shoulder injuries, but alongside these problems was a contract dispute with WWE. The two parties failed to agree to an extension and parted ways on the 5th of August 2016. He confirmed this on his Instagram account: “Ryback would like to wish the WWE the best in their future endeavours. From this day forward, WWE and I will no longer be conducting business together.”

Ryback won a legal dispute against WWE over his ring name and trademarks, but a reunion is extremely unlikely due to several derogatory comments made since his release. He hasn’t wrestled since 2018, and his WWE career will always be a case of what could have been.

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Tottenham Eye Move To Sign ‘Incredible’ West Ham Star, Not Fernandes

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Tottenham are one of the clubs considering a summer move for West Ham ace Crysencio Summerville, according to The Guardian.

The north London club have already completed four transfer deals for the 2026/27 season, and they show no sign of slowing down for head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka have all signed on the dotted line, with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes potential further additions as Spurs look to give De Zerbi all the tools he needs after surviving an almighty relegation scare last season.

Tottenham certainly require attacking reinforcements after a real lack of goals from their attacking players during the 2025/26 campaign saw them plunged into relegation trouble.

In the end, it was Summerville and West Ham who were relegated to the Championship on the final day, but the Dutchman looks on course to secure a move away from the Hammers ahead of the new term with clubs interested in his services.

Summerville will not want to play in the Championship after the World Cup

Crysencio Summerville West Ham

West Ham are certainly not going to be short on suitors for Summerville as they prepare for life in the Championship with many top stars expected to depart.

As well as interest from Tottenham, The Guardian report that Chelsea and Manchester United are also tracking the winger as they get their squads in place for the new season.

Interest in Summerville may only increase over the next couple of months after so far catching the eye for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup.

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The 24-year-old has netted in both of his country’s opening two games against Japan and Sweden, with the player looking to continue his hot streak in the early hours of Friday morning in their final Group F clash against Tunisia.

In what was a disastrous season for West Ham, the left-winger netted seven goals in all competitions for the east London club, including the opening goal in their 2-1 win over Tottenham in January.

Will it be Summerville or Savinho for Spurs?

Savinho in action for Manchester City via Reuters

Another attacking player who has been mentioned in regards to a move to Tottenham this summer is Manchester City ace Savinho.

Unable to strike a deal for the Brazilian 12 months ago, a move could possibly materialise this summer with a fee of £60million mentioned.

Talk of Savinho swapping City for Spurs appears to have died down of late, with all the attention firmly focused on Tonali and Fernandes at present.

Just like Summerville, Savinho operates from the left-flank but the former Girona man is also comfortable playing from the right.

Summerville did fare better in terms of numbers during the 2025/26 campaign after contributing seven goals and five assists in 34 games compared to Savinho’s four goals and three assists in 36 outings.


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Man Utd Handed Aurelien Tchouameni Transfer Chance

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With the summer transfer window now open for business, Manchester United are hard at work trying to find players to improve their team, with The Athletic claiming that one target may now be available in the market.

The Red Devils have already sealed a deal to sign Ederson, though confirmation of the transfer switch from Atalanta is still pending at this stage.

There is interest in Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, but intense competition from rivals Tottenham, along with a high transfer fee, is making a potential deal awkward to seal for the pair.

That could see Man United switch focus in the midfield market towards another option, who is now seemingly available.

Aurelien Tchouameni Transfer Chance

Tchouameni Real Madrid Action Images

Man United have been linked with a move for Real Madrid ace Aurelien Tchouameni as one of several potential midfield options on the cards this summer.

A deal for the France international has appeared complicated. However, the door for a switch may well have opened up in the summer transfer window.

That’s because The Athletic reports that Real Madrid are considering offers for Tchouameni this summer, with hopes that an exit will help create room for another midfield signing.

The 26-year-old is claimed to be of interest to Man United, who are looking at their own midfield ranks for potential replacements for Casemiro.

Tchouameni has previously been described as a “dream” signing for the Red Devils, who may finally get their chance to land him in the coming weeks.

It is all likely to depend on the fee that Real Madrid require, which may not come cheap, while the player’s own personal terms could prove costly as well.

It remains to be seen whether Man United will push through with a move, as they wait for their next big call in the midfield ranks.

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Man United Midfield Pressure

Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026) via Reuters

Manchester United are facing increasing pressure to get their next midfield signing through the door, with the arrival likely to be a marquee transfer for this summer.

The midfield merry-go-round has already begun and threatens to leave the Red Devils behind, as Elliot Anderson looks set to join rivals Manchester City.


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Manchester United are looking towards the future, and have a wonderkid in their sights this summer.

Meanwhile, Tottenham’s progress for Tonali and Fernandes threatens to remove two other options from the club’s shortlist coming into this window.

It means there is pressure there to get a deal over the line. Tchouameni could be the best of those remaining, and may be the perfect option moving forward.

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Guillermo Ochoa Wears Special Shirt in Mexico vs Czechia

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Guillermo Ochoa has been a regular in Mexico squads for two decades, but his appearance off the bench against the Czech Republic at the 2026 World Cup was likely his international farewell.

The veteran shot-stopper came on late, adding another chapter to a career that has spanned six World Cup call-ups. He may have kept a 15-minute clean sheet in his cameo appearance, but something on his shirt caught the attention of some eagle-eyed fans.

Ochoa was sporting the new FIFA “Legacy” patch, reserved for players who’ve featured in five or more tournaments. The trouble is, the numbers don’t quite add up.

Why Ochoa’s Legacy Patch has Raised Questions

Guillermo Ochoa Henry Romero via Reuters

FIFA introduced the legacy patch this year to mark out the players who’ve made the World Cup feel like home, names such as Lionel Messi, Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo among them. Ochoa, named in six consecutive squads stretching back to 2006, looked a natural fit for the honour.

Except being named in a squad isn’t the same as playing in one. Ochoa was an unused substitute throughout the entirety of the 2006 and 2010 tournaments, never once stepping onto the pitch. FIFA’s own guidelines are clear that the patch is meant for players with genuine on-field minutes across five separate editions, not simply squad inclusions.


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By that measure, Ochoa has only actually played in four World Cups: 2014, 2018, 2022 and now 2026, still an impressive feat, but not one that qualifies him for the patch.

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None of this is likely to bother Ochoa much. At 40, he’s already confirmed his status as one of Mexico’s most beloved players, famous for his acrobatic saves and his habit of frustrating bigger nations on the biggest stage. He won’t feel as though he requires a commemorative badge to rubber-stamp it.

Whether a patch technically belongs on his shirt or not, his place in World Cup folklore isn’t going anywhere.


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Still, the mix-up does highlight the slightly messy rollout of FIFA’s new initiative. If the governing body wants the legacy patch to mean something, a quick look at the eligibility criteria might be in order before the next batch of kits is rolled out.

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