Current plans for Undertaker's return to WWE - reason behind absence
On Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 4:44 PM EST The Wrestling Observer is reporting that current plans for The Undertaker storyline is that it will lead to a return possibly in late July in time for a match against Edge for SummerSlam.
There are reportedly a few reasons for Undertaker's absence from WWE right now. One of those is that he is said to be pretty banged up and taking the time off will help him heal. Another reason is that WWE wanted to continue his program with Edge, but felt it was going to run out of steam without a real heavy angle behind it and felt it needed a break.
It should also be noted that WWE's creative team wasn't even told Undertaker would be leaving until about a week ahead of time. This was around the time the "banished from WWE" storyline was written into the match between Undertaker and Edge at the One Night Stand PPV two weeks ago. It's possible plans could change for his return, but this was said to be the plan as of right now.
The Undertaker is currently working the Smackdown/ECW brand tour of Australia and New Zealand right now. They have had Shane McMahon come out and explain that a "deal was struck" to allow Undertaker to work the tour despite losing the match at the One Night Stand PPV. We've had a few reports sent to us saying that Shane referred to this as Undertaker's farewell tour.