The Undertaker and Kurt Angle were recently pulled from the upcoming Starrcast II event set to take place on May 23-26 in Las Vegas.
Starrcast, which features a who’s who of pro wrestling talent, is happening during the same weekend as AEW’s first event, Double or Nothing. Starrcast is considered by many to be the highlight of that weekend, as stars from every corner of the industry are booked in a very unique fan experience.
But two of the event’s biggest stars are no longer booked, as The Deadman and The Olympic Gold Medalist were indeed removed from the event. However, according to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, fans shouldn’t be too surprised that this happened. After all, WWE was likely never going to let it happen from the start.
It was well known, dating back to February, that WWE was attempting to get Undertaker off the event. WWE since signed Undertaker to a new contract that would not allow him to do events like this, but there would be obligations for previously signed deals, in theory.
At that time, many people had told us that in the end, WWE was going to make sure that the Undertaker appearance didn’t happen, but whether they never told Thompson until this week, or Thompson felt confident that due to signed contracts before Undertaker signed his new WWE contract that they would be unable to block the appearance, he was still listed and were going under the impression he would be there.
Thompson told Sports Illustrated that he was told that damages would be covered, a suitable replacement would be offered by WWE, or that there would be compromise to make everyone happy, although at this point nothing has been agreed to.
The Observer went on to state that Conrad Thompson asked for either Vince McMahon or Triple H as a replacement, but that’s probably not going to happen. Evidently, WWE doesn’t want anyone on the current roster to make an appearance at Starrcast. Thompson reportedly asked for Shawn Michaels, but it’s perhaps unlikely that WWE will allow that to happen either.
Thompson is not happy with the situation and he’s made his feelings known.
“I had an agreement in place with the talent,” Thompson said. “Without exception, I dealt directly with the talent or their management. They set their terms and I complied. First class travel accommodations were made and marketing was done. Now, thanks to the influence of WWE, the performers are missing out on substantial income and their fans are being punished.”
Neither The Undertaker or Kurt Angle have publicly commented on this situation.
Cody & Brandi Rhodes Meet & Greet
They’re THE power couple of professional wrestling! At #Starrcast, come meet Cody & Brandi Rhodes! Get your photo and an autograph on your item or our exclusive 8×10!
Tickets: https://t.co/VShyAsTu00 pic.twitter.com/cgsmxBGO4C
— #StarrcastOnFITE (@StarrcastEvents) April 25, 2019
Wrestling Observer Newsletter