AEW Double or Nothing weekend is shaping up to be big for fans who attend, and both Kurt Angle and The Undertaker were at one point set to appear at Starrcast II.
However, both stars have been pulled from the event according to Sports Illustrated. The report notes that Taker and Angle were pulled due to the “to the burgeoning war between All Elite Wrestling and WWE.”
Starrcast was created by Conrad Thompson, and although it’s not directly affiliated with any wrestling promotion, the event does feature many stars from AEW.
A deposit was made, and Taker’s appearance was officially announced on February 14, but fans won’t be seeing The Deadman at the event.
“The announcement went wide and viral,” said Thompson. “I was told it had gotten WWE’s attention and that Vince McMahon texted The Undertaker about the appearance. ’Taker’s representation, which is a company called Get Engaged, called to tell me, ‘WWE says he can’t do it.’”
Thompson went on to say that a friend of his discussed the situation with Vince McMahon, and he’s been assured that there’s no heat on him or the event, WWE just doesn’t want Taker doing outside appearances. Conrad also noted that he was told the damage would be covered, and a suitable replacement would be offered.
“I suggested Vince McMahon, Hunter, or Stephanie McMahon,” said Thompson. “And I said I would donate 100 percent of the proceeds to Conor’s Cure and match the donation personally, which would turn a negative into a positive for everyone involved.”
After being informed that Vince would not allow main roster talent to appear at the event, he tried to get Shawn Michaels. HBK was originally set for the event, but backed out because of AEW.
The new plan internally was to have Michaels replace Taker, and team him up with Scott Hall to spotlight the 25th anniversary of their ladder match at WrestleMania X.
However, Thompson has not heard anything back in regards to booking Michaels.
“I asked to keep Kurt Angle and announce Shawn Michaels as the replacement for The Undertaker,” said Thompson. “I offered to book everyone ‘through the office.’. I wanted to play by the rules but I felt like I already had, since each of these guys were actively marketing themselves for outside appearances via booking agents or their own social media. I have checked in daily for a week now and nothing is changing.”
