Despite the WWE's best efforts to throw the WWE Universe off the scent, it appears as if we really are heading for John Cena versus the Undertaker at WrestleMania 34.

It's hard to believe two icons of the industry who ran side-by-side for the best part of a decade on a full-time basis have never squared off on the Grandest Stage of Them All, but now, the Leader of the Cenation has officially called out the Deadman.

The 16-time world champion delivered one of the promos of his career on Monday Night Raw as he verbally trashed the Phenom in a personal way that no one has before (sans DDP in a kayfabe way back in 2001).

Cena called out 'Taker for taking such time off in between matches and citing his ego as the only reason he wouldn't take on the fellow future Hall of Famer in New Orleans.

The truth is, the mystique of the Phenom suffered irreparable damage when Brock Lesnar broke the streak at WrestleMania 30 - also in New Orleans - and many fans believe he has been a shadow of himself ever since.

Taker, now 52, was 21-0 before the Beast Incarnate got ahold of him and he has had three matches at 'Mania since that loss. He emerged victorious against Bray Wyatt (wow, what happened to that push, eh?) and Shane McMahon, but he fell to Roman Reigns last year.

After leaving a lot of The Undertaker's trademark items in the ring after the match, many believed that the Deadman was saying goodbye and retiring from in-ring competition. The WWE even let that thought linger without actually confirming it.

So, what good will it do if 'Taker takes up Cena on his challenge? Well, it's a dream match for the fans and regardless of whether it should have happened earlier, it would be the right note for a legend like Undertaker to go out on. It's also a match where either man could win - an increasing rarity.

However, the announcement that Kid Rock will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in New Orleans and the video package the WWE produced on Raw has added a new wrinkle to the story.

As noted in the video, Kid Rock was the artist behind 'Taker's first theme song as the American Bad Ass in 2000. Knowing Kid Rock will be in New Orleans, couldn't you see him performing 'Taker's intro?

Plus, what can Undertaker really do as the Prince of Darkness at this point? He's been broken down and stripped of his invincibility at WrestleMania, now is the time to take one 'last ride' and kick some ass - the marketing is writing itself.

If Cena ends up standing over the Undertaker with the victory, that will hurt his legacy a hell of a lot more than it would the American Bad Ass (for the record, I think Taker will win regardless - Cena doesn't need it) - it's just getting harder for fans to invest in the supernatural Deadman.

On the other hand, if this is to really be Undertaker's last dance, the lasting image should be the reaper of souls, really. However, in keeping with leaving his gear behind last year and Cena poking the bear, expect 'Taker to make his way down the long ramp at 'Mania on his famous motorcycle.