The Undertaker was a surprise absentee on the Fox premiere of Smackdown on Friday.
A host of legends returned for cameos on the big night, including the likes of The Rock, Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle and Mick Foley.
It was reported that he was backstage at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.
Yet, despite several advertising promos showing pictures of the iconic Phenom, he did not appear on the show.
He did upload a throwback picture on Instagram , celebrating “20 years of Smackdown”.
And when asked why he did not appear on air, Taker replied: “I was told I won’t needed.”
Taker, real name Mark Calaway, looks in incredible shape as a post of the 54-year-old in the gym was posted on social media.
Some WWE fans believe he is preparing for another return, potentially at the upcoming Saudi Arabia pay-per-view extravaganza ‘Crown Jewel’ later this month.
The talk is that he is in line to face the fearsome new incarnation of Bray Wyatt, with Taker said to be heading for a must-see feud with The Fiend.
Wyatt takes on Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal title tonight at Hell in the Cell with speculation that Taker could make a surprise interference.
It is 21 years since Taker infamously threw Mankind 20ft off of the demonic steel structure in a moment WWE fans will never forget.
With his illustrious in-ring career seemingly approaching an end, many WWE fans would prefer to see him face The Fiend on the grand stage of Wrestlemania 36 next April.
But judging by the latest image of the legendary Deadman, he could still have a few more matches in his locker just yet.
The Undertaker, meanwhile, is heading to the UK next week as part of Comic Con Scotland.
Fans are being charged £100 for an autograph from the American superstar on October 12, while a personal meet-and-greet experience (including a selfie) is on offer for £500.
Fellow WWE legends Brutus ‘The Barber’ Beefcake and Marty Jannetty are also in attendance.
