In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Conrad Thompson, the organizer of Starrcast, revealed that The Undertaker and Kurt Angle have been pulled from their appearances at the event next month and that WWE exercised their right to pull them from any events deemed not in their best interests.
“The announcement went wide and viral, 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.’ I had a friend discuss the situation with Vince McMahon, and I was assured the ‘heat’ wasn’t on me or my event but rather that The Undertaker shouldn’t be doing personal appearances outside of WWE.
I was assured that damages would be covered, a suitable replacement offered, or some sort of compromise to make everyone happy. I had an agreement in place with the talent. 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 the fans are being punished.”
Thompson revealed in the interview that he suggested Triple H, Stephanie McMahon or even Vince McMahon himself as possible replacements and that he would donate 100% of the proceeds to Connor’s Cure, while matching the donation himself personally and that he was also given a full refund from The Undertaker’s booking company, Get Engaged.
Thompson noted that The Undertaker’s management had pulled him from doing a stage show podcast at the event, as they did not want it filmed and that The Undertaker was still scheduled to sign autographs prior to the most recent news. Thompson said that he had hoped to secure Shawn Michaels as the replacement, but that Michaels backed out due to the close proximity of Starrcast and AEW.
The full interview is available in full at this link.