Big blow to Starrcast II.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Starrcast II organizer Conrad Thompson revealed that The Undertaker and Kurt Angle have pulled out of their scheduled appearances 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.’ 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."
Thompson went on to say that he suggested Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, or Triple H as possible replacements and that he would donate 100 percent of the proceeds to Conor’s Cure and match the donation personally.
He was given a full refund from Undertaker's booking company, Get Engaged.
Thompson hoped to secure Shawn Michaels as the replacement, but Michaels backed out due to the close proximity of Starrcast and AEW.
The report states that The Undertaker and Kurt Angle both signed new WWE contracts, and WWE is exercising its right to withhold talent from any events deemed not in the company’s best interests.
“I had an agreement in place with the talent,” said Thompson. “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 previously revealed that Undertaker's management pulled him from doing a stage show podcast at the event as they didn't want it filmed. Undertaker was still scheduled to sign autographs prior to this most recent news.
