Let's Dance (vol. 6- The Undertaker)

In honor of the "Road To WrestleMania," I would like to dedicate this "Let's Dance" segment to a man that has become a WrestleMania Dynasty. He took WrestleMania and turned it into a Mansion. This man is none other than the Deadman himself, The Undertaker.

The better your Dance Partners are, the better you look as a performer. It takes two to tango and Taker has danced with partners of different styles. Many of them have faced him at WM while some did not. As I have said before, the better your dance partners are, the better you look yourself. It also helps to have a lot of high-quality partners to dance with as it creates the best chemistry. Just like Batman, Undertaker has an excellent Rogues Gallery of Rivals. Time to examine who are the best:

Shawn Michaels:

Match Quality: 5/5
Storyline Quality: 9/10
Rivalry Rating: 9.5/10

Featured Matches:
In Your House: Ground Zero
Hell In A Cell (Bad Blood 1997)
Casket Match for WWF Title (Royal Rumble 1998)
2007 Royal Rumble
WrestleMania XXV
WrestleMania XXVI (Streak vs. Career)

The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels have been the pillars of WWE from the New Generation Era into the Ruthless Aggression/Early PG Era. They pretty much came up together in the ranks of wrestling from the territories going into the WWE. Both legends had been at the top of the WWE Card since the mid-1990's. HBK and UT did not finally have a program together until 1997 when Shawn cost Taker the WWF/E Title against Bret Hart at Summerslam 1997. Shawn revealed that he cheated Taker on purpose as this led to the epic first ever HIAC Match at Bad Blood 1997. The match was a masterpiece and in my estimation one of the top two matches of the entire year next to Bret vs. Austin at WM 13. This would lead to the introduction of Kane, who helped Shawn win. Taker had two problems on his hands (HBK & Kane). UT would fight Shawn in a Casket Match for the Title at Royal Rumble only for Kane to interfere again. Michaels would prematurely retire for the first time with a 4-year absence. When Shawn returned in 2002, he and Undertaker kept their distance until Royal Rumble 2007 where their rivalry was rekindled. UT & HBK were the last two men standing to go to war for at least 8-10 minutes before The Phenom won the Rumble. Next year, they would be the first two in the Rumble. Finally, their feud would reach its climax going into two epic WrestleMania Matches. The story was centered around who was truly the Greatest WrestleMania performer as they stole the show in each match. Their finale took place at WM XXVI with Shawn's career coming to an end. Both of them were WrestleMania Masters.

Kane:

Match Quality: 3.5/5
Storyline Quality: 10/10
Rivalry Rating: 9/10

The Classic Brother vs. Brother. Arguably the Greatest Storyline ever told. Fire and Brimstone. The Brothers of Destruction have forever been connected from the moment that Kane made his earth-shattering debut at Bad Blood 1997 when he ripped the cell door open during Undertaker's match with Shawn Michaels. Who could ever forget Vince McMahon screaming "That's got to be Kane"? Taker looked in disbelief that his brother was still alive. Kane proceeded to drill his older brother with a Tombstone Piledriver as a bloody HBK picked up the victory. Taker refused to fight his brother at first. Of course, that was until Kane interfered once again in a match involving Undertaker and HBK. At Royal Rumble '98, Undertaker wrestled Shawn Michaels for the WWF Title in a Casket Match. It looked as if the Phenom would seal the win for the Title, but Kane attacked him and locked him in the Casket. After the match was over, Kane burned the Casket with Undertaker trapped inside. When everyone though Undertaker was dead, he made his re-emergence on Monday Night Raw challenging Kane to a match at WrestleMania. This match told a brilliant story and could possibly be the best match of the night. Undertaker and Kane went the distance in their best battle ever. The Deadman defeated The Big Red Machine with 3 Tombstones. Taker would win the rematch at Unforgiven in their Inferno Match. The Brothers of Destruction would wrestle to a no contest at Judgment Day over the WWF Championship. Undertaker would also defeat Kane at Survivor Series in the Quarter Final. As the Biker (ABA) Undertaker would defeat Kane at Summerslam 2000. They would also team up during the Invasion storyline to win the WCW Tag Titles. Their feud would rekindle when Kane helped Vince McMahon defeat Taker in the Buried Alive Match at Survivor Series. Undertaker would return as the Deadman to defeat him at WrestleMania XX. This would be their last encounter for quite some time. This was their next best match to their WM XIV encounter. Later on, Kane would gain the upper hand by defeating his brother at Night Of Champions to retain the WHC as well as HIAC. The feud would come to an end at Bragging Rights with Kane winning in the Buried Alive Match. Even when some of the matches started to fall off, the storyline is what made this dance a dance worth watching.

Featured Matches:
WrestleMania XIV
Unforgiven 1998 (Inferno Match)
Judgment Day 1998
Survivor Series 1998
Summerslam 2000
WrestleMania XX
Night Of Champions
Summerslam 2010


Mankind

Match Quality: 4/5
Storyline Quality: 9/10
Rivalry Rating: 9/10

When Mankind made his arrival to the World Wrestling Federation in 1996, he made his biggest statement by attacking The Undertaker. Never before had The Phenom faced an opponent that could shake him psychologically as he is the Master of Mind Games. The night after WrestleMania XII, Taker was attacked by Mankind in a great angle. The biggest plot twist came when Paul Bearer turned betrayed Taker after being The Deadman's confidant for many years. For the first time ever, The Undertaker submitted to Mankind's Mandible Claw. It was a very noteworthy way to put Mankind on the map in the WWF/E. Their feud would include matches that revolutionized wrestling. Mankind gained the upper hand with wins over Taker at KOTR '96 and the Boiler Room Brawl Match at Summerslam that year. Taker would finally turn things around by winning the Buried Alive match at IYH, along with his victory at Survivor Series 1996. UT would successfully defend his WWF Title at the IYH named in his honor "Revenge of the Taker". Their feud would conclude at KOTR 1996 inside of HIAC. This was the Match of the Year and the high point of the feud and it ended on a very high note. This rivalry made one career and revived another. For more than 2 years, Undertaker was forced to dance with useless or washed up big men that could not keep up with him. From Giant Gonzalez (awful), King Kong Bundy (past his prime), Yokozuna (decent), Fake Undertaker, Kama (Taker had to look out for his BSK buddy) and Mabel (injured Taker so bad that he had to wear the Phantom of the Opera Mask). Undertaker finally gets relief in 1996 when WWF/E signs veteran Cactus Jack who becomes Mankind. Taker FINALLY had someone who could bring the best out of him while he made someone else a star.

Featured Matches:
King of the Ring 1996
Summerslam 1996 (Boiler Room Brawl Match)
In Your House: Buried Alive
Survivor Series 1996
In Your House: Revenge of the Taker (WWF Championship)
KOTR 1998 (Hell In A Cell)



Edge:

Match Quality: 4/5
Storyline Quality: 8/10
Rivalry Rating: 8.5/10

Featured Matches:
Armageddon 2007 (Triple Threat vs. Batista for World Heavyweight Championship)
WrestleMania XXIV (World Heavyweight Championship)
Backlash 2008 (WHC)
Judgment Day 2008 (WHC)
One Night Stand 2008 (TLC Match for WHC)
Summerslam 2008 (HIAC)

This is a feud that will go down as an all-time great for both Undertaker and Edge. It all started in 2007 when Edge cashed in the MITB Briefcase on an injured Undertaker after his battle with Batista. Following the match, Mark Henry attacked the bloodied Taker before Edge cashed in and picked the bones of the Deadman with a Spear to capture the World Heavyweight Title. Like with John Cena, Edge cashed in on a bloodied Champion. Both cash-ins were highly significant and further elevated Edge's status as a conniving heel that would seek any opportunity to win. Edge and Taker would both get hit by the injury bug in between. At Survivor Series, Edge cost Taker the World Title against Batista. Their paths would cross along with Batista's at Armageddon where Edge defeated Taker and The Animal to win back the Title. After three months of ducking Taker, Edge had no choice but to finally face him at WrestleMania XXIV. It was an excellent choice for the Main Event, as Undertaker defeated Edge to not only maintain The Streak but to also recapture the WHC. The Deadman would defeat the Rated R Superstar in the following rematches from Backlash to Judgment Day. Vickie Guerrero would strip Taker of the Title for his use of "Hell's Gate". Edge would finally gain the upper hand in his specialty of TLC as he regained the World Heavyweight Title at One Night Stand. Two months later, Undertaker returns to defeat Edge at Summerslam in the first HIAC match of the PG Era. This was the final chapter in their rivalry. Edge found ways to bring the best out of himself and Taker when they danced together and vice versa. Clearly one of the best feuds towards the end of the Ruthless Aggression Era going into the PG Era.

Brock Lesnar:

Match Quality: 4/5
Storyline Quality: 8.5/10
Rivalry Rating: 8.5/10

Featured Matches:
Unforgiven 2002 (WWE Championship)
No Mercy 2002 (HIAC for WWE Championship)
No Mercy 2003 (Biker Chain Match for WWE Title)
WrestleMania XXX
Summerslam 2015
HIAC 2015

The feud started in 2002 when Brock was a rookie on an amazing rise to the Top of the WWE. Lesnar defeated The Rock for the WWE Title at Summerslam while demolishing other veterans in his path of destruction. His first challenger is none other than WWE Legend The Undertaker. This took place during Taker's Biker Era as he was the ultimate test for Brock to prove himself as Champion. They could have left Taker's family out of the storyline, but their first match did have a great buildup leading to their battle at Unforgiven. This match is criticized for ending in a no-contest, but it made sense a month later. Brock broke Taker's hand. Smackdown GM Stephanie McMahon declared The Undertaker as the number one contender for Brock's WWE Title at No Mercy. This led to their classic HIAC Match, which will forever go down as one of the best ever. The brutality was the story of the match as it was tailor made for Ruthless Aggression. It was the most gruesome Cell Match I have ever seen because I never saw Undertaker bleed like that before in his career. The story was about Brock being out of his element but digging deep down inside to overcome a Phenom like Taker in a match that UT himself made famous. Lesnar emerged victorious when he reversed Undertaker's Tombstone Piledriver into an F-5. This match brought a new meaning to "Crimson Mask". They would have a rematch at No Mercy 2003 in a Biker Chain Match, but it was not on the level of their No Mercy Match from the year prior. Brock would take a long absence from the WWE to make a name for himself in the UFC. Two years after Lesnar's return, their feud would reignite leading up to WrestleMania 30. On the 30th Anniversary of WrestleMania, the world witnessed the BIGGEST Surprise in all of the Wrestling world. Brock Lesnar BROKE THE STREAK. It became not only one of Undertaker's signature moments but a turning point for Brock's WWE Career since his return. This would seem like the final chapter in their saga. However, their feud would resurface again thanks to declining ratings. Undertaker cost Brock the WWE Title match at BattleGround. The next night on RAW, Brock and Taker would have a brawl at the start of the show as it would lead to their next match at Summerslam. The match told a great story but ended with Undertaker winning in controversial fashion. The score would be settled once and for all at HIAC. Brock would defeat Taker after a powerhouse battle inside of the Cell. I believe this is their very final encounter. Brock was a dance partner that humanized Undertaker. Brock and Taker dance do a different beat. This was far from Taker's battles with Shawn Michaels. These dances were filled with blood and war. Brock was never phased by Taker's aura and mind games. This was nothing but Old School brawling and warfare. Two beasts fighting to tear each other apart.

Triple H:

Match Quality: 4/5
Storyline Quality: 8.5/10
Rivalry Rating: 8/10

Featured Matches:
WrestleMania X-7
WrestleMania XXVII
WrestleMania XXVIII

Part of The Undertaker's legend centers around his longevity, rivalries and consistency as an upper card performer for well over 20 years. When it comes to the "End of An Era" it comes as a form of irony. Taker and Triple H were certainly pillars of the Attitude Era, but UT was already an established star before the Era started along with his previous WM opponent Shawn Michaels. This was not much of a feud in the beginning because when they had their first encounter, Undertaker was much higher in the pecking order as Trips was still Hunter Hearst Helmsley. When Undertaker feuded with Shawn Michaels, Triple H was merely a decoy that was not a real threat. Finally, Hunter would come into his own as the Leader of DX during the Attitude Era. After becoming a multi-time Champion, Triple H becomes a serious challenge for Taker going into WM X-7, in the Deadman's backyard of Houston. UT won in a great match that told it's story with the brawling. Taker goes 9-0 in the Biker Era. The Brothers of Destruction were supposed to have a feud with the Two Man Power Trip, but that was cut short thanks to The Game's injury. In the years to come, Taker and Trips would be the pillars for the Smackdown & RAW brands during the brand split Era. Taker was the anchor for Smackdown while Triple H was the anchor for RAW. Their paths would finally meet again after the retirement of Shawn Michaels following WrestleMania 26. Triple H would emerge as Undertaker's next challenge to Break The Streak. This time, they would be in the roles of part-time legends that would attract a crowd just in time for Mania. Shawn Michaels would also give his view on how he felt about Triple H challenging the Streak. At WrestleMania 27, Taker and Triple H would have the best match of the night, but that is not saying much considering how subpar that show was in WM History. Undertaker emerged victoriously, but had nothing to show for it as he was carried out on a stretcher after the match was over. Taker himself even admitted that his previous matches with Shawn Michaels took a lot out of him. With the way that it ended, it was underwhelming for Taker's standards. As a result, the stakes were raised even higher for their rematch at WrestleMania 28 by calling it the "End of an Era". This time, their match would be inside Hell In A Cell. As another bonus, Hunter's longtime friend Shawn Michaels was the Special Referee. The storytelling and quality were clearly better than their match at WM 27. Undertaker wins as the match has a much better conclusion. It wasn't really the "End of An Era" for their careers, but the last time they would feud together. When you compare these matches to Undertaker's masterpieces with Shawn Michaels, they fall relatively flat but still unique in their own way. The Game is clearly one of the best partners The Deadman has danced with on the Big Stage.

Randy Orton:

Match Quality: 3.5/5
Storyline Quality: 8.5/10
Rivalry Rating: 8/10

Featured Matches:
WrestleMania 21
Summerslam 2005
No Mercy 2005
Armageddon 2005

When Randy Orton was "The Legend Killer" he defeated and attacked a number of legendary stars in wrestling. Orton defeated the likes of Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair, Mick Foley, Sgt. Slaughter and RVD. He also spits in the faces of NWA legend Harley Race and the aforementioned Foley. He even gave Fabulous Moolah the RKO. He also gave Jake Roberts the RKO. If those feats don't qualify you as a Legend Killer, what else will? Finally, Randall received the spark that he needed after losing the WHC to Triple H. "Superstar" Billy Graham told Orton that he needed to find a way to make a bigger name for himself. After the conversation with Graham was over, Orton held a magazine with The Undertaker on the front cover. That was the sign that Randy found the next Legend to target. In 2005, Randy would face the biggest Legend of his career The Undertaker himself. Heading into WM 21, Orton tried to pretend that he was not phased by Taker's mind games. However, The Deadman always found a way to throw him off of his game. The young Orton boldly challenged The Phenom to a match at WrestleMania 21. This was the first time where The Streak was faced with a real threat. Randy was in prime position to break the Streak nearly 10 years earlier. However out of respect, Randy declined. The match itself was easily one of the best on the card and was part of Taker turning the corner with his matches at Mania. When Orton did Taker's throat slash, he signaled the end. When RKO tried the Tombstone, Taker reversed it into his own Tombstone Piledriver for the win. UT & RKO would feud for the rest of the year, including a match at Summerslam where Randy's father helped him win. The feud would conclude at Armageddon when Taker vanquished Orton inside HIAC. This was the perfect example of a younger star going over even in a losing effort. Sometimes it is hard for younger talent to dance with more experienced talent, but Orton proved that he had what it took to dance with The Phenom.

Conclusion:

Shawn Michaels:

If Undertaker is Batman, you can make a strong case and say that Shawn Michaels is The Joker. On the other hand, you can say that HBK is the Luke Skywalker to Taker's Darth Vader. I was close to choosing Kane or Mankind as Undertaker's greatest dance partner. This was a very tough call. However, I believe that Undertaker danced better with Shawn because of how fluid he himself is at 6'10" 300 lbs. Their chemistry together in the ring is incredible when you match a Giant like UT with a smaller more versatile opponent like HBK. They made history with the first ever HIAC Match at Badd Blood. If not for Austin vs. Bret, this match would have been "Match of the Year" for 1997. Then, you factor in the fact that going into their first match at WM, Taker had never defeated Shawn which was another great twist to add with the Streak on the line. Then, you factor in the "Light vs. Darkness, Heaven vs. Hell" theme surrounding the feud and it made this even more of an epic battle. When it comes to WrestleMania, they were Jedi Masters of the Highest Order. Here is the best way to describe their battles. The Badd Blood Match was Episode 4 (A New Hope- Great introduction). WrestleMania XXV was Episode 5 (Empire Strikes Back- The Best of the Series) while WrestleMania 26 was Episode 6 (Return of the Jedi- The Conclusion). WrestleMania was clearly the best way to close the chapter on their feud. Shawn Michaels was Hard Rock, Undertaker was Heavy Metal. Taker and HBK danced to different genres of music, but they created classic hits when they danced together in the squared circle. Their clashes will forever be the stuff of legend. 

(Portrait Courtesy of Rob Schamberger. Follow on Twitter: @RobSchamberger, Instagram: @RobSchamberger)

Undertaker's Top 10 Matches:

1. Vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania XXV)

2. Vs. Shawn Michaels (Badd Blood 1997- HIAC)

3. Vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania XXVI- Career vs. Streak)

4. Vs. Mankind (KOTR 1998)

5. Vs. Triple H (WrestleMania XXVIII- End of an Era Match)

6. Vs. Edge (Summerslam 2008)

7. Vs. Mankind (In Your House: Buried Alive)

8. Vs. Brock Lesnar (No Mercy 2002)

9. Vs. Edge (WrestleMania XXIV)

10. Vs. Kane (WrestleMania XIV)

Undertaker: 25 Years of Destruction (Greatest Matches)

Over the Course of WWE History, there have been gimmicks that have come and have fallen. Many fell victim to the changing times in an industry that is constantly evolving. However, there is one gimmick that has been able to adapt with the forever changing landscape. There is one character that is able to whether the different storms that have come against wrestling while still standing strong. That legend is the Undertaker. For 25 Years, The Phenom has seen it all and done it all. Recently, I purchased the Book "25 Years of Destruction". It is a great encyclopedia that chronicles the transcendent career of one of the wrestling world's iconic attractions. It stays true to Kayfabe form and is very comprehensive as it gives the blow by blow details on the Phenom's legacy and his influence on the landscape of wrestling as we know it today.

Western Mortician (1990-1994):

Undertaker made his debut at Survivor Series being accompanied by Brother Love as a mystery partner for Ted DiBiase's Million Dollar Team. He made an impact pretty much from the time that he walked in the door. The Deadman was very impressive in his debut, taking out Koko B. Ware and Anvil with his classic Tombstone Piledriver. By early 1991, Brother Love announced that he could no longer guide the career of the Undertaker. That night, he introduced the man that would forever be linked to The Phenom, Paul Bearer. Undertaker and Paul Bearer were a perfect combination for each other. Paul's face was just as pale as Taker's. Plus, he carried an urn. Undertaker started his path of WrestleMania destruction by decimating Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka. During this period, Taker would also end his matches by placing his opponents in body bags. In the Spring of 1991, Undertaker would feud with Ultimate Warrior. The most significant moment of the feud came when Undertaker stuffed Warrior inside of a casket. Many thought Warrior was actually dead. That shows the impact of a character like The Undertaker. He would also align himself with Jake "The Snake" as Roberts feuded simultaneously with both Warrior and Randy Savage. At Survivor Series, Undertaker surprised everyone by defeating Hulk Hogan for the WWF Championship. However, The Undertaker surprised everyone when he stopped Jake "The Snake" from attacking Savage and Liz with a chair. Roberts asked him what side he was on. Taker answered "Not yours". This would change the perception of Undertaker from being an ominous villain to a protective figure that the fans would soon love and respect. Undertaker would vanquish Jake at WrestleMania VIII. During this time, Undertaker would start to refine his look. He would go from having a mullet to growing his hair out to make him look even more mysterious. Taker would then feud with Harvey Wippleman's henchmen such as Kamala and Giant Gonzalez. These were not quite the best dance partners for Undertaker, but he made the most out of what was fed to him. At Survivor Series, Undertaker dominated Kamala in the first-ever Casket Match. Taker would run into a roadblock with Giant Gonzalez in what would be the worst match of the Streak at WM IX. However, The Phenom put the Giant away once and for all at Summerslam '93. At the 1994 Royal Rumble, Undertaker challenged Yokozuna for the WWF Championship in a Casket Match. Yoko was known for having a fear of Caskets, which played right into Taker's advantage. When the Phenom was on the verge of putting the 550+ pound champion in the Casket, Crush, Adam Bomb, Diesel and others attacked Undertaker and put him in the Casket to help Yoko win the match. However, this would not be the last of the Undertaker. 

Highlights:

WWF Debut at Survivor Series

WrestleMania debut: 

Undertaker made his WrestleMania debut at WrestleMania VII, where he made short work of Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka. 

Feud with Ultimate Warrior

Survivor Series 1991: Defeated Hulk Hogan for WWF Championship

WrestleMania VIII: Defeated Jake "The Snake" Roberts

Royal Rumble 1994: Casket Match vs. Yokozuna for WWF Championship

Deadman Rises (1994-1996):

Undertaker emerged from his grave just in time for Summerslam to battle Ted DiBiase's counterfeit version of the Undertaker. He claimed that his Taker was the real version he claimed responsibility for introducing the Deadman to the WWF in 1990. Paul Bearer did not believe Ted's claim to have the real Undertaker. Bearer had been around Undertaker long enough to know who he really was, and he could tell the difference between the original and the imposter. Paul brought his Undertaker to battle DiBiase's Undertaker at Summerslam. The Real Undertaker returned at Summerslam, but with purple gloves and the purple tie as opposed to his traditional black and gray combination. Taker's appearance took on a better quality with darker hair, a goatee, more tattoos and even paler than before. The two Takers started the match staring each other down. The match told a great story as Undertaker conquered his counterfeit counterpart with the Tombstone Piledriver for the win. He overcame the likes of Kama and King Kong Bundy from the Million Dollar Corporation. After conquering Diesel, Undertaker was faced with an opponent whose gameplan he was not prepared for. That opponent was Mankind. Undertaker was wounded both physically and psychologically. Never before had an opponent gained a mental edge on Undertaker until Mankind came on the scene. To make things worse, Paul Bearer betrayed Undertaker at Summerslam.

Highlights:

Defeated Yokozuna in a Casket Match (Survivor Series 1994)

Defeated Diesel (WrestleMania XII)

Started feud with Mankind

Introduced the Buried Alive Match

Defeated Mankind (Buried Alive 1996)

 Lord of Darkness (1997-98):

By the start of 1997, Undertaker would dawn a new look. He would do away with the traditional image that fans have associated with him (Mortician) into a much more gothic image. He would sport a black v neck with black spandex along with black crosses. Instead of the classic gloves, he would exchange those for black leather gloves with holes for the fingers. Instead of the classic Undertaker black trenchcoat, he would wear a long black leather sleeveless robe. Taker would also get rid of the hat. However, Undertaker would bring back his classic attire for a special occasion at WrestleMania 13. The Streak was not even a topic of conversation at the time, WM 13 was the first time that Undertaker was in the Main Event during his WrestleMania career. To celebrate, Taker wore the gray gloves and tie for this special moment. That night, he defeated Psycho Sid to capture his second WWF Championship in six years. The match was not among Taker's best, but the moment where he held the belt high was more than enough. This period was when Undertaker enjoyed his longest title reign as WWF Champion from WrestleMania 13 to Summerslam. As Champion, Taker would fight off challengers from Stone Cold Steve Austin, Vader, and others such as a young Hunter Hearst Helmsley. In May 1997, Paul Bearer attempted to rejoin with Undertaker by using an ultimatum of revealing a "deep, dark secret" about his past involving his brother Kane. Taker was troubled with this secret for months as he continued to feud with Bearer. In July, Undertaker defeated Vader in a Casket Match. He would ultimately lose the WWF Title to Bret Hart at Summerslam after Special Referee Shawn Michaels nailed him with the steel chair. Shawn promised to call the match down the middle, because he said that if he did not, then he would not wrestle in the United States anymore. Bret Hart made a similar promise. Taker already had his hands full with the news about Kane, but he had another problem to deal with as this started a feud with him and Shawn. Michaels himself had problems with Bret, and he made another enemy out of Undertaker. When the fans thought they could present sympathy to Shawn, they were wrong. HBK admitted that he meant to hit Taker with the chair. This led to Undertaker challenging Shawn Michaels to the first ever Hell In A Cell Match at Badd Blood 1997. This match was made to determine the number 1 contender for Bret Hart's WWF Championship. The match was absolute warfare and was another revolutionary element of wrestling history from both Taker and Shawn. Just as Taker was ready to put the final nail in the coffin for HBK at the end of the match, Kane arrives with Paul Bearer. The Big Red Machine rips the door off of the cell and climbs into the ring to stare down his older brother. Kane gives Taker a Tombstone Piledriver so that HBK would pick up the win. Undertaker had two feuds running at the same time. Taker would challenge HBK for the WWF Title at the Royal Rumble in a Casket Match. It seemed as though Kane was on his brother's side against DX. However, that was not the case as The Big Red Machine costs The Deadman the Championship. After the match, Kane locked him in the casket and set it ablaze. When the casket lid was reopened, The Undertaker disappeared. Two months later, he returned and decided to fight Kane at WrestleMania. Undertaker defeated Kane at WM XIV and once again at Unforgiven in an Inferno Match. Undertaker would also rekindle his feud with Mankind as he defeated him at King of the Ring in an HIAC (Hell In A Cell Match). He would also win the World Tag Titles with Stone Cold. He would also challenge Austin for the WWF Title at Summerslam. Taker would later join with Kane to form the Brothers of Destruction as they would both challenge Austin for the Title.

Highlights:

Defeated Psycho Sid for the WWF Championship at WrestleMania 13

Started feud with Shawn Michaels

Wrestled in first ever HIAC (Badd Blood '97)

Started feud with Kane

Defeated Kane at WrestleMania XIV

Defeated Mankind at King of the Ring '98

Ministry of Darkness (1999):

By 1999, Undertaker's character took on an even more sinister twist than before. He became more of a cult-like leader of a group called the "Ministry of Darkness". This version of Taker was known for some very infamous moments in WWF/E History. First, he hung Stone Cold on his Undertaker symbol as if he was crucifying Austin. This moment put WWF in very hot water with the media. Parents and others were outraged because it was a very controversial moment. As times became edgier, so did Undertaker. You can't talk about the "Attitude Era" and not bring up how much controversy they created. He hung the Big Boss Man with a hangman's noose after he defeated him in a Hell In A Cell Match at WrestleMania XV. Taker also abducted Stephanie before Stone Cold saved her. During this time, Undertaker defeated Stone Cold to win his third WWF Championship. He would also team with Big Show to win the Tag Titles from The Rock & Sock Connection. 

Highlights:

Defeated Stone Cold Steve Austin for the WWF Championship

Won WWF Tag Titles with Big Show

The Biker Era (2000-2003):

The Undertaker made his long awaited return to the WWF at Judgment Day 2000. Only this time, he returned in a way that was non-traditional of the legendary gimmick. In the middle of the Ironman match between The Rock vs. Triple H for the WWF Title, The Undertaker arrives on a motorcycle blasting Kid Rock's music. The fans explode with cheers as Taker clears the ring with Chokeslams and a new finishing move called The Last Ride. Instead of the typical Undertaker ring attire that signified death, The Phenom wore sunglasses, jeans, a scarf and a leather jacket while riding Harley Davidsons. At this time, Undertaker started to talk more. He claimed that he would make his opponents "famous". This was closer to Mark than Undertaker. Not only did he become more humanized but he also put on some extra weight to be honest. During his matches, Taker would wrestle in jeans or leather pants. He would also start to wear the larger black gloves similar to the gloves that they wear in UFC. This would fit in line with Taker being more of a brawler. This version of Undertaker gets mixed reviews. Not my favorite version, but I along with others prefer this over the Ministry version of Taker. During this phase, Undertaker wrestled in the 6-man HIAC Match at Armageddon. He also defeated Triple H at WrestleMania X7. Undertaker would also make Diamond Dallas Page another notch on his belt during the time of the Invasion of WCW/ECW. The Brothers of Destruction would win the WCW Tag Team Titles during the Invasion as they helped Team WWF defeat The Alliance. After the Invasion, Undertaker returned in his Biker form, but as a heel. He would also cut his traditionally long hair. Taker defeated RVD at Vengeance for the Hardcore Title before losing it in February 2002. This version of Undertaker was known as "Big Evil" as he went everywhere demanding respect. Undertaker attacked The Rock and nailed him with a Tombstone on a car backstage. Ric Flair tried to reason with Taker but only made things worse. Undertaker attacked David Flair, which drove Flair past his limit. Flair challenged Big Evil to a match at WrestleMania 18. Undertaker would win as he pummeled the Nature Boy, closing the match with the Tombstone Piledriver to extend his streak to 10-0. Undertaker would defeat Steve Austin at Backlash to become the number 1 contender for Hulk Hogan's Undisputed WWE Championship. At Judgment Day, Undertaker defeated Hulk Hogan to become a four-time WWE Champion. This was the second time Taker defeated Hogan for the Title. The first time was 11 years earlier at Survivor Series. Much like their first match, Taker won with interference. Only this time, it was from Vince McMahon. Taker would hold the title until Vengeance where he lost to The Rock in a Triple Threat Match involving Kurt Angle. After losing the title, Undertaker would find a new rival in the rising phenomenon known as Brock Lesnar. Taker challenged Lesnar for the WWE Title. After their Match at Unforgiven went to a no-contest, Taker and Brock took things inside of the Cell at No Mercy. Their match was a bloodbath with Lesnar winning to retain the title. Taker would close out this gimmick with a Buried Alive Match vs. Vince McMahon at Survivor Series. When Taker had the win in the palm of his hands, in typical little brother fashion Kane interferes. 

Highlights:

Defeated Triple H at WrestleMania 17

Won WCW Tag Titles with Kane

Helped Team WWF defeat The Alliance

Defeated RVD for Hardcore Title

Defeated Hulk Hogan for WWE Championship

2004-Present:

After losing the Buried Alive Match at Survivor Series 2003, The Undertaker resurfaced at the 20th Anniversary of WrestleMania (WM XX) on March 20, 2004, at Madison Square Garden. That night, he gained his revenge on Kane, as he defeated his younger brother with the Tombstone Piledriver for the second time on the grandest stage of them all. Taker returned in Deadman form, as he made his entrance with the classic druids. This version of Undertaker has become a hybrid of the classic Taker gimmick mixed with the Biker because he still does the Last Ride. Early on, he also wore the leather pants like the Biker version. Over time, Undertaker has added new weapons to his arsenal of moves. With the inspiration of UFC/MMA, Undertaker has added a Submission hold to his repertoire (Hell's Gate). It is similar to the Triangle Holds in UFC. After defeating Kane, Undertaker would feud with the likes of Booker T, The Dudley Boyz, and JBL throughout 2004. A new, hungry young challenger would look to make a name for himself at the expense of Killing a Legend like Undertaker. That young man's name was Randy Orton. In 2005, Randy Orton was hungry to prove himself and to prove to WWE that he was truly a Legend Killer. From Sgt. Slaughter to Shawn Michaels Cactus Jack to Ric Flair, Randy defeated them all. Now, his biggest test stood in the form of the 6-10 300 lb mythic giant known as The Undertaker. Randy would do his best to show that he was not intimidated by Taker's famous mind games. Orton even gave Jake Roberts the RKO to show that he was ready for Undertaker. At WrestleMania 21, Randy put up a great fight but was killed by the Legend of the Undertaker. Orton would become another statistic of the Streak. Randy would feud with Taker for the rest of the year until the Deadman defeated him at Armageddon to settle the score. Undertaker would also defeat Mark Henry in a Casket Match at WrestleMania 22. In 2007, The Undertaker accomplished something that he had never done before during his illustrious career in WWE. He won the Royal Rumble. Taker drew number 30 and finished as one of the final two men in the Rumble with Shawn Michaels. The fans enjoyed a mini match between them before Taker sent his long-time rival over the top rope. Undertaker was on his way to WrestleMania, as he decided to challenge Batista for the World Heavyweight Title. At WrestleMania 23, Undertaker defeated Batista in a very intense battle to become WHC (World Heavyweight Champion). This was the first time in 10 years that Undertaker left WrestleMania as a Champion, the first time being WrestleMania 13. During this time, Undertaker became the Cornerstone for Smackdown, making him one of the feature stars with the likes of Edge, Batista, and Randy Orton. The quality of his matches greatly improved, especially at WrestleMania. UT and Batista feuded throughout the year over the WHC. When Taker defeated Batista in a Steel Cage Match on Smackdown for the WHC, Edge cashed in his MITB Briefcase on a wounded Deadman. Edge speared Taker to win the Title. Undertaker transitioned from feuding with Batista to feuding with The Rated R Superstar. Taker defeated Edge to regain the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania 24 to close the show. Their feud would come to a close at Summerslam, where Undertaker defeated The Ultimate Opportunist in a Hell In A Cell Match. After finishing off his feud with Edge, Undertaker turned his sights to long-time rival Shawn Michaels. They continued what they started in the late '90s. Only this time, the stakes were higher. This was a battle of who was the bigger WrestleMania Legend as Shawn Michaels stepped up to the plate to battle the Streak in a War of Light vs. Darkness. UT and HBK delivered back to back classic WrestleMania Matches as Taker was victorious in both while he sent HBK into retirement at WM XXVI. Taker would feud with Shawn's long-time friend Triple H in back to back WM matches including an HIAC Match at WM XXVIII (End of an Era) with HBK as the Referee. Taker would also defeat CM Punk at WM 29 to defend the honor of Paul Bearer. At WM XXX, the Streak came to a crashing end at the hands of Brock Lesnar. Taker would take a hiatus only to return at WM XXXI to defeat Bray Wyatt before returning to his business with Brock Lesnar. Taker's feud with Brock would pick up again when he cost Lesnar a chance to win the title at Battleground. Undertaker would defeat Brock at Summerslam before Lesnar would defeat him for the last time at Hell In A Cell. The Brothers of Destruction teamed up to defeat the Wyatt Family at Survivor Series. This looks like Taker's farewell. Much like Shawn Michaels, this has been a time where Undertaker has produced some of the best matches of his career.

Highlights:

Defeated Kane at WM XX

Feuded with Randy Orton

Defeated Randy Orton (WM 21)

Won Royal Rumble 2007

Defeated Batista for WHC at WM 23

Feuded with Batista

Feuded with Edge

Defeated Edge at WM 24

Defeated Shawn Michaels at WM XXV & XXVI

Defeated Triple H at WM XXVII & XXVIII

Defeated CM Punk at WM XXIX

Feuded with Brock Lesnar 

Innovator:

Undertaker's influence goes beyond his WrestleMania Streak. Taker was an innovator when it came to Specialty Matches. His gimmick introduced Casket Matches, Buried Alive Matches, Boiler Room Brawl, Inferno Matches and HIAC.

Casket Matches:
vs. Kamala (Survivor Series 1992)
vs. Yokozuna (Royal Rumble 1994)
vs. Yokozuna (Survivor Series 1994)
vs. Kama (In Your House- 7/23/95)
vs. Kama (Summerslam 1995)
vs. King Mabel (Seasons Beatings)
vs. Goldust (Beware of the Dog)
vs. Vader (7/21/97)
vs. Shawn Michaels (Royal Rumble 1998)
vs. Kane (10/19/98)
vs. The Rock (5/17/99)
vs. Heidenreich (Royal Rumble 2005)
vs. Randy Orton (No Mercy 2005)
vs. Mark Henry (WrestleMania 22)

Buried Alive Matches:
vs. Mankind (Buried Alive 1996)
vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin (Rock Bottom 1998)
w/Big Show vs. Rock & Sock Connection (RAW 9/9/99)
vs. Vince McMahon (Survivor Series 2003)
vs. Kane (Bragging Rights 2010)

Inferno Matches:
vs. Kane (Unforgiven 1998)
vs. Kane (RAW)

Boiler Room Brawl Matches:
vs. Mankind (KOTR 1996)

HIAC Matches:
vs. Shawn Michaels (Badd Blood 1997)
w/Stone Cold vs. Kane & Mankind (RAW 6/15/98)
vs. Mankind (KOTR 1998)
vs. Austin vs. Rock vs. Triple H vs. Kurt Angle vs. Rikishi (Armageddon 2000)
vs. Brock Lesnar (No Mercy 2002)
vs. Randy Orton (Armageddon 2005)
vs. Batista (Survivor Series 2007)
vs. Edge (Summerslam 2008)
vs. CM Punk (HIAC 2009)
vs. Kane (HIAC 2010)
vs. Triple H (WrestleMania 28)
vs. Brock Lesnar (HIAC 2015)

Title History:WWF Championship:11/27/91-12/3/913/23/97-8/3/975/23/99-6/28/995/19/02-7/21/02World Heavyweight Championship:4/1/07-5/11/073/30/08-5/2/0810/4/09-2/21/10World Tag Titles:7/26/98-8/10/988/22/99-8/30/999/9/99-9/20/9912/18/00-12/21/004/19/01-4/29/018/19/01-9/17/01WCW Tag Titles:8/9/01-9/27/01Hardcore Title:12/9/01-2/7/022007 Royal Rumble Winner




Undertaker has enjoyed some of the greatest matches and feuds in WWE History. In honor of his 25th Anniversary, I have compiled a list of his 25 Greatest Matches. They range from the quality of the match itself, the storyline surrounding the match and the significance involved. Ladies and Gentlemen, here are Undertaker's Top 25 Matches.

Top 25 Matches:
1. vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 25)
2. vs. Shawn Michaels (Badd Blood 1997)
3. vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 26)
4. vs. Triple H (WrestleMania 28)
5. vs. Kane (WrestleMania 14)
6. vs. Mankind (KOTR 1998)
7. vs. Edge (WrestleMania 24)
8. vs. Triple H (WrestleMania 27)
9. vs. Batista (WrestleMania 23)
10. Royal Rumble 2007
11. vs. Kurt Angle (No Way Out 2006)
12. vs. Bret Hart (Summerslam 1997)
13. vs. Edge (Summerslam 2008)
14. vs. Brock Lesnar (No Mercy 2002)
15. vs. CM Punk (WrestleMania 29)
16. vs. Hulk Hogan (Survivor Series 1991)
17. vs. Randy Orton (WrestleMania 21)
18. vs. Edge (One Night Stand 2008)
19. vs. Mankind (Boiler Room Brawl)
20. vs. The Rock vs. Kurt Angle (Vengeance 2002)
21. vs. Mankind (Buried Alive 1996)
22. vs. Brock Lesnar (HIAC 2015)
23.  Survivor Series Debut
24. vs. Diesel (WrestleMania XII)
25 vs. "Undertaker" (Summerslam 1994)

Undertaker has been one of the single most influential figures to ever step into a squared circle. He has changed the perception of Big Men in Wrestling. There was no other Big Man/Giant before him that wrestled the way that he did and accomplished what he did. The Phenom is a one of a kind character that will only be seen once in a lifetime. Enjoy it while you can, because we will never see another star like this again in our generation. As far as the Book, I would give it 5 out of 5 Undertaker WWF Championships. I would give it 10 Tombstone Piledrivers out of 10.

Undertaker: Phenomenal 50



Today, we will celebrate one of the wrestling's true icons reaching a tremendous milestone. Mark Calaway (aka The Undertaker) will become the big 5-0. 50! As the sun sets on the Undertaker's career, I would like to take the time to speak of how phenomenal (pun intended) and remarkable his legacy is to the world of wrestling. For the past 25 years, Undertaker has been a pillar for WWE, and the world of wrestling overall. After paying his dues in territories such as World Class along with a brief stint as Mean Mark in WCW, Taker joined WWF in November of 1990. From that point on, his career would never be the same. Undertaker made his monumental debut at Survivor Series joining the Million Dollar Man's Team with Brother Love as his manager. Taker and Brother Love were a very strong contrast, considering Bruce Pritchard's character was a parody of Televangelists in the South. Meanwhile, Undertaker was a mortician. However, the partnership would soon end as Brother Love introduced the man that would shape The Deadman's career into something even greater: Paul Bearer. In reality, Bearer actually was a mortician, so it was the perfect combination. What is really interesting is that when Taker was in World Class as Eric the Red, his first manager was Percy Pringle. Funny how things come full circle. Undertaker made waves from the moment that he made his debut, as he has been constantly in the top spot for the course of his whole career. His Survivor Series legacy started that night, and his WrestleMania legacy would start at WrestleMania VII. That night, he conquered Superfly Jimmy Snuka in convincing fashion. As history shows, Undertaker's debut was one of the highlights of WrestleMania VII. Taker would continue his impressive run throughout the year, including a feud with Ultimate Warrior that became the top feud of the year for PWI. During that summer, Taker was aligned with Jake The Snake Roberts. Undertaker continued to make a name for himself when he attacked Hulk Hogan in the legendary funeral parlor segment where he came out of the casket to nail Hogan in the back of the head with the urn, as both he and Flair attacked the Hulkster. Savage and Piper would run to the stage with chairs to fight off the Deadman, as this is one of the most memorable segments of history. Five legends in one segment. Undertaker's feud with Hogan would earn him a shot at the WWF Title at Survivor Series. A year after he made his debut as a member of DiBiase's team, Undertaker continues his Survivor Series legacy by defeating Hogan to become the new Champion. Fans even cheered for him, despite the fact that he was a heel. This was a sign that Taker was one of the leaders of the future. However, Taker would lose the title at Tuesday in Texas to Hogan resulting in a Royal Rumble to crown the champion. Taker would settle his feud with Jake The Snake at WrestleMania VIII, before feuding with Kamala. Taker would defeat Kamala at Survivor Series '92. Long before becoming a WrestleMania legend, Undertaker was a Survivor Series legend. After legends like Hogan and Andre faded off of the scene, Stars like Undertaker, Bret Hart, and Shawn Michaels would take the mantle of the company and they did not disappoint. Undertaker was able to make the best out what was given to him during those lean years where he did not have his best dance partners. It wasn't until 1996 that Undertaker's rivals started to improve, with the exception of Yokozuna. Undertaker's WrestleMania legacy started to improve with his match against Diesel at WrestleMania XII after Diesel cost him the WWF Title match with Bret at Royal Rumble '96. From that point moving forward, The Deadman would battle the likes of Mankind, Bret, HBK and later Austin. Undertaker's biggest WrestleMania moment to date at the time was winning the title from Sid at WM 13. He would carry the belt into Summerslam as he would lose to Bret Hart with a chair shot from Shawn Michaels. This match would create a number of effects, as Taker would feud with HBK while the feud with Shawn and Bret would culminate in Survivor Series. Meanwhile, the Deadman and HBK would create something fantastic at Badd Blood '97 with HIAC. This would transition into the storied feud with Kane. After Kane cost him another match with Shawn Michaels at Royal Rumble '98 (Casket Match), The Undertaker and Kane story would reach the pinnacle at WrestleMania XIV. If there was any point where Kane could have ended the Streak, it was at this time where Taker was in his prime. Undertaker would continue to be one of the key players on Team WWF during the Monday Night Wars. Ironically, Undertaker was one of the rejects of WCW and was made into a Megastar. In 2000, Undertaker made his return as he reinvented himself as a Biker. He would come to the ring on a motorcycle and jeans. Undertaker would continue competing at a high level, as he would compete in a 6-man HIAC match at Armageddon. He would also team with Kane as The Brothers of Destruction. Together, they would win the tag titles and play a major role in the Invasion storyline by wiping out teams like DDP and Kanyon. Undertaker's biker gimmick would develop even more of an edge in 2002 as he became a heel. He would defeat a legend like Ric Flair at WM X8, and an Icon like Hogan to win the WWE Championship on Judgment Day just as he did 11 years earlier at Survivor Series. Taker would drop the title to The Rock in a very entertaining Triple Threat Match that featured Kurt Angle. Undertaker would continue the Biker run until Survivor Series 2003 when he was Buried Alive by Kane. The Deadman would return at WM XX to defeat The Big Red Monster before becoming finding new life in the Ruthless Aggression Era as a cornerstone of the Smackdown Brand. Like Shawn Michaels, Undertaker would engage in the finest matches and feuds of his career from new faces like Randy Orton and Batista to freshly established main event stars such as Edge. Even though Taker would find himself in a few forgettable feuds here and there (Great Khali, Boogeyman) for the most part, his work overall was special. Lately, Taker would also clash with familiar faces such as Shawn Michaels and Triple H. Even though he has not been known to put over people the way that Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho have by losing, he has found ways to bring the best out of his dance partner. Kane greatly benefits from working with Taker. I would even say that Kane needs Undertaker more than Taker needs Kane. The Deadman can adapt from working with opponents of Batista to Shawn Michaels. It doesn't matter because he can tell a special story as a Big Man. Undertaker's WrestleMania dominance would come to an end at WrestleMania XXX at the hands of Brock Lesnar. Even though there were mixed reviews about it, the bottom line is that it created a whirlwind of attention. Now, Taker sets his sights on Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania 31. Taker's final resting place could be in Dallas at WrestleMania 32, which is the attraction that fans are waiting with great anticipation. We could potentially see his long awaited match with Sting to end a remarkable career. I would not be surprised to see Undertaker go into the Hall of Fame as the Headliner in Dallas before his last match, just like Ric Flair did the night before his last match with Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXIV. The Undertaker is a brand, and a marketing machine as his Streak was even more of a draw than the WWE Title or World Heavyweight Title. As we move closer into the future, it is time to think about the life of WWE without Undertaker. It may be hard to imagine, but Taker has left footprints that are too large to fill. In the process, Undertaker has become a 7-time World Champion, multi-time Tag Champion, 2007 Royal Rumble Winner, Match of the Year Award Winner, 5-Star Match Award Winner, and ushered in Casket Matches, HIAC Matches, along with Inferno and Boiler Room Matches. His consistency over a long period of time is remarkable, from a physical standpoint and a character standpoint. Vince McMahon has done very well in protecting The Undertaker's character by not making him too shallow, but at the same time not making him too much of a comedy character. Even though his debut may look cartoonish today, he brought a side that no one had ever seen before. Lately, Undertaker has become humanized as we have seen more pictures of him out of character with his wife Michelle McCool. This means that when it is time to say hello, it is time to say goodbye. The more access The Undertaker gives to his persona away from WWE, that is a sign that he is on his way out of the door. When The Undertaker calls it quits, his DVD Documentary and potential Autobiography would break records. I firmly believe that. Thank you, Undertaker, for all that you have given to the company and to the fans.