The Undertaker
Weighing in at 299 pounds and standing at a foreboding 6 foot 10 inches, dressed in black leather with an Amish style funerary hat “to cap it off,” the Undertaker is without doubt the most intimidating presence in both the WWE and the wrestling world on a whole. Couple this with the most impressive, fearful and recognisable entrance in wrestling history, and you have the “phenom” who is the Icon of professional wrestling, the Undertaker.
The Undertaker is Born
Before WWF/WWE, Mark Calaway, AKA the Undertaker, was known as Mean Mark Callus in WCW. When WCW didn’t renew his contract, he was signed by Vince McMahon in 1990. Apparently at first Vince told Mark that he didn’t have anything for him at that time, within a month, whilst Mark was sitting at home late one night, he received a phone call from the Chairman of what was at the time WWF. On answering the phone Vince said, “Is that the Undertaker?” to which Mark replied, “yes it is,” from then on Mark Calaway became the Undertaker. One can only imagine the regret that the WCW bosses felt in hindsight at losing such a future icon.
The Undertaker’s WWF/WWE Debut
The Undertaker made his televised debut at the Survivor Series in 1990, as the mystery partner in the Million Dollar Man, Ted Dibiase’s Team. His outfit was modelled on that of a western mortician and he was impervious to pain; this was accomplished by his unchanging “poker face,” and his non selling of his opponent’s attacks. In the Survivor Series match, he eliminated Koko B Ware and Dusty Rhodes, giving us the first look at what was to become his signature move, the Tombstone Piledriver. Although counted out of the match, his debut was a huge success and his persona went over exactly as planned, he certainly garnered the most attention of the evening. On an interesting note, after the Survivor Series, WWF/WWE shortened his name to simply the Undertaker, he had been previously known as Kane the Undertaker.
Paul Bearer
Shortly after the Survivor Series, the Undertaker dropped his manager, Brother Love, for what would become perhaps the greatest manager/wrestler combination of all time – he joined with his long time manager Paul Bearer. Bearer cut a ghostly figure and brought with him “the urn,” which would become the source of both the Undertaker’s power and many a feud with those who tried to steal it. It was also Paul Bearer who would turn on the Undertaker and bring his long lost brother, the Big Red Monster, Kane, into the fray.
Early WWF/WWE Career
In his early career the Undertaker feuded, fought, lost to, and defeated some of the all time greats of wrestling, including, Jake the Snake Roberts, the Ultimate Warrior and Sergeant Slaughter. He defeated Hulk Hogan for his first WWE Championship reign at the 1991 Survivor Series, 1 year after his debut. His reign was short lived, but the very fact that he defeated Hogan was a shock for the WWF/WWE fans and cemented his place at the top of the pile.
The Undertaker’s Wrestlemania Undefeated Streak, 18 – 0
Almost as mythic as the Undertaker himself is, his legendary undefeated winning streak at Wrestlemania, an impressive 18 wins with no defeats. His first victory was against WWE Hall of Fame member, Superfly Jim Snuka at Wrestlemania 7. Since then he has dispatched every opponent in his way including his brother Kane twice, the Big Boss Man, King Kong Bundy, Ric Flair, Triple H and, most recently, Mr Wrestlemania himself Shawn Michaels, in two epic confrontations.
The Undertaker in WWE
Throughout his 2 decades in the WWE, the Undertaker has always been at the forefront of every movement within the company. He has never slipped from the main event status he has always enjoyed, having legendary confrontations throughout the Attitude Era, against the likes of DX, his long time ally/adversary Kane, Stonecold Steve Austin and the Rock to name just a few.
American Badass
During what Jim Ross has described as “the evolution of the Undertaker,” there have been some changes to his personality. The occult figure went to new depths when he formed the Ministry of Darkness towards the end of the millennium, taking his evil character to new levels. The biggest change occurred when he returned from a short hiatus as the American Badass. This character seems to have been a change away from the Undertaker to the actual Mark Calaway. He would enter the ring on a “hog,” motorcycle, and his in-ring costume changed to that of a biker. He became quite human. The Undertaker has since returned to the Deadman persona due to interference from his brother, the Big Red Machine Kane, and though not quite as dark or inhuman as he once was, this is the persona that really makes him what he is and has been – a “Phenom.”
The Undertaker, Present
Presently the Undertaker has once again come to blows with his on-screen brother Kane. Although these two have feuded time and again throughout the years, it seems to be a formulaic that never gets old. It also seems beneficial to Kane, whose best work has always been accomplished either at his brother’s side in the Brothers of Destruction, or fighting against him.
The Undertaker’s Future
Having ended the career of Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania 26, the Undertaker is one of the few remaining greats of the old days. The physical demands made upon him do seem to have been taking their toll in recent years, with his knees being a topic of concern. But there seems to be no stopping the Deadman, as he continues to destroy all who come before him. However, it can only be a matter of time before the Undertaker’s gong will sound for the final time, something no one wants to see/hear happen, but it is inevitable. Whether he will finally lose at Wrestlemania is a source of much discussion amongst fans and critics. It would certainly be the ultimate put over for a fellow wrestler, but keeping “the streak” intact would certainly reinforce his place in wrestling history. The Undertaker’s place is already assured; he is without doubt the most enduring and iconic wrestler of our times and will no doubt soon be taking his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame.