Omg! Omg! Omg!
After 7 long months of absence from WWE, The Deadman has returned to the squared circle in one of most spine-chilling moments in the 900-episode-long history of Smackdown.
“WrestleMania will no longer define who I am. I’m back, taking souls, and digging holes. Survivor Series was where the Undertaker was born, and SmackDown has always been my home,” proclaimed the 51-year-old; signalling that he may be making a full-time return to WWE active roster.
The Phenom also had a not-so-subtle message for the members of Team SmackDownLive who face Team Raw this Sunday at Survivor Series:
“Now, that brings me to the second reason I’m out here. At this year’s Survivor Series, there’s no reason to fear failure. But if you fail, you will have reason to fear the Deadman. Team Raw better rest in peace.”
Now we, at universo virtual, thought this was the perfect moment to share with you one of the many reasons of why The Undertaker is one of the, if not the greatest, wrestlers to have graced pro-wrestling in our generation – His epic performances in the ring.
While he has had hundreds of amazing matches, and literally millions of magical moments, in WWE, some matches do clearly rise a cut above the rest. Check out ten of his greatest WWE matches right here:
1. Undertaker v Stone Cold v Bret Hart Vader at Final Four in 1997
rockethideout.com
We begin more than half a decade after his debut, at 1997 at WWE In Your House’s Final Four PPV. The match involved 4 of all time greatest talents. Though Undertaker lost the match, it was an awesome show put on the by all. Stone Cold, was reportedly scheduled to win the title for the first time then, but he was sick with the flu and the title went to Bret who lost it the next day to Sid who gave it up to Taker at Wrestlemania 13.
2. The 1st Hell In A Cell Match v Shawn Michaels at Badd Blood in October 1997
The new concept coupled with animosity between Taker and Michaels was all set to turn this into a classic. Now add to it the never-before-seen brutality of the match and Kane’s debut – well this had to be on the list!
3. Taker Vs Kane in an Inferno Match at Unforgiven in 1998
When you have a brother like Kane, you definitely wish that you didn’t have one. And in just one year, the Taker-Kane feud – which would only intensify in years to come – has reached a volcanic boil. The result is this Inferno match where the ring was surrounded by flames. The epic highlight includes the Phenom flying over flames onto Kane on the outside of the ring. E.P.I..C spelt out in flames!!!
4. Taker vs Mankind inside Hell In A Cell at King Of The Ring in 1998
You knew this was coming. You know why it’s here. Enuf said!
5. A Six Man Hell In A Cell Match – Taker v Kurt Angle, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and Rikishi at Armageddon in 2000
What Mankind could do, Rikishi can do worse + other major stars delivering an epic. The Undertaker had amazing fun in this one and so did the fans.
6. Taker vs Brock Lesnar inside Hell In A Cell at No Mercy 2002
If you remember Brock’s first foray into the WWE – when he used to be the ‘Next Big Thing’ and not the ‘Beast’ – then you will understand why this was an important match. It legitimised Brock’s threat, beating the big-dog in his own house; inside a cell. This match was not just an epic- it was a milestone for WWE.
7. Taker v Jeff Hardy in a Ladder Match on Raw in 2002
Yes, the phenom took on the master of Ladder matches in a title match on RAW in 2002. One where Jeff almost made himself the champion but surely made himself the man. The match was gruesome, had some tough spots and is till date one of the best RAW main events. The way Undertaker showed his respect to Hardy after the match cemented him as a main-eventer in pro-wrestling circles.
8. Taker v Edge at SummerSlam in 2008
Edge and Taker had three amazing matches in that year including a Wrestlemania main event and a TLC match. But for me, this will forever be the epic of the lot. Edge -at his prime – threw everything at the Deadman and still lost. Remember that chokeslam from the top of a ladder into the depths of hell or the ring!
9. Taker v Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania 26 in 2010
HBK wanted to do what he couldn’t accomplish the last time around and for that, he put his career on the line. One of the greatest feuds in wrestling history ended in a masterclass for all generations. This was truly a showcase of immortals and the streak survived while the career was over!
10. Taker v Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania 25 in 2009
One of the best matches I have seen ever. Storytelling at it’s finest. highlights and spots galore. The greatest match on Wrestlemania stage ever was courtesy of Mr Wrestlemania and the deadman. This was so good even they couldn’t repeat it ever. Even Triple H tried and failed – twice!
It’s impossible, to sum up, this legendary career in a list, but these are legitimate contenders for the top ten. If you think we missed any deserving candidates , we know we must have, do let us know @universo virtual!