Photo courtesy/Undertaker
The Undertaker maintained his status as an all-time champion as the best and most menacing performer in professional wrestling for thirty continuous years. The Undertaker established his wrestling career through his spine-chilling Survivor Series Debut of 1990 by ending his career with an emotional closure at Survivor Series 2020, solidifying his position as a defining force within WWE.
The Birth of The Phenom
WWE fans first saw The Undertaker during his debut as Mark Calaway when Ted DiBiase presented him with the Million Dollar Team in 1990. Through his commanding height, sinister arrival, and paranormal character, he solidified his position in WWE after only 1 year when he defeated Hulk Hogan to win the WWF Championship at Survivor Series 1991.
Photo courtesy/Undertaker
The Streak: An Unparalleled Feat
With his 21 consecutive WrestleMania victories, The Undertaker established an unmatched streak, one of his most significant accomplishments. The Undertaker fought Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Kane, Edge, and CM Punk during his successful WrestleMania run. The WrestleMania Streak ended when Brock Lesnar defeated The Undertaker in 2014 at WrestleMania 3,0, which astonished the entire wrestling community.
Rivalries and Character Evolution
Throughout his career, The Undertaker evolved, reinventing his character to stay relevant:
- Deadman Era (1990s-2004) – The original grim reaper-like persona, complete with dark robes, funeral bells, and supernatural elements.
- Ministry of Darkness (1998-1999) – A darker, cult-like version that pushed boundaries with his storytelling.
- American Badass (2000-2003). – A biker persona showcasing a more humanized side of The Undertaker.
- Return of the Deadman (2004-2020) – A hybrid version that combined all aspects of his previous iterations, cementing his status as an immortal icon.
Iconic Matches and Moments
- Hell in a Cell vs. Mankind (King of the Ring 1998) – A brutal match that saw Mick Foley thrown off the top of the cell, becoming one of the most famous moments in WWE history.
- Casket Match vs. Yokozuna (Royal Rumble, 1994) – An unforgettable match where multiple superstars interfered, leading to one of the most dramatic moments of his career.
- End of an Era vs. Triple H (WrestleMania 28) – A match that symbolized the close of a legendary chapter, refereed by Shawn Michaels inside Hell in a Cell.
Photo courtesy/Undertaker
The Farewell and Hall of Fame Induction
The Undertaker initiated his WWE retirement at Survivor Series in 2020 after spending three decades with the promotion at the same venue where he first appeared. The WWE Hall of Fame welcomed The Undertaker in 2022 to acknowledge his position as a superhero wrestler among all-time legends.
Photo courtesy/Undertaker
The Legacy Lives On
The Undertaker maintains his influence even outside WWE match competition. His unique approach to work, strong professional standing, and talent for transformation make The Undertaker an eternal role model for upcoming wrestlers. His approach to matchesStartPosition, past clashes with wrestlers, and his focus on WWE narratives ensure that his contributions to wrestling are unmatched in history.
The Deadman may have left active competition, but his eternal influence reigns.
