For more than two decades, The Deadman has loomed over the WWE landscape like a menacing shadow, spelling out doom for those who dare cross him. Imbued with seemingly mystical abilities and preternatural in-ring ability, The Undertaker is a WWE great in a class by himself, and no list of legends would be complete without him. First introduced at 1990’s Survivor Series, The Phenom debuted as the fi
nal member of Ted DiBiase’s “Million Dollar Team.” It wasn’t long before he began to battle with Hulk Hogan, then at the top of the food chain in WWE. No one was too big and no one was safe from his gloved grip. A multiple WWE and World Heavyweight Champion, a six-time tag team titleholder and a Royal Rumble winner in 2007, Undertaker’s accomplishments in WWE have cemented his place among the greatest in the game. But it is one achievement that stands out above all others; one that is likely never to be topped. Since Tombstoning “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka at WrestleMania VII in 1991, Undertaker has enjoyed a winning streak at The Show of Shows that stands at an astounding 21-0. Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Randy Orton, Kevin Nash and many more have fallen at The Deadman’s hand, leaving the WWE Universe to believe that this record will perhaps never be blemished for the rest of time. After appearing at a WWE Live Event, the WWE Universe was abuzz, wondering if The Phenom would compete at WrestleMania 29. At “Old School” Raw, The Undertaker ended all speculation, appearing at the beginning of the show intent on extending his unprecedented streak. CM Punk earned the opportunity to face The Deadman on The Grandest Stage of Them All and the rivalry quickly escalated when Punk interrupted The Undertaker’s tribute to the late Paul Bearer. The Second City Saint stole Bearer’s trademark urn in the ultimate display of disrespect and continued to taunt and infuriate The Undertaker with the vessel, carelessly juggling it as if it were a toy. In a final attempt to mentally disassemble The Phenom, Paul Heyman dressed as Paul Bearer — allowing CM Punk to strike. The Straight Edge Superstar mercilessly attacked The Deadman using the urn before emptying its contents all over The Undertaker. At WrestleMania, the two rivals finally met in a physically intense matchup that saw Punk kick out of a devastating Tombstone before The Deadman buried his opponent to remain undefeated on The Grandest Stage of Them All. The night after WrestleMania 29, The Phenom prepared to address the WWE Universe when The Shield surrounded the legendary Superstar. However, the treacherous trio retreated when Kane and Daniel Bryan came to The Deadman's aid. The Phenom joined forces with Team Hell No and battled The Shield on Raw from London but Reigns, Ambrose and Rollins emerged victorious. On SmackDown, The Deadman battled Dean Ambrose in his first SmackDown match in three years. The Phenom was successful, but was brutally assaulted by The Shield after the contest. A true, in-ring pioneer, The Undertaker has also been part of many WWE firsts, including the inaugural Hell in a Cell Match in October 1997, the first-ever Casket Match at Survivor Series 1992 and the first-ever Buried Alive match in 1996. In the face of all challenges, The Phenom has risen stronger and mightier than ever, serving as sports-entertainment’s grim reaper of justice — his name permanently etched like an epitaph on the history books of WWE. It seems that no grave can hold him; no god will claim him and no devil will have him. In the end, there can only be one suitable resting place for the almighty Deadman: the WWE Hall of Fame.
