The Top Ten 4.17.07: Undertaker Matches
Posted by Julian Williams on 04.17.2007
We celebrate The Deadman's latest title reign by looking back at some of his most memorable matches against the likes of Giant Gonzalez, King Kong Bundy and The Great Khali. Wait, don't leave, I'm only kidding!
What the hell is wrong with people nowadays where you would randomly kill 25+ people for no reason? I'm sure you all know about the Virginia Tech shootings by now and everytime I hear about a school shooting like this, it makes me very sad. How gutless and pathetic do you have to be to open fire on a group of defenseless people in a classroom? I don't care if you were picked on, I don't care if you got an F in a class, I don't care if the class gangbanged your grandma, there is NO EXCUSE for such a heinous act. Sorry to begin the column on such a somber note, but it's something that I wanted to touch on since I know people that go to VT and I hear how it has affected them and I can only imagine how the families of those that were killed must be doing. My prayers definitely go out to them.
Welcome back to another edition of The Top Ten good people. I am your friendly, neighborhood list-maker Julian and this week we're going to look at The Top Ten Undertaker Matches. I believe that The Undertaker may be one of the most underrated superstars in history as people love to shit on him, but if you check his resume, he has had some absolutely classic matches. This is going to be a quick one this week as I'm typing this one up pretty late so there wont be any reader feedback or additional commentary, but they'll both be back next week. Ok bitches, list time.
The Top Ten Undertaker Matches
Honorable Mention: The Undertaker vs. Mankind (Buried Alive '96)
This was the first ever Buried Alive match and in all honesty, it was the only good one. It was just hard-hitting action all throughout. Both men delivered and took some of the sickest chairshots I've ever seen. ‘Taker put on his moon boots for this one as he not only did a dive off of the top rope onto the floor, but also dived over the steel railing onto Mankind. The brutality continued throughout the match as The Undertaker slammed steel steps into the back of Mankind as well as chokeslammed him into the gravesite. The Undertaker eventually won the match by covering Mankind with a thin sheet of dirt, but once the ref tried to stop him, UT knocked him out and continued covering Mankind. The Executioner then made his debut and knocked The Undertaker out with a shovel and then approximately 9,547 (or 15) wrestlers came out from the back to help Mankind and The Executioner bury The Undertaker. They proceeded to completely cover UT and it seemed like The Deadman was gone forever. But then a lightning bolt struck the grave and UT's hand popped out of the grave in a truly memorable moment. A great match + an unforgettable finish = A can't miss encounter.
Honorable Mention: The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels (Royal Rumble '98)
This match is mainly remembered for being the one that caused Michaels to miss four years of action due to a back injury he sustained in it, but what is amazing is the fact that he sustained that injury fairly early in the match and was still able to put on a damn good match. This match was a casket match and it featured some absolutely brutal action which included ‘Taker getting a piledriver on steel steps, ‘Taker taking a wicked shot to his knees on the steel steps, and HBK getting backdropped onto the casket which would turn out being the move that made him retire for four years. The match ended when Kane, seemingly out to help his brother, turned on The Undertaker and chokeslammed him into the casket which allowed Michaels to pick up the win. This match featured remarkable action that was even more impressive considering that Michael's had a severely damaged back for the majority of it.
Honorable Mention: The Undertaker vs. Bret Hart (Royal Rumble ‘96)
Bret Hart and The Undertaker always had great chemistry together and this was another prime example of that as this match at the 1996 edition of The Royal Rumble was an instant classic. Bret came into this match as the WWE Champion and ‘Taker was trying to dethrone him, despite wearing a face mask due to having his face crushed by Yokozuna in the previous month. Bret did what he did best in this match and that was exploit a body part on his opponent, in this case The Undertaker's knee, and work on in mercilessly. Undertaker sold the beatdown to his knee beautifully as he limped all around the ring and even failed to hit a Tombstone on Bret due to his knee being in such bad shape. The match ended when ‘Taker finally was able to hit the Tombstone, but Diesal came and pulled out the referee which caused a DQ. This was just a fantastic match that fans of matches with psychology attached to them would love.
Honorable Mention: The Undertaker vs. Batista (Wrestlemania 23)
I think that this match just about surprised the hell out of everybody as most people didn't have high expectations for this match. These two men were determined to prove all the naysayers wrong and produce a great match and they definitely delivered. The match was packed with lots of brawling, intensity and drama. There were a couple times that it seemed like Batista might actually end the WM undefeated streak of The Deadman, but ‘Taker was once again able to pull it out on the grandest stage of them all. I believe this match was vastly underrated by some people, but as time goes on it will become more greatly appreciated. A great big man brawl that proved that The Undertaker doesn't have to be in the ring with a technical marvel in order to produce a great match.
Honorable Mention: The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar (No Mercy '03)
This feud was all about respect as Brock Lesnar had shown The Undertaker zero respect and The Deadman was determined to beat it into him and take Lesnar's newly won WWE Title as well. After an intense conclusion at Unforgiven where ‘Taker threw Lesnar through the stage setting and after Brock ambushed ‘Taker and broke his hand, this feud reached a boiling point where only one thing could resolve it. Hell In A Cell. The Undertaker dominated the early portions of this matchup, using his HIAC experience as well as the cast he had on his broken hand as a weapon. The tide would turn, though, when Brock slammed steel steps into The Undertaker's head and busted The Deadman WIDE OPEN. And when I say wide open, I mean it. Blood poured out of ‘Taker's head like a faucet and it was one of the most gruesome sights I've ever seen in a wrestling ring. Despite the huge amount of blood loss, ‘Taker was still able to valiantly fight back and at some points it seemed like he was going to pull off the victory against Lesnar. But the youthful energy and brute strength of Lesnar proved to be too much as he was able to ward off The Undertaker's best shots and deliver the F-5 for the win. A lot of people crapped on ‘Taker at the time for not jobbing to Brock at Unforgiven, but I think this victory was a hell of a lot more significant as Brock beat ‘Taker at his own game.
10) The Undertaker vs. Mankind (Revenge of The Taker '97)
After The Undertaker won the WWE Title at Wrestlemania 13, one of his first challengers was one of his greatest nemesis, Mankind. Mankind had thrown a fireball in the face of ‘Taker prior to this match, so he was said to have blurry vision and be at a disadvantage. You would never know that, though, the way that ‘Taker came and started pounding on Mankind. Undertaker repeatedly rammed Mankind's head into the steel railing and seemed to be slowly picking apart Mankind. Mankind was able to gain the advantage after a distraction by Paul Bearer and from there pounded on The Undertaker including an awesome elbow off the second rope onto a prone Undertaker on the floor. It seemed that ‘Taker was out of it until a ref got bumped and then all hell broke loose. Another ref came in and Mankind gave him the mandible claw and threw him out the ring. Mankind then tried to bring in the ring steps to hit UT with, but ‘Taker dropkicked the steps right back into Mankind's face. This allowed Undertaker enough time to grab a steel chair and CRACK the side of Mankind's face with it. He then threw Mankind into the ropes, but Mankind got caught up in them and was hanging by his neck from the ropes. ‘Taker released him, but then hit him with the steel steps on the apron which made Mankind crash FACE FIRST through an announce table. He went FACE FIRST threw a table. That's some sick shit. From there it was elementary as UT hit Mankind with a chokeslam (which Mankind kicked out of) and then a Tombstone for the three count to retain his title. Great match, as always, from these two.
9) The Undertaker vs. Mankind (Summerslam '96)
Are you starting to notice a trend here? These two just always had great matches against each other. This match was the infamous Boiler Room Brawl and was a match that was miles ahead of its time. These two had such a heated rivalry that they could only settle it in the confines of a dangerous, unforgiving Boiler Room. This match was unique in the fact that it looked more like a movie than a wrestling match and there was very little commentary throughout which made it feel more realistic. The only way to win the match was to gain possession of the much coveted urn. They started off the match, obviously, in the Boiler Room and hit some very stiff shots on each other including UT tipping over a ladder Mankind was perched on and making him fall 10 feet onto the unprotected concrete floor. Very cool and sick shit at the time. They eventually left the Boiler Room and battled throughout the arena until they reached the ring. Mankind delivered a wicked piledriver onto the concrete floor, but UT was able to shrug that off and push Mankind back first from the apron onto the concrete. The Undertaker then went for the urn, but Paul Bearer turned his back on him, thus signaling a heel turn for Bearer and allowing Mankind to gain the advantage and smack UT with the urn and claim possession of it for the victory. A great match with a classic heel turn make this an easily recommended match.
8) The Undertaker vs. Kurt Angle vs. The Rock (Vengeance '03)
This was actually my favorite triple threat match of all time before Wrestlemania XX came along and blew all other triple threat matches out of the water. This match was absolute excellence and was so good in fact that it turned a lot of naysayers, who stated before the match that triple threat matches were played out, into believers that triple threat matches can be great when done correctly. All three men held their own in this match by providing non-stop action and displaying some innovative and intuitive spots. The Undertaker played his role to perfection as he was a complete badass throughout and dominated for the majority of it. The E included this match on their History of The WWE Championship DVD and it's for good reason because this match is a joy to watch. The perfect definition of a fun match.
7) The Undertaker vs. Bret Hart (One Night Only ‘97)
This was a rematch to their Summerslam title match which ended in controversial fashion after Shawn Michaels accidentally cost ‘Taker the match. This match took place in the UK so the crowd was mainly behind Bret because of his Anti-America, Pro-everywhere else stance. Undertaker dominated early with some power stuff, including hurling Bret with a wicked irish whip sternum-first into an exposed turnbuckle. Bret was able to gain control of the match by working on UT's legs, including some sick chopblocks and a figure-4 on the ringpost. Bret continued working over UT's leg, but ‘Taker fought back and the two had a back and forth match from that point on. Undertaker seemed to have the advantage after a double clothesline, but after he went for a legdrop, The Hitman caught the leg and turned it into a SWEET Sharpshooter. The Undertaker was able to power out of it, which was unheard of, and regain control of the matchup. The rest of the match featured some great spots like UT propelling Bret over the top rope with his foot and into a camera man and UT whipping Bret side-first into the steel pole. The ending came Bret got his head caught up in the ropes and the ref called for a DQ because The Undertaker kept on hitting Bret despite the ref trying to back him away. Despite the weak ending, this is a fabulous match that showcased both these men in the prime of their careers.
6) The Undertaker vs. Kurt Angle (No Way Out '06)
Ok, raise your hand if you thought this match was going to be as great as it was. Liars. I don't think any of us expected a match this good from a beat down Kurt Angle and an aging Undertaker. Most of us were hoping that they would recapture the magic of the Smackdown match they had from a few years ago, but this match far succeeded that one. You had Undertaker, who was hell bent on capturing the World Title against Kurt Angle who refused to let anyone even dream about taking his title. It was just an awesome affair that saw Taker beating the crap out of Kurt, but Kurt would keep fighting back and everytime it seemed as though Taker was about to put Kurt away, Angle would find a way to counter it(including the AWESOME counter from the Tombstone into the Anklelock). Although the match ended with a screwy, non-sensical finish, it didn't take away from the greatness that preceeded it. This match proved why Kurt Angle is the one of the best ever and Undertaker is probably the best big man to ever set foot in the squared circle.
5)The Undertaker vs. Triple H (Wrestlemania 17)
This match is largely forgotten about due to being on a Wrestlemania card that included TLC 2, Rock/Austin, and Angle/Benoit meeting one on one for the first time ever. That's a shame because if this match had been on just about any other PPV, it would have been the show stealer. The buildup to this match was simple, yet effective. HHH had just beaten Stone Cold at No Way Out and bragged about beating every superstar on the roster. This brought out Taker who pointed out that HHH had never beaten him. Needless to say, that pissed Trips off and the two of them began feuding which included HHH destroying Taker's beloved motorcycle. These two had a wild brawl that went all around the arena and included HHH being chokeslammed off of a scaffold to the floor below (which was padded, but it was still a cool visual). After a back and forth brawl, Taker was able to pick up the win with a Last Ride. A great match that deserves to be mentioned when people talk about classic Wrestlemania matches.
4) The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels (Ground Zero '97)
This match came about due to HBK costing UT his WWE Title at Summerslam by unintentionally hitting him with a steel chair. The Undertaker was out for revenge and Michaels, needless to say, was scared shitless. He tried everything to get away, even hiding behind the ref, but Undertaker just knocked out the ref and then threw him into Michaels. Michaels got the crap beat out of him on the outside of the ring for a while until getting a chop block inside the ring and was able to gain the advantage. UT was soon able to shrug off Michaels' offense until Rick Rude, HHH and Chyna came out to try to even things up for HBK. That worked for a while until UT fought back and began to dominate Michaels including using the brass knucks that Rude had brought out for HBK. After a close two count on Michaels, UT chokeslammed the ref and another ref came out to end the match due to excessive referee abuse. They still continued to fight afterwards which brought out virtually the entire locker room to separate them and then in one of the most memorable moments in The Undertaker's illustrious career, he broke away from one group of wrestlers trying to hold him and flew over the top rope onto a whole gaggle of wrestlers on the outside, which included Shawn Michaels. A great match that succeeded in helping to build towards HIAC as the fans were left wanting to see more after this memorable showdown.
3) The Undertaker vs. Mankind (King Of The Ring '98)
Anybody who criticizes this match as being "two spots and nothing else" can quite frankly kiss my ass. Mick Foley took two of the sickest bumps (one of them unintentionally) ever seen in a wrestling ring and still had the balls to finish the match. Most men would have stopped after just one of those bumps, but Mick took both of those bumps and then proceeded to get slammed into thumbtacks as well. This match was a spectacle in every sense of the word and I mean that in a very good way. I still remember the chill that came over my body the first time I saw The Undertaker hurl Mankind off of the HIAC. I remember being absolutely stunned and wondering how the hell Mick Foley survived that fall. I thought that was the end of the match, but then when I saw Mick Foley get off of the stretcher with a sick smile on his face and climb back on that cage, that's the moment Mick Foley became my favorite wrestler ever. I started the match as one of the biggest Undertaker marks ever and ended the match with a newfound respect for Mick Foley. But enough about Foley, this is The Undertaker's list and UT came out of this match looking like the baddest motherfucker on earth. The Undertaker also entered the match with a broken foot so the fact that he was able to wrestle in such a classic match with that injury should be commended as well. Of course, Foley's two bumps overshadowed pretty much everything that UT did in the match, but ‘Taker greatly contributed to this match and it will go down as one of the most awesome displays ever seen in any wrestling ring.
2) The Undertaker vs. Bret Hart (Summerslam '97)
This match is one of the most historically important matches ever even though you may not realize it. This match was the direct cause of so many important occurrences in WWE history. The formation of DX. Hell In A Cell. The Montreal Screwjob. It can all be traced back to this match. The Undertaker came in as the champion and Bret was the EVIL heel challenger. Shawn Michaels was the special guest referee and the stipulation behind the match was that if Shawn didn't call the match fairly, he could never wrestle in the U.S. again. Bret Hart also guaranteed a title win and said that if he didn't win, he would never wrestle in the U.S. again. This was a fantastic match that saw Bret work over the leg for the majority and ‘Taker make some powerful comebacks. It seemed like Bret had the match won after he nailed UT with a hard chairshot when Michaels back was turned. Michaels saw the chair in the ring and confronted Bret about it and after Bret denied it, he spit on Michaels which was enough to make HBK swing for the fences, but he missed Bret and instead accidentally cracked The Undertaker over the head with it. Bret covered and Shawn had no choice but to count the pin. That would lead to UT being pissed at Michaels which would make Michaels turn heel. After he turned heel, Michaels aligned himself with HHH and Chyna and they went on to become DX. After constantly avoiding getting his ass handed to him by UT, Michaels was finally trapped when the first Hell In A Cell match was made. After winning that match, Michaels rode that momentum into meeting Bret Hart for the WWE Title at Survivor Series and the rest, as they say, is history.
1) The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels (Badd Blood '97)
This was, of course, the first Hell In A Cell match and it lived up to its name by the end of this contest. This match came about after HBK had cost The Undertaker the WWE Title at Summerslam by accidentally cracking him in the head with a steel chair and instead of apologizing, decided to become a total dick. That led to their great match at Ground Zero and once that resolved nothing, this match was made to ensure that Michaels had nowhere to run. After some early domination by Taker, HBK was able to fight back and get control of the match but soon Taker started to prove too much for Michaels and he had to find a way out of the cage. That way came by an injured cameraman in the cell who had to be taken out and once that door opened, Michaels tried his best to escape. Taker followed him and proceeded to ram his head repeatedly into the unforgiving steel cell. After that Michaels was busted wide open and his face was drenched in blood. I mean you would have thought his skin color was red with the amount of blood he was bleeding. The ending of the match saw the debut of Kane who dropped his brother on his head which allowed a bloody and fatigued Michaels to cover for the three count. This match will be remembered as one the greatest ever and I'll never forget the blood that engulfed the face of HBK in it.
The Sign-Off
Well that's all for this week folks. Be sure to send in all your feedback and bring your ass back here next week when the topic will be The Top Ten Backlash Matches. Until then, go wash your ass!
