The Undertaker's Five Greatest Rivalries
/On November 22nd at WWE's Pay Per View "Survivor Series". The Undertaker will enter his 25th year with the WWE. Many say this will be the year the legend hangs up the boots for good. After watching countless of The Undertaker's matches on the WWE Network (which is only 9.99). I have made a list of my choice of five of his greatest rivals. Be sure to tell me your top five in the comment section.
5. Yokozuna & The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase
In the early 90's there was no heel as dominant than Yokozuna. For months he ruled with an iron fist or Banzai drop. At the Survivor Series when Undertaker was part of Lex Luger's team. Fans saw a glimpsed of what was to come. Undertaker and Yokozuna went head to head which fans went crazy for. Fast forward to the Royal Rumble Casket Match. Undertaker vs Yokozuna in a epic battle. Undertaker loses to outside interference from almost every heel on the roster. We wouldn't see the phenom till Summerslam. This is where The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase comes into play. He was the one who originally brought The Undertaker into the WWE. He brings his own Undertaker who creates havoc.
At Summerslam the true Undertaker returns and ends DiBiase plans. This is a setup for a long feud for DiBiase and his men. However Undertaker has unfinished business with Yokozuna. With the aid of Chuck Norris the rematch is set and Undertaker. The Deadman will then feud with DiBiase and his corporation till after Wrestlemania 12. This rivalry added to mystique, popularity and made The Undertaker the slayer of souls. This is when I truly became a fan and knew he was one of the greats.
4. Brock Lesnar
I know many were expecting Triple H. However Brock Lesnar is truly the one in 21. He is one of the few who has more wins over Taker in one on one matches. Brock is the one who not only push Taker physical but mentally. Comic fans think of Brock Lesnar as The Undertaker's Bane. He broke The Deadman. There is no rival on this list who has evoke fear, tears and hatred than Brock Lesnar. After beating the streak Brock would reign supreme as the conqueror. This feud showed us that The Undertaker is not immune to defeat. That no matter how much he rises someone can knock him back down. That man name is BROCK LESNAR.
3. Shawn Michaels
I won't spend too long on this one because enough has been said about this. Shawn Michaels was a rival on screen and off screen. There were rumors at Wrestlemania 14 that The Undertaker was waiting for Michaels if he didn't put over Stone Cold Steve Austin. These two men were the first ever to go into the Hell in a Cell match. Countless battles from In Your House, Sunmerslam when hit Taker with the chair. Let's not forget the back body drop onto the casket that almost cost Michaels his career. Finally we can't forget the classic Wrestlemania matches at 25 and 26. Anytime these two were in the ring together it was lighting in the bottle. Michaels and Taker elevated each other every time. The only thing that comes close to in ring chemistry is Rock and Austin.
2. Kane
There is no superstar on the roster that has effected The Undertaker like Kane. Only family can hit you where it truly hurts. From a storyline purpose Kane has haunted, tormented The Undertaker for years. An epic debut during Bad Blood and the guidance of Paul Bearer made this feud sweeter. While many were focus on Austin, Michaels and Tyson match. I was more invested and in anticipation for Taker vs Kane. Before Lesnar came along it was Kane who was Undertaker's true match. Till this day I feel Kane should have ended the streak. Kane and Undertaker introduced the Inferno Match where one of them would be set on fire. Kane is also responsible for the death of The American Badass. These two will always have a rivalry for the ages.
1. Mankind
The Undertaker greatest rival hands down to me is Mankind. Buried Alive, Boiler Room Brawl, Casket Matches, Hell in Cell matches. Has anyone ever been such a nuances to The Undertaker than Mankind. Mankind even is responsible for one of the most shocking manager heel turns of Paul Bearer. Mankind not only elevated his career with his war with Taker. Mankind also showcase how vicious and the lengths Taker is willing to go. One of the most memorable moments of this feud is Hell in a Cell. This would forever changed the landscapes of wrestling and Hell in a Cell. Yokozuna and Dibiase added to the Undertaker mythos. Brock Lesnar broke Taker and ended the streak. Shawn Michaels had classic matches with Taker. Kane hits Undertaker where it hurts and will forever be a tormenter. But who really did all of the above? Nobody else but Mankind.
