The Undertaker recently returned to the WWE, and I figured it might be fun to take a tour of the Dead Man’s most prolific returns. Let’s start with his debut in 1990, and work our way to this past weekend at Battleground.
Debut of the Dead Man – November 22, 1990 – Survivor Series
Up first we have the debut of the Dead Man! The WWE Universe met the Undertaker in the autumn of 1990 when he teamed with Ted DiBiase, Greg Valentine, and the Honky Tonk Man at the fourth annual Survivor Series.
Undertaker versus Undertaker – August 29, 1994 – Summerslam
The Undertaker was well on his way to a second world title when he challenged Yokozuna to a Casket Match at the Royal Rumble in 1994. But Yokozuna brought backup, and the Phenom was “buried” for more than half the year. When he returned, he battled a mirror image of himself—another Undertaker introduced by Ted DiBiase.
The American Badass – May 22, 2000 – Judgement Day
The Undertaker hasn’t missed many Wrestlemania’s since debuting in 1990, but he was absent for ‘Mania 2000. He left the WWE due to injury while he was still the Leader of the “Ministry of Darkness.” When he returned to television in the Spring of 2000, he was a completely different character. “The American Badass” was born.
Return of the Phenom – March 14, 2004 – Wrestlemania XX
The ‘Taker continued to wear blue jeans and bandanas for several years, until he was once again buried—this time by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. The American Badass disappeared, and the Phenom resurfaced in time to wrestle his “Baby Brother Kane” at Wrestlemania XX.
Retribution for Randy Orton – November 27, 2005 – Survivor Series
The Undertaker goes away and comes back quite frequently, so it’s hard to decide what’s worth including. After defeating the “Legend Killer” at WrestleMania 21, the Dead Man went about his own business, and subsequently faded from television. Later that year, he would return at a most inopportune time for Randy Orton.
It’s Time to Play the Game – January 30, 2012 – Monday Night Raw
Nowadays Wrestlemania season almost always includes a surprise return from the Undertaker. One of the most memorable also included the “Proprietor of People Power,” Johnny “Ace” Laurenitis. Note: There are better quality videos of this moment available, but they’re literally 20 minutes long.
Revenge of the ‘Taker – July 19, 2015 – Battleground
The Undertaker made yet another surprise return this past weekend at Battleground, when he attacked Brock Lesnar with a vengeance, and thus costing him the WWE world heavyweight title.
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