Triple Threat Theatre - The Undertaker (The American Badass Era)

The career of one of the greatest performers, and undoubtedly the greatest character in the history of professional wrestling has finally come to an end. Despite the obvious being that it was coming, Mark Calaway’s proclamation that his career is over at the finale of The Last Ride series is still an extremely hard pill to swallow for many die-hard fans. In light of this news, we felt it was appropriate to celebrate the legendary career of The Undertaker with a Triple Threat Theatre we highlight his three best matches from the following three eras:

• The Original Deadman - (1990 - 2000) - Covered yesterday

• The American Badass - (2000 - 2003) 

• Return Of The Deadman - (2004 - 2020) 

Today brings the second era, that of The American Badass where we will highlight his three best matches from it.

3) Monday Night RAW – 07/01/2002 - WWE Undisputed Championship Ladder Match – The Undertaker Vs. Jeff Hardy

While Taker had some good matches through the first half of his run as the biker American Badass character (most notably his first Triple H WrestleMania match and his winning of the Hardcore Title from Rob Van Dam) it was after he shed his signature longhair and turned heel that he really got rolling. And on a random Monday night in 2002, he decided to make Jeff Hardy as a singles wrestler. Competing against type in a ladder match, Mean Mark more than held his own in a great match bolstered by an absolutely legendary performance from Jim Ross on commentary. One of the best matches in RAW history.

2) WWE Vengeance 2002 – 07/21/2002 - WWE Undisputed Championship Triple Threat – The Undertaker Vs. Kurt Angle Vs. The Rock

While Takers 2002 Undisputed Championship reign was shorter than initially expected (thanks to them giving Hogan a one-month victory lap reign following WrestleMania 18) it still provided some great moments and helps make 2/3rds of this list. Combining Taker’s unique abilities with the incredible work of Kurt Angle and the star power of The Rock makes for an incredibly hot main event. Knowing the winner would go on to main event SummerSlam made it more intriguing, as any of the three could easily be seen facing the up and coming, Brock Lesnar. A fantastic triple threat and one of the best matches of 2002, you can’t go wrong with this one.

1) WWE No Mercy – 10/20/2002  – WWE Championship Hell In A Cell – The Undertaker Vs. Brock Lesnar

While Undertaker wouldn’t get the chance to face Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, he would be tasked with helping solidify his star power later that year. Known at the time for being the first Hell In A Cell to not leave the confines of the cage, both men constructed an emotionally charged, hard-hitting and bloody affair that fully cemented Brock Lesnar as a main event star, and once again showed why the WWE would turn to Undertaker to make who he worked with famous. 

Honourable Mentions

• WWF WrestleMania X-Seven – 04/01/2001 – The Undertaker Vs. Triple H

• WWF Vengeance 2001 – 12/09/2001 – WWF Hardcore Championship Match – The Undertaker Vs. Rob Van Dam

• WWF Backlash 2001 – 04/29/2001 – Winner Take All Match – The Undertaker & Kane Vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin & Triple H

• WWF WrestleMania X8 – 03/17/2002 – The Undertaker Vs. Ric Flair

Tomorrow will bring the final installment which will look at some of the best matches of The Deadman’s return through the end of his legendary career!