With total respect to all who have their favorite Undertaker gimmicks from the 90s and early 2000s, mine was "The Deadman" ever since 2007. His feud with Batista, Edge and HBK was pure brilliance that showed how incredible Taker was.
I started watching wrestling in 2002. So naturally my favorite undertaker gimmick is the American badass/big evil combined with the transition back to the deadman at wrestlemania 20
Lord of darkness from 1997 - 1998 will always be my Undertaker gimmick because he had tons of epic feuds from Shawn Michaels to Kane to Stone Cold, memorable segments with Paul Bearer and made history with Mankind. His Wrestlemania 14 entrance is his greatest ever with the giant Dracula cape, tear drop and long black hair, he looked like something out of a dark fantasy movie. That was the best time to be a wrestling fan
Kane’s unmasking is still to this day the scariest wrestling thing I remember from being a kid. I was watching and like, didn’t even WANT it to happen because I KNEW I was going to be scared. Then it happened, scary as hell to a young me lol
Lord of Darkness is my favourite Undertaker, followed very closely by the Ministry of Darkness. What hurts Ministry Taker is Vince being the higher power and the whole Corporate Ministry thing. Taker being relegated to just a bit player in a McMahon feud just kinda sucked. However, the "It's me, Austin!" reveal is probably my favourite WWE meme of all time 😂
I'm surprised to see so much love for American Badass and Big Evil. Honestly, I was mortified when he showed back up as ABA in 2000, but I grew to like it. One issue though, audiences were starting to turn on him for perceived laziness in the ring and being out of shape, which influenced his Heel turn into Big Evil. Ministry 'Taker might have had to do some ridiculous stuff (Vince as the Higher Power, "Where to, Stephanie? Mwhahahaha!") but this was the coolest version of the character, IMO. I feel they dropped the ball by not going all-out and combining Lord of Darkness and American Badass into one gimmick: A Ghostrider-type goth-biker with supernatural bollocks and a stylised bike.
Loved Ministry of Darkness 'Taker. That theme music was awesome and it was a great look. Best in-ring work was definitely after he returned as the Deadman. What an absolute legend.
Looking back at Lord of Darkness Taker leading into Ministry of Darkness Taker you could say the theatrics and suspension of disbelief was at an all time high as it was just fun to watch. That shit was wild
I would of split "The Return of The Deadman" into two by having the split start at WrestleMania 27 when he cut his hair. Could even split it again after losing the streak.
1:19:27 in short yes. The 96-98 version of the Undertaker with all black attire, the Graveyard Symphony music with thunder and lightning and the heavier gongs and the Wrestlemania 14 entrance with the druids is the best Undertaker entrance of all time. Plus he also had great matches with people like Kevin Nash as Diesel, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Vader, Kane and Mankind.
He needed a gimmick change, but he also needed to change back. He was kind of stale before ABA (or would have been) but that wasn’t going to last long either. It was perfect for the time and it made his return as the Dead Man feel fresh.
I think the "Return of the Deadman" phase should have been broken up in two. His return to the his match at Wrestlemania 27 being one, and then Wrestlemania 28 to the end of the streak. He cut his hair again, started to wear the shredder outfit, and transitioned to the once a year schedule.
1:10:29 as in a wrestler calling the undertaker by his real name, probably yeah, because I kinda remember when Vince called the undertaker as his real name aswell, when he was doing the ministry of darkness gimmick and was going "way too far"
Best presentation, theme and look is hands down Ministry Undertaker and that will always be my favourite version. I just wish that he wasn't hurt at the time so the character could have flourished more in the ring. :(
i loved American Badass Taker, that was my favorite since i'm a motorcycle enthusiast myself, i'm also 24 so i guess its just my exposure bias, i really enjoyed watching Mean Mark Callous recently as it seems similar enough
everybody talks about the streak matches against hbk, hhh, and punk, but not much about batista and edge which are also awesome matches. Those are two underrated bangers.
The lord of darkness gimmick was ended by Steve Austin in the buried alive match at rock bottom not by Kane setting him on fire because that happened at the rumble 98
Kid Rock owns a bar in Nashville called Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk and Rock N' Roll Steakhouse. Technically the Ass part is implied by the big donkey on all the billboards promoting it.
A more middle eastern/personal perspective on the history of the deadman: 1- the ministry stuff is a black hole, as far as I remember, TVs across the Arab world cut out the most controversial segments of that era 2- there was a conspiracy theory that the real Kane died, and they replaced him with this unknown dude named Glenn Jacobs 😂 3- the only way I managed to get any background information about the undertaker was through some fan blogs, most prominently a website called moontribes
@@lindseywhite3371 If you're talking strictly S&M culture then I believe you are correct, but if you're just looking for the male form of dominatrix then the answer is dominator.
Idk but you two might be only who thought the purple Taker was lower then the rest. As a character, def the zombie and purple Taker was the best. As far as awesomeness goes, Ministry especially with the demonic look and the awesome theme song. But his Deadman return with the insane amount of smokes on the ramp and mind games were the best stuff wwe has ever done for any wrestler ever
that Undertaker elite fig Sam mentioned is on amazon, mint on card, for 130 quid with postage. Go on Sam treat yourself to an early crimbo pressie only 2 left lol
Imagine Undertaker in the Ministry of Darkness type role now, where he's more of a string puller and doesn't really get involved but leads others too success. Someone idk maybe like Aleister Black?
@@jrow1668 yeah I've noticed, its a damn shame. He could undoubtedly be a top guy if Vince would get his head out of his ass. He's going to be yet another top tier talent Vince pushed away because he no longer knows what he's doing. BUT, you can't tell me that wouldn't be an amazing angle. Idk if you're familiar with Lucha Underground, but it could be like the Pentagon/Vampiro storyline. Just a little different.
I gotta put American Badass Undertaker over Big evil. Even though Evil won the undisputed championship. American Badass was juts a better look and idk just more memorable when it comes to undertaker on a bike.
Jobbing taker out to brock was the moment everybody had to accept how mindboggling out of it vince had become... and he is going downhill constantly since that.
During the lord of darkness era right before ministry godfather was trying to give a ho to undertaker and Paul bearer really wanted one. I swear undertaker almost broke
I think the streak should never have been broken, personally I would've prefered if he retired after WM28. He was 20-0 and it would've truly been "the end of an era". That being said, I don't think anyone in wwe has as much credibility as Brock Lesnar, so if anyone had to do it, Brock Lesnar is easily the most believable guy to do it.
Very curious to see who everyone else thinks should of been the one to break the streak? And also what number the streak should of went too? If it should of been more or less than it was?
If I was in charge I'd of had him lose to Drew Mcintyre. And when drew won I'd have had him become possessed by the undertakers spirit and carry on the mantle.
Surely this list shouldn't have been done in terms of all time gimmicks, but rather takers gimmicks compared to eachother. They can't all be the best undertaker gimmick. In the greater context of the wrestling world as a whole, sure they are the best. But wasn't this meant to rank takers gimmicks against eachother?...
After all these years I'm still undecided about the streak ending but honestly brock is the only realistic person that could have ended the streak.. its brock hes the most legitimate "hardman" in wwe history.. and to beat the the unbeatable it makes sense..
Although there was way more of himself at that time, there were still references to the lineage of the Undertaker and of course still crossing paths with Kane. Tbf there were times when his missus used his real name.
I'll never get sick of ross singing ''YOU'VE DONE IT NOOOOOW!''
With total respect to all who have their favorite Undertaker gimmicks from the 90s and early 2000s, mine was "The Deadman" ever since 2007. His feud with Batista, Edge and HBK was pure brilliance that showed how incredible Taker was.
The Ministry of Darkness Undertaker was my personal favorite version of The Undertaker growing up.
I started watching wrestling in 2002. So naturally my favorite undertaker gimmick is the American badass/big evil combined with the transition back to the deadman at wrestlemania 20
Lord of darkness from 1997 - 1998 will always be my Undertaker gimmick because he had tons of epic feuds from Shawn Michaels to Kane to Stone Cold, memorable segments with Paul Bearer and made history with Mankind. His Wrestlemania 14 entrance is his greatest ever with the giant Dracula cape, tear drop and long black hair, he looked like something out of a dark fantasy movie. That was the best time to be a wrestling fan
Agreed!
Kane’s unmasking is still to this day the scariest wrestling thing I remember from being a kid. I was watching and like, didn’t even WANT it to happen because I KNEW I was going to be scared. Then it happened, scary as hell to a young me lol
Taker's is one of the few who can truly lay claim to being the greatest. He's forever the number 1 in my heart. Rest in piece, Deadman.
Lord of Darkness is my favourite Undertaker, followed very closely by the Ministry of Darkness. What hurts Ministry Taker is Vince being the higher power and the whole Corporate Ministry thing. Taker being relegated to just a bit player in a McMahon feud just kinda sucked.
However, the "It's me, Austin!" reveal is probably my favourite WWE meme of all time 😂
I’m just glad that respect was put on American Badass’ name. ABA is “The Best” tier, period!
You're Gorgeous 💟✨🤩
JR did mention Undertaker being 8-0 going into his match at Wrestlemania X-Seven against Triple H and then 9-0 after the win.
If the streak ended at mania 22, which was in Chicago, there would've been a riot.
"You're Gonna Pay" is my absolute favorite Undertaker theme and that may be my worst pro wrestling opinion
I loved that version of the undertaker dont know if it was just cos I was young then but loved it
@Brolly261 wym when you were young with that spelling your like 5
Phantom of the Opera Taker = SSS+++ Tier
I'm surprised to see so much love for American Badass and Big Evil. Honestly, I was mortified when he showed back up as ABA in 2000, but I grew to like it. One issue though, audiences were starting to turn on him for perceived laziness in the ring and being out of shape, which influenced his Heel turn into Big Evil.
Ministry 'Taker might have had to do some ridiculous stuff (Vince as the Higher Power, "Where to, Stephanie? Mwhahahaha!") but this was the coolest version of the character, IMO.
I feel they dropped the ball by not going all-out and combining Lord of Darkness and American Badass into one gimmick: A Ghostrider-type goth-biker with supernatural bollocks and a stylised bike.
Ministry of Darkness Undertaker will always be my favorite.
Was that Batman Taker?
@@ChristopherJames1993 No, it was the one with him crucifying and abducting people.
People who say this are serial killers
Definitely the coolest music.
‘The best’ tier of tier list presenters.
Mmm, Pacitti’s pretty bangin tho
@@kipdaedricartifact he’s lovely, lovely, lovely on a good day.
Loved Ministry of Darkness 'Taker. That theme music was awesome and it was a great look.
Best in-ring work was definitely after he returned as the Deadman.
What an absolute legend.
Looking back at Lord of Darkness Taker leading into Ministry of Darkness Taker you could say the theatrics and suspension of disbelief was at an all time high as it was just fun to watch. That shit was wild
I would of split "The Return of The Deadman" into two by having the split start at WrestleMania 27 when he cut his hair.
Could even split it again after losing the streak.
I was 8 when Taker debuted and was generally scared at the ide that you lost a match against this guy and were put in a body bag.
Undertakers debut is genuinely 1 of my earliest memories as a child I have
Love this tier list, massive appreciation for the work of Sam and Ross
The radio edit bit killed me thank you for that reference ross 🤣🤣
1:19:27 in short yes. The 96-98 version of the Undertaker with all black attire, the Graveyard Symphony music with thunder and lightning and the heavier gongs and the Wrestlemania 14 entrance with the druids is the best Undertaker entrance of all time. Plus he also had great matches with people like Kevin Nash as Diesel, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Vader, Kane and Mankind.
Long live Undertaker ALWAYS he's just the BEST EVER
Amazing video! I definitely enjoyed this from start to finish! The Undertaker is the goat
I was scared of his Ministry of Darkness gimmick as a kid watching. Im glad Stone Cold kicked his butt 😆
He needed a gimmick change, but he also needed to change back. He was kind of stale before ABA (or would have been) but that wasn’t going to last long either. It was perfect for the time and it made his return as the Dead Man feel fresh.
Love the tier rankings guys. Really any long form content is welcome ❤
Love this series, would enjoy seeing a tier list of WWE weddings
I think the "Return of the Deadman" phase should have been broken up in two. His return to the his match at Wrestlemania 27 being one, and then Wrestlemania 28 to the end of the streak. He cut his hair again, started to wear the shredder outfit, and transitioned to the once a year schedule.
1:10:29 as in a wrestler calling the undertaker by his real name, probably yeah, because I kinda remember when Vince called the undertaker as his real name aswell, when he was doing the ministry of darkness gimmick and was going "way too far"
The trash talk was 100% unscripted in the boneyard match
My favourite Gary RUclips's!
Really good to hear that these two seemed to have sorted their relationship out
Original Grey and black Western mortician Undertaker is my fave
Best presentation, theme and look is hands down Ministry Undertaker and that will always be my favourite version. I just wish that he wasn't hurt at the time so the character could have flourished more in the ring. :(
i loved American Badass Taker, that was my favorite since i'm a motorcycle enthusiast myself, i'm also 24 so i guess its just my exposure bias, i really enjoyed watching Mean Mark Callous recently as it seems similar enough
everybody talks about the streak matches against hbk, hhh, and punk, but not much about batista and edge which are also awesome matches. Those are two underrated bangers.
Same with randy imo
Wasn't the Edge-Taker match streak vs streak cause Edge hadn't lost at Mania either.
Tear drop indicated the sadness he felt about Paul Bearer’s betrayal.
Keep the stash it's amazing !!!!!!!
I like it too! Will be gone soon 😢 too many meanies
Ken Shamrock called him Mark back in 1999 in build up to their match.
I always liked giant Bat Taker personally.
I have that undertaker logo design from the beginning on my arm!
Cameo Taker, greatest of all time
The lord of darkness gimmick was ended by Steve Austin in the buried alive match at rock bottom not by Kane setting him on fire because that happened at the rumble 98
Thanks for reminding me of the great '' you wanna dig a hole? I'll show you a hole!'' line.
I'm sure Shamrock called him Mark on RAW back in either '98 or '99.
Do a ranking for Kane's gimmicks!
I had completely forgotten about the Kurt Angle / Eric Angle angle.
Kid Rock owns a bar in Nashville called Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk and Rock N' Roll Steakhouse. Technically the Ass part is implied by the big donkey on all the billboards promoting it.
A male dominatrix is called a dominator or "dom."
Farooq?
I know it's the worst version but the American badass undertaker has a special place in my heart
A more middle eastern/personal perspective on the history of the deadman:
1- the ministry stuff is a black hole, as far as I remember, TVs across the Arab world cut out the most controversial segments of that era
2- there was a conspiracy theory that the real Kane died, and they replaced him with this unknown dude named Glenn Jacobs 😂
3- the only way I managed to get any background information about the undertaker was through some fan blogs, most prominently a website called moontribes
You are correct. It is dominator.
Ah, was also curious.
I thought that the correct term was Dominant or Dom?
@@lindseywhite3371 If you're talking strictly S&M culture then I believe you are correct, but if you're just looking for the male form of dominatrix then the answer is dominator.
Ahhhh, gotcha! Thanks :)
Ross does an impression of Ronan Keating as if he was doing an impression of Cilla Black
I don't think he should have a match perse. It should be more like a passing of the torch moment with Bray instead or a segment
I disagree with a lot of this but still another very good episode. I really like this series.
Idk but you two might be only who thought the purple Taker was lower then the rest. As a character, def the zombie and purple Taker was the best. As far as awesomeness goes, Ministry especially with the demonic look and the awesome theme song. But his Deadman return with the insane amount of smokes on the ramp and mind games were the best stuff wwe has ever done for any wrestler ever
I lost it when they included Cameo Undertaker.
Why is there the previous tier list at the end
Let's not forget before his return at Sumerslam 94 The Undertaker gave Ant and Dec a kicking. Lol!
Don't get rid of the tache Ross, it looks great on you
THE GARY COMMUNITY?!
that Undertaker elite fig Sam mentioned is on amazon, mint on card, for 130 quid with postage. Go on Sam treat yourself to an early crimbo pressie only 2 left lol
Every character who left emmerdale tier list from the best to the worst.
We're all locked down make it happen
NO DONT GET RID OF RAVISHING RICK I MEAN ROSS RUDE! What are us RUclips Sweathogs going to do without you?
Imagine Undertaker in the Ministry of Darkness type role now, where he's more of a string puller and doesn't really get involved but leads others too success. Someone idk maybe like Aleister Black?
Black is done mate, Vince has no plans for him.
@@jrow1668 yeah I've noticed, its a damn shame. He could undoubtedly be a top guy if Vince would get his head out of his ass. He's going to be yet another top tier talent Vince pushed away because he no longer knows what he's doing. BUT, you can't tell me that wouldn't be an amazing angle. Idk if you're familiar with Lucha Underground, but it could be like the Pentagon/Vampiro storyline. Just a little different.
What about "Bounty Hunter" Taker from Suburban Commando? Which tier would he be?
After 20ish years of watching wrestling... I've only just gotten the Paul Bearer pun.... Pallbearer... fml
Ngl all should be in the best and they should've been ranked from that. Also Ministry Taker is best Taker.
My favorite is currently boneyard undertaker
@Bryan Robinson not really but yeah kinda
Someone start a petition to get the 2006 triple H/ Hulk Hogan Horseshoe mustache!!!
I gotta put American Badass Undertaker over Big evil. Even though Evil won the undisputed championship. American Badass was juts a better look and idk just more memorable when it comes to undertaker on a bike.
Who was hating on Ross’ ‘stache?
You’re wrong.
You’re By-wrong.
You’re By-wrong-wrong.
I thought there's only 3 gimmicks, deadman, badass and ministry if darkness
The male equivalent of a dominatrix is usually just called a dom or dominant.
Undertaker theme for boneyard match should have been your gonna pay
How about a WWE champions tier list or US ranked
Jobbing taker out to brock was the moment everybody had to accept how mindboggling out of it vince had become... and he is going downhill constantly since that.
During the lord of darkness era right before ministry godfather was trying to give a ho to undertaker and Paul bearer really wanted one. I swear undertaker almost broke
I can remember seeing that. There's just the slightest suggestion of a smirk but he manages to hold it together.
Love ya guys
I think the streak should never have been broken, personally I would've prefered if he retired after WM28. He was 20-0 and it would've truly been "the end of an era". That being said, I don't think anyone in wwe has as much credibility as Brock Lesnar, so if anyone had to do it, Brock Lesnar is easily the most believable guy to do it.
I DON'T MAKE MISTAKES
I BURY THEM..
At least now, Mark Calaway will be able to enjoy his fried chicken in peace.
Cameo Undertaker wins?!?! Word Up!
I feel like the scale needs changed for universally good things so you don't just put everything in the top 2.
2004- 2020 taker is best taker
2004-2016
Can we donate money for The Undertaker to make a cameo video for Kenny Mackintosh after that whole Inside the Ropes Live Q&A tour debacle?
Very curious to see who everyone else thinks should of been the one to break the streak? And also what number the streak should of went too? If it should of been more or less than it was?
If I was in charge I'd of had him lose to Drew Mcintyre. And when drew won I'd have had him become possessed by the undertakers spirit and carry on the mantle.
Did not enjoy Lord of Darkness or Ministry of Darkness. I always found them cringy. If you enjoyed it, good on ya.
Cameo Taker is THE Taker LMAO
Booger Red is god tier
Retribution hacked the end
Surely this list shouldn't have been done in terms of all time gimmicks, but rather takers gimmicks compared to eachother. They can't all be the best undertaker gimmick. In the greater context of the wrestling world as a whole, sure they are the best. But wasn't this meant to rank takers gimmicks against eachother?...
After all these years I'm still undecided about the streak ending but honestly brock is the only realistic person that could have ended the streak.. its brock hes the most legitimate "hardman" in wwe history.. and to beat the the unbeatable it makes sense..
The problem with that logic is that wrestling in its current state (since the 80’s lmao) literally sneers at realism.
@@gositachi8438 also brock is also brock in kayfabe
@@tvmanin Okay?
No he's the most dominant combat sports athlete ever.
Or ECW champions tier list
I always thought when Taker was a biker he should have gone by his own name
Although there was way more of himself at that time, there were still references to the lineage of the Undertaker and of course still crossing paths with Kane. Tbf there were times when his missus used his real name.
@@Bansidhe I forgot she did that
No, your dead, I buried you!
You’re no son of mine!
How the hell can this be 90+mins?!
80+***
For not mentioning teddy long, you are going to be put in a handicap against the undertaker.