We take a journey back to 2001 and yet another of the epic battles against long time adversary Stone Cold Steve Austin. This era saw the excellent ‘Power Trip’ Vs ‘Brothers Of Destruction’ feud and for the first time ever things became very personal in The Undertakers work life. This was the era we got to know more about the man behind the Deadman. Part of me misses this.

Thanks to Beyond The Mat host Karl we can present the first in a series of video ‘Era’ reviews! Starting with the ‘Western Mortician’ debut look and the ‘Deadman’ era. Sit down, have a listen, see if you agree and have your say in comments!

We take a trip back to 1998 this week and to a time when the Brothers of Destruction were on the same page and fighting for a common cause on now defunct show, Heat. How far they have come when you consider today’s storyline. They just don’t make em like these two anymore!

This week we’re heading back to 1992 to see The Undertaker up against the loud and obnoxious ‘Mountie’.. The Mountie was one of my favorites back in the day for his loud and brash nature, certainly an entertaining heel that I’ve never forgotten. I picked this match because of the dichotomy between characters, with The Undertakers slow methodical brute strength against The Mountie’s.. well.. sneakyness. Made for a fun little match. Watch for the moment The Undertaker sends the Mountie running into the arms of his manager Jimmy Hart for a much needed hug.

Bringing you a snippit from an old Triple H DVD from back in the day, The Undertaker give’s us his thoughts on The Game and one of my own personal favorite Wrestlemania matches between the two.

This week we take a trip back to 1997 and the introduction of Kane to The Undertakers circle. You can also bear witness to the fastest Undertaker entrance of all time!

We’re tracking back to better times this week, hitting 1999 and an episode of Heat that took place shortly before Austin and Taker’s famed First Blood Match. Back in a time when blood wasnt a dirty word and the show was blazing trails. I miss this Undertaker.

sunday night heat 99.07.18

There’s tons of Undertaker ‘tribute’ videos all over Youtube if you look for them, but not very many really stand out as being different from the pack. However, this video currently doing the rounds sure caught my interest and eye. I had to feature it here on PhenomForever.com.. enjoy!

Ahh, and all is right with the world once more. The Undertaker is back and everything is better, time for the shameless fawning to begin. I love it when he fights Rey Mysterio, The Undertaker in my oh so humble opinion has always worked his best with the high fliers and those fast on their feet. He has the bulk and ability to make their antics look utterly awesome while coming over as this unstoppable giant himself. It just works and that’s why whenever I see those two on the card (or the likes of Shelton ‘Bring Him Back’ Benjamin or John Morrison etc) I immediately get excited. So what did they pull out of the bag this week?

After a rather overblown ‘The Deadman Returns’ promo video at the start of Smackdown.. explain this to me please. He hasnt actually been off of our screens all that long. Let’s not forget his RAW appearances. Although true enough he hasnt been on Smackdown specifically since Wrestlemania, it didnt really warrant a ‘He returns from the dead’ esque video. But that’s just me nitpicking and in fact I should probably silence my griping because it’s another cool piece of Undertaker footage I can stare at so.. win. Anyway, We had to wait until the end of the show for the Deadman to cometh. And cometh he did.

Poor Rey. As Tyra Banks would say these two worked it and not only did they work it, they downright killed it. Disagree with me if you want but I thought this was one of his most exciting performances in a while. This kind of match makes me thoroughly enjoy being a fan, complete with squealing, clapping and grinning. Incredibly sad when you live alone, my neighbors will be calling the white coats shortly. The Undertaker broke out all the classics barring a notable absence of the ‘Oldschool’ which is usually hit for the nostalgia, perhaps we will see it less now in an effort to preserve his knees. He also broke out a few ‘new’ tricks, returning as Cole would say with a new weapon or two in his arsenal and ultimately he succeeded in his bid to earn a place in the Fatal Four Way Main Event.

The Undertaker goes on to the Pay Per View with another shot at the top gold. Will he take the prize? Or will someone else get in his way and keep him from the top of the mountain? There is yet to be a challenger to the Deadmans throne since Shawn, who will be brave enough to step up and take that spot? I cant wait to find out.

Final Thought: I love how when any other superstar bleeds they stop the match, but when it’s The Undertaker they let it roll. Can you imagine being the guy to go up to him; “Um, ’scuse me Mr Undertaker Sir but you have a boo-boo and we…” *snarl* “nevermind…”

A huge special thankyou to PhenomForever.com visitor Miguel Vasquez for donating to us an awesome ‘Meet and Greet’ video of The Undertaker along with a set of candids. Miguel bid on a silent auction for his autographed wrestling gear and was able to do a VIP meet and greet at the FCW arena in Tampa. The auction benefited the children of the Angelus (Undertaker’s favorite charity).

And just listen to what The Deadman has to say. One in the eye for the retirement rumors huh! Thanks Miguel and I hope you had an incredible day.

• Meet & Greet Candids
• Meet & Greet Video (Youtube)