View source for The Undertaker

{{Short description|American professional wrestler (born 1965)}}
{{about|the American professional wrestler| |Undertaker (disambiguation)}}
{{pp-blp|small=yes}}
{{Very long|date=June 2025|words=~18,000}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2025}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name        = The Undertaker
|birthname   = Mark William Calaway
|names       = {{plainlist|
*Kane the Undertaker<ref>{{cite episode|date=November 19, 1990|series=WWF Superstars of Wrestling}}</ref>
*Commando
*Boris Dragu<ref name="msn.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/the-undertaker-details-experience-of-wrestling-inside-a-federal-prison/ar-BB1noduS?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=EDGEESS&cvid=50228ffbdf524273853e1ba8f27ccd56&ei=43|title=The Undertaker details experience of wrestling inside a Federal prison|website=msn.com|access-date=May 31, 2024}}</ref>
*Mark Callous
*Mean Mark Callous
*Mean Mark<ref>{{cite episode|series=WCW/NWA Power Hour|date=1989|title=Mean Mark Vs Road Warrior Animal}}</ref>
*Dice Morgan<ref name="cagematch.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=761|title=Undertaker|website=Cagematch.net|access-date=December 8, 2019|archive-date=July 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710062802/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=761|url-status=live}}</ref>
*The Master of Pain<ref name="cagematch.com" />
*The Punisher<ref name="cagematch.com" />
*Texas Red<ref name="cagematch.com" />
*Texas Red Jack<ref name="cagematch.com" />
*'''The Undertaker'''<ref name="cagematch.com" />
}}
|image       = The Undertkaer US Marine Visit 2019 (cropped)2.jpg
|relatives   = 
|caption     = Calaway in 2019
|height      = 6 ft 10 in<ref name="WWEProfile">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/undertaker|title=Undertaker bio|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=November 27, 2016|archive-date=December 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222045715/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/undertaker|url-status=live}}</ref>
|weight      = 309 lb<ref name="WWEProfile" />
|birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|1965|03|24}}
|birth_place = [[Houston, Texas]], U.S.
|billed      = [[Death Valley]]<ref name="WWEProfile" /><br />Houston, Texas
|trainer     = <!--DON JARDINE DID NOT TRAIN CALAWAY: THIS IS A MYTH. SEE "EARLY CAREER (1987–1990)" SECTION.-->[[Buzz Sawyer]]<ref name="BSS"/><ref name="Bearer2010"/><br/>Rick Davidson<br/>John Davidson
|debut       = <!--CALAWAY DID NOT DEBUT IN 1984: THIS IS A MYTH. SEE "EARLY CAREER (1987–1990)" SECTION.-->June 26, 1987<ref name="cagematch.com" /><ref name="fix120119"/>
|retired     = [[Survivor Series (2020)|November 22, 2020]]{{Efn|Calaway retired on June 21, 2020, during the final episode of [[WWE Network]] series ''Undertaker: The Last Ride''.<ref name="HT">{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/the-undertaker-announces-retirement-from-wwe/story-RKPzMvkRNK8g7a1nedC89J.html|title=The Undertaker announces retirement from WWE|date=June 22, 2020|website=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=November 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119121100/https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/the-undertaker-announces-retirement-from-wwe/story-RKPzMvkRNK8g7a1nedC89J.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He later confirmed to ''[[TheWrap]]'' on November 13 that he was "officially retired".<ref name="Maglio">{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/the-undertaker-wwe-survivor-series-retirement-boneyard-match-mark-calaway/|title=WWE's The Undertaker on Retirement, Boneyard Match and When Wrestlers' Court Gets Real|last=Maglio|first=Tony|date=November 12, 2020|website=[[TheWrap]]|access-date=November 14, 2020|quote=I am officially retired.|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113042204/https://www.thewrap.com/the-undertaker-wwe-survivor-series-retirement-boneyard-match-mark-calaway/|url-status=live}}</ref> WWE held an official retirement ceremony for Calaway on November 22.<ref name=FarewellFriends/>}}
|spouse      = {{unbulleted list|{{marriage|Jodi Lynn<br />|1989|1999|reason=divorced}}|{{marriage|Sara Frank<br />|2000|2007|reason=divorced}}|{{marriage|[[Michelle McCool]]<br />|June 7, 2010}}}}
|children    = 5
|signature   = The Undertaker Signature.png
|module      = {{Infobox social media personality
|child                = yes
|youtube_handle       = @SixFeetUnderwithMarkCalaway
|youtube_display_name = Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway
|youtube_years_active = 2023–present
|youtube_genre        = [[Professional wrestling]]
|youtube_subscribers  = 767 thousand 
|youtube_views        = 276.4 million
|stats_update         = November 16, 2025
}}
}}
'''Mark William Calaway''' (born March 24, 1965), better known by his [[ring name]] '''the Undertaker''', is an American retired [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He is signed to [[WWE]], where he is a [[List of WWE personnel#Ambassadors|brand ambassador]] and a writer for its sister promotion [[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide]] (AAA). Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/steve-austin-wwe-network-broken-skull-sessions-1203398557/|title=Steve Austin to Launch New WWE Network Interview Series, Sets Undertaker as First Guest|last=Otterson|first=Joe|date=November 11, 2019|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=November 28, 2019|archive-date=September 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910214936/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/steve-austin-wwe-network-broken-skull-sessions-1203398557/|url-status=live}}</ref> Calaway spent the vast majority of his career wrestling for [[WWE]] and in 2022 was inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]].<ref name="Dead Man Gimmick Best of all Time">{{cite news|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-raw-smackdown-undertaker-how-did-the-undertakers-deadman-gimmick-become-the-best-in-wwe-history/|title=How Did The Undertaker's "Deadman" Gimmick Become the Best in WWE History?|access-date=February 11, 2022|work=EssentiallySports|last=Dias|first=Luke|date=December 26, 2020|archive-date=February 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212035014/https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-raw-smackdown-undertaker-how-did-the-undertakers-deadman-gimmick-become-the-best-in-wwe-history/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Calaway began his career in 1987, working under various [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmicks]] for [[World Class Championship Wrestling]] (WCCW) and other affiliate promotions. He signed with [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) in 1989 for a brief stint, and then joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1990.

Calaway rebranded himself as "The Undertaker" when he joined the WWF. As one of WWE's most high-profile and enduring characters,<ref name="LegendsofProwrestling">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YGuCDwAAQBAJ&dq=WWF+The+Undertaker+chilling&pg=PT958|title=Legends of Prowrestling|access-date=January 1, 2022|last=Hornbaker|first=Tim|date=January 1, 2012|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=9781613213148|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003414/https://books.google.com/books?id=YGuCDwAAQBAJ&dq=WWF+The+Undertaker+chilling&pg=PT958|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Arre">{{cite news|url=https://www.arre.co.in/sports/undertaker-wwf-wrestlemania-usa-the-phenom-the-deadman-big-evil-the-big-dog/|title=Undertaker's Last Rite|access-date=January 1, 2022|work=Arre|last=Shekhawat|first=Dushyant|date=April 3, 2017|archive-date=March 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331063148/https://www.arre.co.in/sports/undertaker-wwf-wrestlemania-usa-the-phenom-the-deadman-big-evil-the-big-dog/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Undertaker is famed for his [[funerary]] themeing around an [[undead]], [[macabre]] "Deadman" persona, which gained significant mainstream popularity and won him the [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards|''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'' award]] for Best Gimmick [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Gimmick|a record-setting 5 years in a row]].<ref name="Deadspin">{{cite news|url=https://deadspin.com/un-dead-wrestler-of-the-week-the-undertaker-5788685|title=(Un)dead Wrestler Of The Week: The Undertaker|access-date=January 1, 2022|work=Deadspin|last=Shekhawat|first=Dushyant|date=April 4, 2011|archive-date=March 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331071629/https://deadspin.com/un-dead-wrestler-of-the-week-the-undertaker-5788685|url-status=live}}</ref> He is the longest-tenured wrestler in company history at 30 years. In 2000, the Undertaker adopted a biker identity nicknamed "American Badass". Calaway resurrected the Deadman gimmick in 2004, with residual elements of the "American Badass" remaining.

The Undertaker was known for his role in WWE's flagship event [[WrestleMania]]. He achieved 21 consecutive victories at WrestleMania, referred to in WWE as [[The Streak (professional wrestling)|The Streak]]. He headlined the event five times ([[WrestleMania 13|13]], [[WrestleMania XXIV|24]], [[WrestleMania XXVI|26]], [[WrestleMania 33|33]], and [[WrestleMania 36|36 – Night 1]]). He is also known for pairing with his [[kayfabe|in-storyline]] half-brother [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]], with whom he alternatively [[feud (professional wrestling)|feuded]] and [[tag team|teamed]] (as the [[Brothers of Destruction]]) from 1997 through 2020. During his wrestling career under the Undertaker gimmick, Calaway won the [[WWE Championship|WWF/E Championship]] four times, the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] three times, the [[WWE Hardcore Championship|Hardcore Championship]] once and the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|World Tag Team Championship]] six times. He also won the [[Royal Rumble match]] in 2007.

== Early life ==
Mark William Calaway was born in [[Houston]], [[Texas]], on March 24, 1965,<ref name="birth">{{cite web|url=https://familysearch.org/search/collection/results?count=20&query=%2Bgivenname%3AMark~%20%2Bsurname%3ACalaway~%20%2Bbirth_year%3A1965-1965~%20%2Bgender%3AM&collection_id=1949342|title=Texas Birth Index, 1903–1997|work=FamilySearch|access-date=December 29, 2016|archive-date=December 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229172259/https://familysearch.org/search/collection/results?count=20&query=%2Bgivenname%3AMark~%20%2Bsurname%3ACalaway~%20%2Bbirth_year%3A1965-1965~%20%2Bgender%3AM&collection_id=1949342|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>New Wave Wrestling, February 1995, issue 15, p.15.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2016/3/24/11298454/wwe-photo-happy-birthday-undertaker-the-frowniest-face|title=Not even a birthday cake can make the Undertaker smile|work=[[SB Nation]]|date=March 24, 2016|access-date=January 24, 2019|archive-date=June 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629065037/https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2016/3/24/11298454/wwe-photo-happy-birthday-undertaker-the-frowniest-face|url-status=live}}</ref> the son of Frank Compton Calaway (died July 2003) and Betty Catherine Truby.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}} He has four older brothers named David, Michael, Paul, and Timothy (died March 2020, aged 63).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Timothy Calaway obituary|url=https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?n=timothy-calaway&pid=195910043&fhid=12067|last=Calaway|first=Timothy|date=March 24, 2020|website=Legacy|access-date=May 12, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630024620/https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?n=timothy-calaway&pid=195910043&fhid=12067|url-status=live}}</ref> He attended [[Waltrip High School]], where he was a member of the [[American football|football]] and [[basketball]] teams. He graduated in 1983 and began studying on a basketball scholarship at [[Angelina College]] in [[Lufkin, Texas]]. In 1985, he enrolled in [[Texas Wesleyan University]] in [[Fort Worth, Texas]], where he [[Major (academic)|majored]] in [[sport management]] and played as a [[Center (basketball)|center]] for the [[Texas Wesleyan University#Athletics|Rams]] in the 1985–1986 season. In 1986, Calaway dropped out of university to focus on a career in sports and briefly considered playing professional basketball in Europe, before deciding to focus on professional wrestling.<ref name=HS>{{cite web|url=http://hs.houstonisd.org/WaltripHS/TriviaFolder/trivia.htm|title=Waltrip trivia page|publisher=[[Waltrip High School]]|access-date=March 27, 2007|archive-date=August 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831194046/http://hs.houstonisd.org/WaltripHS/TriviaFolder/trivia.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="O'Shei2009">{{cite book|author=Tim O'Shei|title=Undertaker|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u-6RZ9qx5RkC&pg=PA8|date=July 1, 2009|publisher=Capstone|isbn=978-1-4296-3351-2|pages=8–11}}</ref><ref name="Bringle2011">{{cite book|author=Jennifer Bringle|title=The Undertaker: Master of Pain|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TM38w278TJIC&pg=PA7|date=December 2011|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-1-4488-5536-0|pages=7–8}}</ref><ref name="Schaefer2002">{{cite book|author=A. R. Schaefer|title=The Undertaker: Pro Wrestler Mark Callaway|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R7IEM_euj28C&pg=PA12|date=June 2002|publisher=Capstone|isbn=978-0-7368-1312-9|pages=12–13}}</ref>

== Professional wrestling career ==

=== Early career (1987–1989) ===
{{Professional wrestling sidebar}}Calaway began training under [[Buzz Sawyer]] in late 1986;<ref name="BSS">{{cite episode|title=The Undertaker|series=Steve Austin's Broken Skull Sessions|network=[[WWE Network]]|date=November 24, 2019|minutes=3–8 & 20}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|date=2001|title=Undertaker: This Is My Yard|medium=DVD|time=1:38|publisher=[[WWE Home Video]]}}</ref> he disliked Sawyer, who reportedly lacked commitment and provided a limited education.<ref name="BSS"/><ref name="Bearer2010">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/Former_WWE_manager_Paul_Bearer_comments_on_how_he_was_paired_with_Undertaker_managing_Taker_before_he_was_given_the_gimmick_interviewing_Hulk_Hogan_and_Ric_Flair_on_The_Funeral_Parlor_printer.shtml|title=Former WWE manager Paul Bearer|date=May 18, 2010|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 28, 2019|archive-date=December 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210160323/https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/Former_WWE_manager_Paul_Bearer_comments_on_how_he_was_paired_with_Undertaker_managing_Taker_before_he_was_given_the_gimmick_interviewing_Hulk_Hogan_and_Ric_Flair_on_The_Funeral_Parlor_printer.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Calaway learned "on the job" thereafter.<ref name="Johnson112520">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/141618/eric-bischoffs-place-in-history-undertaker-paul-bearer-hate-watching-pro-wrestling-the-gobbledy-gookers-return-and-more.html?p=1|title=Eric Bischoff's place in history, Undertaker & Paul Bearer, hate-watching pro wrestling, the Gobbledy Gooker's return and more|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=November 25, 2020|website=PWInsider|access-date=November 25, 2020|archive-date=September 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910215546/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/141618/eric-bischoffs-place-in-history-undertaker-paul-bearer-hate-watching-pro-wrestling-the-gobbledy-gookers-return-and-more.html?p=1|url-status=live}}</ref> Performing under a mask as Texas Red,<ref name="Bearer2010"/> Calaway wrestled his first match on June 26, 1987, for [[World Class Championship Wrestling]] (WCCW), losing to [[Bruiser Brody]] at the [[Dallas Sportatorium]].<ref name="fix120119">{{cite episode|title=VIP audio 12/1|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/12/01/vip-audio-12-1-the-fix-w-todd-martin-reviews-of-aew-dynamite-nxt-on-usa-smackdown-including-fiend-bryan-survivor-series-follow-up-jericho-celebration-plus-mailbag-on-jakes-cobra-bit/|series=The Fix with Todd Martin|first=Wade|last=Keller|author-link=Wade Keller|date=December 1, 2019|minutes=76|access-date=December 8, 2019|archive-date=September 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910215546/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/12/01/vip-audio-12-1-the-fix-w-todd-martin-reviews-of-aew-dynamite-nxt-on-usa-smackdown-including-fiend-bryan-survivor-series-follow-up-jericho-celebration-plus-mailbag-on-jakes-cobra-bit/|url-status=live}}{{Subscription required|via=PWTorch.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=2&nr=761&page=4&s=2300|title=Undertaker: Matches (p.24, archived)|website=Cagematch.net|access-date=December 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208171321/https://www.cagematch.net//?id=2&nr=761&page=4&s=2300|archive-date=December 8, 2019}}</ref> He was accompanied to the ring by Percival "Percy" Pringle III, who would later serve as his manager in the WWF as [[Paul Bearer]].<ref name="Bearer2010"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=249359|title=Event: 26.06.1987|website=Cagematch.net|access-date=December 8, 2019|archive-date=September 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910215555/https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=249359|url-status=live}}</ref> Two myths have circulated regarding Calaway's beginnings in the industry, the first being that he made his in-ring debut in 1984,<ref name="BSS"/> and the second being that he was trained by former WCCW colleague Don Jardine (aka [[The Spoiler (wrestler)|The Spoiler]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/141568/can-a-wrestler-get-the-leverage-needed-to-have-the-upper-hand-against-wwe-training-taker-drew-is-scary-and-more.html?p=1|title=Can a wrestler get the leverage needed to have the upper hand against WWE, training Taker, Drew is scary and more|last=Scherer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Scherer|date=November 24, 2020|website=PWInsider|access-date=November 25, 2020|archive-date=September 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910215546/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/141568/can-a-wrestler-get-the-leverage-needed-to-have-the-upper-hand-against-wwe-training-taker-drew-is-scary-and-more.html?p=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode|title=VIP audio 12/12|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/12/12/vip-audio-12-12-the-fix-w-todd-martin-mailbag-pt-2-of-2-should-aew-have-a-single-booker-is-nxt-ready-to-tour-outside-of-full-sail-which-macho-man-outfit-was-best-plus-wwe-releases/|series=The Fix with Todd Martin|first=Wade|last=Keller|author-link=Wade Keller|date=December 12, 2019|minutes=18|access-date=December 13, 2019|archive-date=December 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213233101/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/12/12/vip-audio-12-12-the-fix-w-todd-martin-mailbag-pt-2-of-2-should-aew-have-a-single-booker-is-nxt-ready-to-tour-outside-of-full-sail-which-macho-man-outfit-was-best-plus-wwe-releases/|url-status=live}}{{Subscription required|via=PWTorch.com}}</ref> While never trained by Jardine, Calaway was an admirer of his work and would emulate Jardine's top rope walk.<ref name="prichard14">"Episode 14: 1990 Survivor Series". ''[[Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard]]''. November 4, 2016. c. 150 minutes in (commercials vary between locations).</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Schire|first=George|date=2010|title=Minnesota's Golden Age of Wrestling|publisher=Minnesota Historical Society Press|page=200|isbn=978-0873516204}}</ref> ''PWInsider''{{'}}s Mike Johnson stated, "Undertaker using some of Jardine's style eventually morphed into this story that he was trained by Jardine."<ref name="Johnson112520"/>

He wrestled in [[Durban]], South Africa on August 22, 1987, as "Texas Red Jack", losing to Tiger Singh.<ref>{{cite web |title=Matches |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=761&page=4&year=1987&promotion=2383 |website=www.cagematch.net |access-date=August 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003640/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=761&page=4&year=1987&promotion=2383 |archive-date=July 16, 2023 |language=en |date=August 22, 1987 |url-status=live}}</ref> He would also wrestle in prison shows under the name Boris Dragu, a Russian grave digger.<ref name="msn.com"/>

In 1988, Calaway developed a military gimmick named The Commando and wrestled in the Chicago area for Central Illinois Wrestling.{{fact|date=October 2025}} He would also have a brief stint in Georgia for [[Southern Championship Wrestling (Georgia)|Southern Championship Wrestling]].{{fact|date=October 2025}}

By the end of 1988, Calaway joined the [[Continental Wrestling Association]], wrestling under several gimmicks. On February 2, 1989, managed by [[Dutch Mantel]], he was reintroduced as The Master of Pain, a former murderer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2548866-undertakers-early-career-a-reminder-of-how-vital-finding-the-right-gimmick-is|title=Undertaker's Early Career a Reminder of How Vital Finding the Right Gimmick Is|last=Dilbert|first=Ryan|website=Bleacher Report|access-date=February 16, 2019|archive-date=September 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910220059/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2548866-undertakers-early-career-a-reminder-of-how-vital-finding-the-right-gimmick-is|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 1, The Master of Pain won his first [[professional wrestling championship]] by defeating [[Jerry Lawler]] for the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Champion. Just over three weeks had passed when Lawler became the first man to pin him, giving it back to him. While performing as The Punisher upon returning to Dallas, Calaway won the USWA Texas Heavyweight Championship on October 5, 1989, when [[Eric Embry]] forfeited the title.<ref name="wcwa">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/tx-h.html|title=Texas Heavyweight Title history|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com|access-date=April 9, 2008|archive-date=November 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113145609/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/tx-h.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===World Championship Wrestling (1989–1990)===
{{see also|The Skyscrapers}}
By the end of 1989, Calaway joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villain]] and adopted the ring name "Mean Mark" Callous, a name devised for him by [[Terry Funk]].<ref name=FunkAutobiography>{{cite book|last1=Funk|first1=Terry|author-link1=Terry Funk|last2=Williams|first2=Scott|title=Terry Funk: More Than Just Hardcore|year=2006|publisher=Sports Publishing|location=Champaign, IL|isbn=1-59670-159-5|page=198}} Retrieved on April 18, 2018</ref> He was portrayed as a sinister force, wearing predominantly black ring attire and was described by commentator [[Jim Ross]] as having a fondness for pet snakes and the music of [[Ozzy Osbourne]].<ref>''WCW/NWA Capital Combat'' (VHS). [[Turner Entertainment#Home video|Turner Home Entertainment]]. 1990.</ref> Callous was promptly drafted into [[The Skyscrapers]] [[tag team]] to replace a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Legit|legitimately]] injured [[Sid Eudy|Sid Vicious]], and made his debut on January 3, 1990, in a match later televised against Agent Steel and Randy Harris.<ref name="thehistoryofwwe.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw90.htm |title=WCW 1990 |website=thehistoryofwwe.com |access-date=January 9, 2022 |archive-date=March 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323005922/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw90.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The new team gained some notoriety at ''[[Clash of the Champions X]]'' when they beat down [[The Road Warriors]] after their match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/clash.html#X|title=NWA Clash of the Champions Results (X)|access-date=April 16, 2007|website=prowrestlinghistory.com|archive-date=March 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331044030/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/clash.html#X|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Callous's partner [[Dan Spivey]] left WCW days before their [[Professional wrestling match types#Street Fight|Chicago Street Fight]] against the Road Warriors at [[WrestleWar (1990)|WrestleWar]]. Callous and [[Mike Enos|a replacement masked Skyscraper]] were defeated in the [[Hardcore wrestling|street fight]] and the team broke up soon afterwards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/w-war.html#90|title=NWA WrestleWar Results (1990)|access-date=April 16, 2007|website=prowrestlinghistory.com|archive-date=November 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102025143/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/w-war.html#90|url-status=live}}</ref> Now a singles wrestler, Callous took on the guidance of [[Paul Heyman|Paul E. Dangerously]] (Paul Heyman).

Calaway later began to question his future in WCW after being told by [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#book|company booker]], [[Ole Anderson]], during contract renewal discussions that nobody would ever pay money to watch him perform.<ref name="BSS"/> It was in response to this that Calaway made numerous efforts to join the World Wrestling Federation, going to many lengths to land a meeting with [[Vince McMahon]]. However, accessing and securing an interview with McMahon was described by Calaway as a despairing task.<ref name="Suburban Commando">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iZqdBgAAQBAJ&dq=suburban+commando+movie+undertaker+vince+mcmahon&pg=PA224|title=The Complete WWF Video Guide Volume 5 (p. 224)|access-date=February 12, 2022|work=Lulu|last1=Maughan|first1=Lee|last2=Furious|first2=Arnold|last3=Dixon|first3=James|date=March 29, 2014|isbn=9781291816938|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003419/https://books.google.com/books?id=iZqdBgAAQBAJ&dq=suburban+commando+movie+undertaker+vince+mcmahon&pg=PA224|url-status=live}}</ref>

Among routes Calaway took to land a meeting with McMahon was trying to convince individuals acquainted with McMahon or already existing WWF talent to recommend him into the WWF, such as [[Hulk Hogan]], Paul Heyman, and [[Bruce Prichard]], crediting the latter two for arranging the meeting at McMahon's mansion.<ref name="PowerfulJRE">{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzseicO0FQQ|title=The Origins of The Undertaker Character|work=[[The Joe Rogan Experience]]|access-date=March 8, 2022|last=Rogan|first=Joe|date=2020|archive-date=March 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308141024/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzseicO0FQQ|url-status=live}}</ref>

Calaway immediately gave [[notice period|notice]] to WCW before the interview took place. McMahon initially declined to hire Calaway; however, several days later the owner pitched the idea of an "Old West Undertaker", a concept he had intended to create for several years but had never found an appropriate wrestler to play the part.<ref name="PowerfulJRE"/>

Calaway's final WCW match was on September 7 at a ''[[WCW WorldWide|WorldWide]]'' taping in [[Amarillo, Texas]] in which he defeated Dave Johnson.<ref name="thehistoryofwwe.com" /> During his time in WCW, Calaway briefly wrestled in [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) as "Punisher" Dice Morgan.<ref name="Mark Calaway history"/> After leaving WCW, he briefly returned to the USWA to participate in a tournament to determine the new USWA Unified World Heavyweight Champion; Calaway defeated [[Bill Dundee]] in the first round, but lost to Jerry Lawler in the quarterfinals.

=== World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE ===
==== Debut of The Undertaker (1990–1991) ====
In October 1990, Calaway signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), set to portray the "[[wikt:brainchild|brainchild]]" of McMahon that he had assigned to him, originally entitled ''Kane the Undertaker''<ref name="PowerfulJRE"/> ("Kane" later added on to "the Undertaker" moniker by the time of his arrival at the urgings of Bruce Prichard, who had always desired a [[Cain and Abel]] effect for his character).<ref name="Creation">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2016/11/23/week-wrestling-kevin-nash-on-diesel-creation-of-undertaker|title=Week in Wrestling: Kevin Nash on Diesel; creation of Undertaker; Gobbledy Gooker speaks|access-date=August 28, 2022|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|last=Barrasso|first=Justin|date=November 23, 2016|archive-date=August 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828172502/https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2016/11/23/week-wrestling-kevin-nash-on-diesel-creation-of-undertaker|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite Calaway's perplexed, pessimistic feelings about McMahon's gimmick idea, he was readily accepting of the role, feeling anything better than the laughingstock gimmicks of that time, such as [[The Gobbledy Gooker]].<ref name="Suburban Commando"/><ref name="Landing the Undertaker role"/><ref name="PowerfulJRE"/> Kane the Undertaker was characterized as a menacing derivative of the [[Wild West]] [[Funeral director|undertakers]] depicted in [[Western (genre)|television western]]s. Resulting from that, this first edition of the Undertaker's series of [[#Undertaker gimmick, identities and character evolution|Deadman]] incarnations<ref name="Suburban Commando"/><ref name="Landing the Undertaker role">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_tCGDwAAQBAJ&dq=suburban+commando+undertaker+vince+mcmahon+old+west&pg=PT245|title=Pro Wrestling FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the World's Most Entertaining Spectacle|access-date=February 12, 2022|work=Backbeat|last=Solomon|first=Brian|date=January 1, 2015|isbn=9781617136283|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003413/https://books.google.com/books?id=_tCGDwAAQBAJ&dq=suburban+commando+undertaker+vince+mcmahon+old+west&pg=PT245|url-status=live}}</ref> has been distinguished in external media as "The Old West Mortician".<ref name="The Old West Mortician">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A5DqCgAAQBAJ&dq=the+undertaker+old+west+mortician+sid&pg=PT225|title=Pro Wrestling FAQ: All That's Left To Know About The World's Most Entertaining Spectacle|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=Backbeat|last=Solomon|first=Brian|date=January 1, 2015|isbn=9781617136276}}</ref><ref name="The Undertaker Western Mortician">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TPSKDwAAQBAJ&dq=western+mortician+the+undertaker+version+wwf&pg=PT104|title=Convergent Wrestling: Participatory Culture, Transmedia Storytelling, and Intertextuality in the Squared Circle|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=[[Taylor & Francis]]|last1=Reinhard|first1=CarrieLynn|last2=Olson|first2=Christopher|date=March 4, 2019|isbn=9781351233965|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003416/https://books.google.com/books?id=TPSKDwAAQBAJ&dq=western+mortician+the+undertaker+version+wwf&pg=PT104|url-status=live}}</ref> He made his overall WWF debut on a November 19, 1990, taping of ''[[WWF Superstars of Wrestling|WWF Superstars]]'' quickly defeating his first opponent, [[Mario Mancini]], in a singles match<ref name="Kane The Undertaker">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SJkOBAAAQBAJ&dq=debut+Kane+The+Undertaker+at+a+taping+of+Superstars+WWF&pg=PA101|title=The Complete WWF Video Guide Volume II - Page 101|access-date=February 12, 2022|work=Lulu Press Incorporated|last=Simonotti|first=Christine|date=November 25, 2012|isbn=9781291252927|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003417/https://books.google.com/books?id=SJkOBAAAQBAJ&dq=debut+Kane+The+Undertaker+at+a+taping+of+Superstars+WWF&pg=PA101|url-status=live}}</ref> (this match was filmed three days prior to the Undertaker's televised debut at [[Survivor Series (1990)|Survivor Series]] on November 22, but did not air on television until December 15, 1990). Also prior to his Survivor Series appearance, Kane the Undertaker had a match on November 20 against Rick Sampson, which later aired on the December 9, 1990 episode of ''[[WWF Wrestling Challenge]]''.<ref name="The Undertaker debut match">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1574817-undertaker-and-the-end-of-an-era-the-death-of-the-gimmick-in-wwe|title=Undertaker and the End of an Era: The Death of the Gimmick in WWE|access-date=February 15, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Snowden|first=Jonathan|date=March 21, 2013|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215175044/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1574817-undertaker-and-the-end-of-an-era-the-death-of-the-gimmick-in-wwe|url-status=live}}</ref>

Calaway's official televised debut was at Survivor Series in which he was presented as the [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] mystery partner of Ted DiBiase's "Million Dollar Team".<ref name=pwi89>2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards", p. 88–89.</ref> Approximately one minute into the match, the Undertaker eliminated [[Koko B. Ware]] with his finisher, the ''[[Tombstone Piledriver]]''.<ref name="FirstYear">{{cite news|url=https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/undertaker-first-year-wwe/|title=The Undertaker – His Memorable First Year in WWE|access-date=February 26, 2022|work=Prowrestling Stories|last=Shank|first=Cameron|archive-date=February 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226231602/https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/undertaker-first-year-wwe/|url-status=live}}</ref> (In 2018, Koko B. Ware shared that directly following this match that night, he confronted the Undertaker with serious objections to what he felt was a botched Tombstone. Though Ware also shared that he always admired Mark Calaway and perceived him as a great performer).<ref name="ProWrestling B. Ware">{{cite news|url=https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/undertaker-first-tombstone-piledriver-koko-b-ware/|title=The Undertaker's Very First Tombstone Piledriver Was A Botch Says The Poor Guy Who Took It|access-date=September 7, 2022|date=August 10, 2018|work=Prowrestling|last=Stroud|first=Brandon|archive-date=September 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908000150/https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/undertaker-first-tombstone-piledriver-koko-b-ware/|url-status=live}}</ref> During the match, the Undertaker also eliminated [[Dusty Rhodes]] before being [[Professional wrestling#Countout|counted out]]; however, his team won the match with DiBiase being the sole survivor.<ref name="FirstYear"/>  During the match, Calaway was referred to as simply the Undertaker, omitting the portion "Kane", which was dropped shortly after the event (and seven years later at the urgings of Prichard, given to another wrestler once he took on the role of the Undertaker's [[Kane (wrestler)|younger brother]]).<ref name="Creation"/><ref name="FirstYear"/> Throughout the end of 1990, the Undertaker mostly picked up [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#squash|squash]] victories against jobbers on Superstars of Wrestling and Wrestling Challenge tapings.<ref name="FirstYear"/> He was a participant in the [[Royal Rumble (1991)|1991]] [[Royal Rumble match]] which was won by Hulk Hogan.<ref name="FirstYear"/>

In February 1991, [[Bruce Prichard|Brother Love]] delegated his short-lived [[Manager (professional wrestling)|management]] role of the Undertaker over to Paul Bearer (real-life funeral director), Love communicating the need for someone who better aligned with the Undertaker's "deadman" themes.<ref name="The Undertaker united with Paul Bearer">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1805669-full-career-retrospective-and-greatest-moments-for-paul-bearer|title=Full Career Retrospective and Greatest Moments for Paul Bearer|access-date=February 26, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Beaston|first=Erik|date=October 10, 2013|archive-date=February 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226222949/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1805669-full-career-retrospective-and-greatest-moments-for-paul-bearer|url-status=live}}</ref> [[wikt:histrionic|Histrionic]], wailing and ghostly in character, Bearer complemented the Undertaker and was almost always seen bearing an [[urn]] which he raised in the air to transmit supernatural healing powers to the Undertaker; this typically resulted in the Undertaker recovering from attacks and counterattacking his adversaries.<ref name="The Undertaker united with Paul Bearer"/> During his early years, the Undertaker took to a post-match ritual of placing his defeated opponents (almost always [[Job (professional wrestling)|jobbers]]) in a [[body bag]] and carrying them backstage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prowrestling.about.com/od/thewrestlers/tp/scarywrestlers.htm|title=About.com: Top 10 Scariest Wrestlers|publisher=Prowrestling.about.com|date=September 24, 2010|access-date=October 24, 2011|archive-date=July 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707075052/http://prowrestling.about.com/od/thewrestlers/tp/scarywrestlers.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> He continued picking up victories in squash matches leading up to his first [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] in the WWF with [["Superfly" Jimmy Snuka]].<ref name="FirstYear"/>

==== WWF Champion and beginning of The Streak (1991–1994) ====
[[File:Undertaker vs Hulk Hogan SS 91.png|thumb|250px|upright|The Undertaker won his first WWF Championship by defeating [[Hulk Hogan]] at [[Survivor Series (1991)|Survivor Series]] in 1991, shown here applying a choke hold on Hogan in the corner of the ring.]]
The Undertaker made his WrestleMania debut at [[WrestleMania VII]] on March 24, 1991, quickly defeating "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka.<ref name=legacy>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/undertaker/wrestlemanialegacy/|title=WrestleMania Legacy|access-date=July 10, 2008|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413111249/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/undertaker/wrestlemanialegacy/|url-status=live}}</ref> He began his first major feud shortly thereafter, which was with [[The Ultimate Warrior]] when The Undertaker attacked him and locked him in an airtight casket on the set of Paul Bearer's ''Funeral Parlor'' segment.<ref name="FirstYear"/> Resulting from this, the Warrior enlisted the assistance of [[Jake "The Snake" Roberts]] to get him mentally psyched for The Undertaker's morbid alarmist tactics: Roberts would drill the Warrior with "know your enemy" training, setting up the Warrior in a series of creepy, terrorizing circumstances, such as by locking him in caskets and in rooms with snakes.<ref name="WarriorRoberts">{{cite news|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/world-wrestling-eerietainment-ranking-wwes-171509026.html|title=World Wrestling Eerietainment: Ranking WWE's Worst-Ever 'Horror Movie' Moments|access-date=February 26, 2022|work=[[Yahoo!]]|last=Birch|first=Nathan|date=July 15, 2016|archive-date=February 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227002140/https://www.yahoo.com/news/world-wrestling-eerietainment-ranking-wwes-171509026.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="FirstYear"/> This culminated in a final stage of Roberts's training in which Roberts proved to be stringing Warrior along the entire time by assisting The Undertaker in an ambush.<ref name="WarriorRoberts"/> The Undertaker would later suffer his first losses in the WWF to The Ultimate Warrior, including in a first ever body bag challenge, a casket match, and (at [[house show]]) standard pin-fall match.<ref name="The Undertaker losses to Ultimate Warrior">{{cite news|url=https://www.sportscasting.com/the-undertaker-was-asked-ridiculously-hilarious-question-by-the-ultimate-warrior-early-wwe-matches/|title=The Undertaker Was Asked a Ridiculously Hilarious Question by The Ultimate Warrior During One of His Early WWE Matches|access-date=February 26, 2022|work=Sportscasting|last=Norris|first=Luke|date=February 21, 2021|archive-date=February 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227003332/https://www.sportscasting.com/the-undertaker-was-asked-ridiculously-hilarious-question-by-the-ultimate-warrior-early-wwe-matches/|url-status=live}}</ref> The feud was, however, cut short after the Warrior's suspension and ongoing issues with Vince McMahon.<ref name="The Undertaker losses to Ultimate Warrior"/> In the [[King of the Ring (1991)|1991 King of the Ring]], Undertaker defeated [[Road Warrior Animal|Animal]] in a qualifying match before fighting [[Sid Eudy|Sid Vicious]] to a double [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]] in the semifinal, which saw both men eliminated from the [[King of the Ring tournament]].<ref name="The Undertaker's matches Animal and Sid">{{cite news|url=https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=27&bild=2&details=7&liga=3&jahr=1991&seite=9|title=The Undertaker|access-date=February 26, 2022|work=Wrestlingdata.com|archive-date=February 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227014641/https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=27&bild=2&details=7&liga=3&jahr=1991&seite=9|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Undertaker defeated Hulk Hogan to win his first [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]] at [[Survivor Series (1991)|Survivor Series]] with the help of [[Ric Flair]] and thus became the youngest WWF Champion in history to that point, 26 years of age—this record was later broken by [[Yokozuna (wrestler)|Yokozuna]] in April 1993 at [[WrestleMania IX]].<ref name=pwi90>PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards", p. 89–90.</ref> The Undertaker's Tombstone of Hogan to win the WWF Championship at the 1991 Survivor Series created real-life, offscreen discord between the two, which Undertaker attributes his short title reign, lack of title runs during his early career and distrust of Hogan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/29242242/undertaker-first-wwe-title-win-hulk-hogan-memories-montreal-screwjob|title=Undertaker on first WWE title win against Hulk Hogan, memories of Montreal Screwjob|last=Shoemaker|first=David|date=May 31, 2020|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=January 24, 2022|archive-date=January 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129214852/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/29242242/undertaker-first-wwe-title-win-hulk-hogan-memories-montreal-screwjob|url-status=live}}</ref> In storyline, however, WWF President [[Jack Tunney]] ordered a rematch between the two at [[This Tuesday in Texas]] six days later, where The Undertaker lost the title back to Hogan.<ref name=pwi90 /> However, due to the controversial endings of the two title matches between The Undertaker and Hogan, the title was [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Vacant|vacated]] from Hogan the next night by Tunney. The company was without a WWF Champion until Ric Flair earned it by winning the [[Royal Rumble (1992)|1992]] Royal Rumble match.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2595346-wwe-throwback-thursday-the-undertaker-vs-hulk-hogan-at-this-tuesday-in-texas|title=WWE Throwback Thursday: The Undertaker vs. Hulk Hogan at This Tuesday in Texas|access-date=February 26, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Mueller|first=(The Doctor) Chris|date=December 3, 2015|archive-date=February 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227015308/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2595346-wwe-throwback-thursday-the-undertaker-vs-hulk-hogan-at-this-tuesday-in-texas|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 1992, The Undertaker's ally Jake "The Snake" Roberts tried to attack [["Macho Man" Randy Savage]]'s manager/wife [[Miss Elizabeth]] with a steel chair when Undertaker stopped him, turning him (and Paul Bearer) [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] for the first time. Their face turn was solidified on the February 29 episode of ''Superstars'' when Roberts confronted The Undertaker on the ''Funeral Parlor'' set over the matter (aired on ''[[Saturday Night's Main Event XXX]]''). After demanding to know whose side The Undertaker was on and getting the reply, "Not yours", Roberts attacked both Bearer and The Undertaker, only for The Undertaker to stand his ground and run Roberts off. The Undertaker defeated Roberts at [[WrestleMania VIII]].<ref name=legacy /> He then feuded extensively with wrestlers managed by [[Harvey Wippleman]] throughout 1992 and 1993, such as [[Kamala (wrestler)|Kamala]] and [[Jorge González (wrestler)|Giant González]]. According to Calaway, working with González "...{{nbsp}}was survival every night trying to figure out what he could do" and "took years off my career".<ref>{{cite web| url-status = bot: unknown| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200810151918/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYjd7StlJHs&feature=emb_title| archive-date = August 10, 2020| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYjd7StlJHs&feature=emb_title| title = The Undertaker FULL INTERVIEW {{!}} Jim Norton & Sam Roberts| website = [[YouTube]]| date=June 17, 2020 | access-date = June 25, 2020}}</ref> He faced González at WrestleMania IX, which is notable as [[The Streak (professional wrestling)#Match statistics|The Undertaker's only disqualification win at WrestleMania]] after the use of [[chloroform]].<ref name="Steak disqualification victory">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1063656-wwe-opinion-what-the-wwe-can-learn-from-the-undertakers-wrestlemania-streak|title=WWE Opinion: What the WWE Can Learn from the Undertaker's WrestleMania Streak|access-date=February 22, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Konuwa|first=Alfred|date=February 12, 2012|archive-date=February 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222070735/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1063656-wwe-opinion-what-the-wwe-can-learn-from-the-undertakers-wrestlemania-streak|url-status=live}}</ref> Also during this time, The Undertaker headlined the [[Monday Night Raw debut episode|debut episode]] of ''[[WWE Raw|Monday Night Raw]]'' on January 11, 1993, with a victory over [[Damien Demento]].<ref name="YouTube Undertaker's first RAW appearance">{{cite news |date=January 11, 1993 |title=The Undertaker wins the main event of the first Raw: Raw, Jan. 11, 1993 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4CPAS4HyaQ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210072151/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4CPAS4HyaQ&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=February 10, 2022 |access-date=February 10, 2022 |work=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref name="The Undertaker on first RAW">{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Kevin |date=January 1, 2014 |title=WWE 50 (p. 86) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zbwxAwAAQBAJ&dq=Damien+Demento+Undertaker+RAW&pg=PA86 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003415/https://books.google.com/books?id=zbwxAwAAQBAJ&dq=Damien+Demento+Undertaker+RAW&pg=PA86 |archive-date=July 16, 2023 |access-date=February 10, 2022 |work=[[DK (publisher)|DK]] |isbn=9781465427762}}</ref>

The Undertaker's next rivalry initiated at [[Survivor Series (1993)|Survivor Series]] with Yokozuna when a clash between the two lost control, causing them to be counted out in an elimination tag match.<ref name="1993 Survivor Series elimination tag">{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRpxhRuE_so|title=The All-Americans defend their country's honor against The Foreign Fanatics: Survivor Series 1993|access-date=February 22, 2022|work=[[WWE]]|date=November 6, 2012|archive-date=February 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222105618/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRpxhRuE_so|url-status=live}}</ref> In the weeks following, The Undertaker and Bearer spooked Yokozuna with multiple segments from their wintery and remote [[rural area]] [[workshop]]. There, Bearer presented The Undertaker hard at work [[carpentry|carpentering]] Yokozuna what would eventually become a "double wide, double deep casket" custom-built for Yokozuna's immensely overweight size.<ref name="The Undertaker's Yokozuna Custom Built Caskets">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/477785-wwe-legend-the-undertaker-the-phenom-over-rated-really|title=WWE Legend The Undertaker: Is the Phenom Overrated...Really?|access-date=February 22, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Power|first=Dan|date=September 29, 2010|archive-date=February 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222093831/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/477785-wwe-legend-the-undertaker-the-phenom-over-rated-really|url-status=live}}</ref> The feud culminated in a WWF Championship [[Professional wrestling match types#Container-based variations|casket match]] at the [[Royal Rumble (1994)|Royal Rumble]] in January 1994. During the match, Yokozuna sealed The Undertaker in the casket with the assistance of a multitude of heel wrestlers (some of them [[Harvey Wippleman|Whippleman]]-managed) hired by Yokozuna's vindictive managers [[Jim Cornette]] and [[Mr. Fuji]], which was in retaliation for Bearer's casket match stipulation that he snuck into their Royal Rumble match contract. After being trapped inside the casket by the pack, green vapor emitted from the casket and the arena lights went out. Undertaker then appeared from inside the casket on the video screen, representing the spirit of his dead corpse, warning that he would produce a future "rebirth" of himself, explaining to his antagonists that he cannot and will not Rest in Peace.<ref name=pwi92>PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards", p. 92–94.</ref> The Undertaker did not appear in the WWF for seven months after his loss to Yokozuna. In reality, he was given time off to allow a back injury to heal, and to attend his first son's birth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://grantland.com/features/wwe-summerslam-john-cena-brock-lesnar-pay-per-view/|title=What's at Stake When John Cena Wrestles Brock Lesnar at 'SummerSlam'|last=Shoemaker|first=David|date=August 14, 2014|publisher=[[Grantland]]|access-date=February 23, 2015|archive-date=April 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420232912/http://grantland.com/features/wwe-summerslam-john-cena-brock-lesnar-pay-per-view/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Hart |first=Bret |title=HITMAN: My Real Life In The Cartoon World Of Wrestling |publisher=Grand Central Publishing |year=2009 |isbn=9780446546072 |pages=44}}</ref>

==== Rebirthed Deadman (1994–1996) ====
[[File:Paul Bearer in 1996.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Paul Bearer]] betrayed The Undertaker by hitting him with the [[urn]] that he is seen carrying.]]
Following the death angle at the Royal Rumble during The Undertaker's absence, the WWF promoted reported sightings of him through video clips of random people claiming to have seen him. After [[WrestleMania X]], [[Ted DiBiase]] introduced an Undertaker back to the WWF. This Undertaker, however, played by [[Brian Lee (wrestler)|Brian Lee]] (one of Calaway's real-life best friends)<ref name="Paul Bearer on Brian Lee">{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj5shSINnsw|title=Paul Bearer on managing Undertaker vs Hogan, Giant Gonzales, Jake Roberts & more|work=RfVideoVault|access-date=March 9, 2022|archive-date=March 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309124832/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj5shSINnsw&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> was an impostor Undertaker (dubbed "The Underfaker" by fans)<ref name="Underfaker">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nGQgdVxpuQ4C&dq=undertaker+wwf+summerslam+1994&pg=PA20|title=WWE Undertaker (p. 20)|access-date=February 12, 2022|work=[[DK (publisher)|DK]]|last=Sullivan|first=Kevin|date=November 2, 2009|isbn=9780756676438|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003414/https://books.google.com/books?id=nGQgdVxpuQ4C&dq=undertaker+wwf+summerslam+1994&pg=PA20|url-status=live}}</ref> rejuvenated by Dibiase's money rather than Bearer's urn. His actions led to the return of the real Undertaker at [[SummerSlam (1994)|SummerSlam]], defeating the impostor and appearing as a reincarnation of his Deadman gimmick, one of a more shadowy, mysterious and secret presence.<ref name="SummerSlam94">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2585210-undertaker-25-defining-moments-for-25-years-in-wwe|title=Undertaker: 25 Defining Moments for 25 Years in WWE (section 15 of 25)|access-date=February 12, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Beaston|first=Erik|date=November 2, 2015|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213004406/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2585210-undertaker-25-defining-moments-for-25-years-in-wwe|url-status=live}}</ref> Represented now by cool colors, The Undertaker replaced details of his wrestling gear that were previously colored gray with purple, and effected scenes with blue/purple semidarkness.<ref name="SummerSlam94"/> Many details that would become associated with The Undertaker for the remainder of his career were produced during this rebirth incarnation, such as the addition of [[sleeve tattoo]]s and [[Divine|Godlike]] supernatural elements (thunder, lightning and windy weather-like effects used to indicate The Undertaker's presence and wrath).<ref name="ESPN">{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/17328615/ten-wwe-summerslam-moments-memories-define-history-event|title=Best moments and memories of SummerSlam|access-date=February 12, 2022|work=[[ESPN]]|date=August 19, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Undertaker: Prototype Deadman">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2585210-undertaker-25-defining-moments-for-25-years-in-wwe|title=Undertaker: 25 Defining Moments for 25 Years in WWE|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Beaston|first=Erik|date=November 2, 2015|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213080426/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2585210-undertaker-25-defining-moments-for-25-years-in-wwe|url-status=live}}</ref>

Seeking retribution, The Undertaker revisited his feud with Yokozuna and eventually faced him in a casket rematch at [[Survivor Series (1994)|Survivor Series]]. [[Chuck Norris]] (portraying his ''[[Walker, Texas Ranger]]'' persona) was involved in the match as special guest enforcer, preventing interference from wrestlers that Yokozuna, Jim Cornette and Mr. Fuji had again enlisted for help.<ref name="ChuckNorris">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E-bEDwAAQBAJ&dq=chuck+norris+the+undertaker+survivor+series+yokozuna&pg=PA113|title=WWE Beyond Extreme - Page 113|access-date=February 22, 2022|work=[[DK (publisher)|DK]]|last=Miller|first=Dean|date=March 17, 2020|isbn=9780744024197|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003422/https://books.google.com/books?id=E-bEDwAAQBAJ&dq=chuck+norris+the+undertaker+survivor+series+yokozuna&pg=PA113|url-status=live}}</ref> Unable to rely on much as far as interference this time around (only [[Mike Rotunda|Irwin R. Schyster]] able to get in a brief ambush) due to Norris averting the attempts of several heel wrestlers, Yokozuna was defeated by The Undertaker and sealed in the casket.<ref name="ChuckNorris"/> Throughout most of 1995, Undertaker feuded with members of Ted DiBiase's [[Million Dollar Corporation]]. The chain of wrestlers DiBiase enlisted to do away with The Undertaker started with Irwin R. Schyster at the [[Royal Rumble (1995)|Royal Rumble]] for which The Undertaker was victorious, but assaulted by another member of the Million Dollar Team, [[King Kong Bundy]]. While being assaulted, Bearer was deprived of his urn by the Corporation.<ref name="LookBack">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/605887-wwes-looking-back-at-legends-best-feuds-of-the-biggest-stars-in-ppv-era-ep-3|title=WWE's Looking Back At Legends: Best Feuds Of the Biggest Stars in PPV Era, Ep. 3|access-date=February 22, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Hubbs|first=Joe|date=February 11, 2011|archive-date=February 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222124606/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/605887-wwes-looking-back-at-legends-best-feuds-of-the-biggest-stars-in-ppv-era-ep-3|url-status=live}}</ref>

At [[WrestleMania XI]], The Undertaker made short work of Bundy in a singles match. This edition of WrestleMania included the first mention of The Undertaker's historic [[The Streak (professional wrestling)|WrestleMania-winning Streak]], acknowledged on commentary by Vince McMahon as Undertaker made his entrance: "The Undertaker, on his way to the ring—a man who's never lost at WrestleMania."<ref name="First mention of the Streak">{{cite news|url=https://www.theringer.com/2018/4/4/17195692/undertaker-career-wrestlemania-wwe-wrestling-streak|title=Dead Man Rising: On the eve of his 26th 'WrestleMania,' we talked to friends, colleagues, and victims of the WWE's longest-reigning superstar about the making of the amazing career and (after)life of the Undertaker|access-date=February 22, 2022|work=[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]]|last=Golianopoulos|first=Thomas|date=April 4, 2018|archive-date=February 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222122010/https://www.theringer.com/2018/4/4/17195692/undertaker-career-wrestlemania-wwe-wrestling-streak|url-status=live}}</ref> During The Undertaker's WrestleMania encounter, DiBiase issued him with yet another antagonist in "The Supreme Fighting Machine" [[The Godfather (wrestler)|Kama]], who had stolen the briefly recaptured urn from Bearer during the match. Kama followed this up with a series of malicious acts, including destroying the stolen urn and recycling it into [[bling-bling|bling]].<ref name="KamaUrn">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7-JpBQAAQBAJ&dq=kama+turns+the+urn+into+bling+undertaker&pg=PA98|title=The Complete WWF Video Guide Volume III - Page 98|access-date=February 22, 2022|work=[[Lulu.com]]|last=Dixon|first=James|date=May 7, 2013|isbn=9781291411072|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003414/https://books.google.com/books?id=7-JpBQAAQBAJ&dq=kama+turns+the+urn+into+bling+undertaker&pg=PA98|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="LookBack"/> While sporting the flashy bling around his neck, he repeatedly cost The Undertaker matches and attacked diehard Undertaker fans, dubbed "Creatures of the Night".<ref name="KamaUrn"/><ref name=pwi92 /> In August, Undertaker settled the score with Kama, defeating him in a casket match at [[SummerSlam (1995)|SummerSlam]].<ref name=pwi92 /> Several weeks later, Undertaker suffered a serious [[Orbit (anatomy)|orbital bone]] injury when [[Viscera (wrestler)|King Mabel]] unintentionally struck him in the eye with his fist during a [[house show]], forcing The Undertaker into a period of absence for surgery. Due to the incident happening at a house show, Vince McMahon had it presented to the audience as though it had occurred from Mabel and Yokozuna's exchange of [[leg drop]]s and [[Professional wrestling strikes#Big splash|splashes]] on The Undertaker on the ''Monday Night Raw'' that had aired 2 days prior.<ref name="The Undertaker's crushed face incident">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mxxPBwAAQBAJ&dq=undertaker+injured+his+orbital+bone+1995&pg=PA165|title=Titan Sinking: The decline of the WWF in 1995 - Page 165|access-date=February 22, 2022|work=[[Lulu.com]]|last1=Dixon|first1=James|last2=Cornette|first2=Jim|last3=Richardson|first3=Benjamin|date=August 2, 2014|isbn=9781291996371|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003415/https://books.google.com/books?id=mxxPBwAAQBAJ&dq=undertaker%20injured%20his%20orbital%20bone%201995&pg=PA165|url-status=live}}</ref> The Undertaker returned a couple of months later at [[Survivor Series (1995)|Survivor Series]], in which he single-handedly eliminated an entire team of wrestlers led by King Mabel, The Undertaker leading his own team to victory.<ref name="Rosen Publishing">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TM38w278TJIC&dq=undertaker+destroys+mabel%27s+team+at+survivor+series&pg=PA14|title=Master of Pain|access-date=February 23, 2022|work=[[Rosen Publishing]]|last=Bringle|first=Jennifer|date=December 15, 2011|isbn=9781448855360|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003425/https://books.google.com/books?id=TM38w278TJIC&dq=undertaker+destroys+mabel%27s+team+at+survivor+series&pg=PA14|url-status=live}}</ref> It was at that Survivor Series return in which he began wearing a ''[[The Phantom of the Opera (novel)|Phantom of the Opera]]''-like, gray upper-face mask to safeguard his orbital injury while it healed.<ref name=pwi92 /> The following month in December, The Undertaker defeated Mabel in a casket match at [[In Your House 5|In Your House]], retrieving the urn, which had been traded between several of The Undertaker's antagonists over the course of the year.<ref name="The Undertaker's crushed face incident"/>

In the main event of the [[Royal Rumble (1996)|Royal Rumble]] in January 1996, The Undertaker was unmasked of his Phantom of the Opera-like facial covering in a WWF Championship match against [[Bret Hart]]. The Undertaker was eventually able to hit the ''Tombstone Piledriver'' on Hart, but [[Kevin Nash|Diesel]] interfered, costing The Undertaker the championship.<ref name=pwi95>2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p.95)</ref> A rematch for the title on the February 5 episode of ''Raw'' saw similar interference.<ref name="Insidepulse">{{cite news|url=https://insidepulse.com/2011/02/16/what-the-world-was-watching-wwf-monday-night-raw-february-5-1996/|title=What the World Was Watching: WWF Monday Night Raw – February 5, 1996|access-date=February 9, 2022|work=Inside Pulse|last=Scisco|first=Logan|date=February 16, 2011|archive-date=February 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209193246/https://insidepulse.com/2011/02/16/what-the-world-was-watching-wwf-monday-night-raw-february-5-1996/|url-status=live}}</ref> At that month's [[In Your House 6|In Your House: Rage in the Cage]], while Diesel was facing Hart in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Steel cages|steel cage match]] for the WWF Championship, The Undertaker delivered a surprise attack, emerging from a hole he had ripped through the ring canvas and dragging Diesel with him down under amid a cloud of smoke, allowing Hart the victory.<ref name=pwi95 /> After several weeks of more retaliatory [[wikt:one-upmanship|one-upmanship]] between Diesel and The Undertaker, their feud culminated in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Singles match|singles match]] at [[WrestleMania XII]], where Undertaker was victorious.<ref name=legacy />

The Undertaker's next feud commenced the following night on ''Raw'' when [[Mick Foley|Mankind]], a twisted and tortured soul, made his debut and randomly interfered in Undertaker's match against [[John Layfield|Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw]]. For the next few months, Mankind viciously ambushed The Undertaker and cost him multiple matches.<ref name=pwi95 /> Among them, Mankind cost The Undertaker the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|WWF Intercontinental Championship]] by interfering in his casket match against [[Dustin Rhodes|Goldust]] at [[In Your House 8: Beware of Dog]]. In interfering in this match, Mankind proved to have mystifying horror tactic capabilities that matched The Undertaker's, mysteriously appearing from inside the casket and sealing The Undertaker inside. The Undertaker, however, had vanished amid a cloud of smoke once the casket lid was opened.<ref name="Mankind">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/542052-cvc-undertaker-versus-mankind-the-best-and-most-bizarre-rivalry-ever|title=CvC: Undertaker vs. Mankind, The Best and Most Bizarre Rivalry Ever|access-date=February 23, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=M|first=Buzz|date=December 15, 2010|archive-date=February 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223071828/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/542052-cvc-undertaker-versus-mankind-the-best-and-most-bizarre-rivalry-ever|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result of the interference and repeated ambushes from Mankind on The Undertaker throughout the ensuing weeks, The Undertaker and Mankind competed in their first on-screen bout at the [[King of the Ring (1996)|1996 King of the Ring]], a heated encounter in which The Undertaker presented as uncharacteristically intense.<ref name="Mankind"/> During the match, Bearer inadvertently hit The Undertaker with the urn, allowing Mankind to incapacitate The Undertaker with his finisher, the [[Professional wrestling holds#Mandible claw|Mandible Claw]], and score the win.<ref name="Mankind"/>

After more than 20 minutes of brawling with Mankind in the Cleveland [[Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse|Gund Arena]]'s boiler room, the arena corridors, the SummerSlam entrance area and aisleway to the ring, The Undertaker reached for Paul Bearer's urn in an attempt to win the match, but Bearer struck him with it, betraying The Undertaker. This followed with Bearer allowing Mankind to take hold of the urn, thus winning this match. 

According to Paul Bearer in shoot interviews the WWF wanted Bearer to betray him during that match because it was a storyline that [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] was coming and they wanted The Undertaker to get ready for the angle with Kane the following year by having Bearer turn on him, also it was around this time that wrestling fans were getting tired of the urn giving and the original plan was for The Undertaker and Bearer to turn heel during the [[Professional wrestling match types|Boiler room brawl]] and have Mankind turn face, but The Undertaker refused to turn heel, but he wanted to have Paul Bearer turn on him instead.<ref name="pwi95" /> 

After Bearer's betrayal, The Undertaker grew more aggressive, resolving his feud against Goldust (Mankind's comrade in tormenting The Undertaker) at [[In Your House 10: Mind Games]]. The Undertaker then took his rivalry with Mankind to new lengths in a specialty match of his own, and at that time unprecedented [[Professional wrestling match types#Buried Alive match|Buried Alive match]] to take place in the main event of [[In Your House 11: Buried Alive]]. The Undertaker won the match after [[chokeslam]]ming Mankind into the open grave and subsequently shoveling enough dirt on him so that he was covered. However, after interference from the debuting [[Terry Gordy|Executioner]], as well as the help of several other heel wrestlers apparently enlisted by Bearer, Mankind escaped the grave and together the mob all shoveled dirt onto The Undertaker to the point that the grave was completely filled, resulting in The Undertaker fully buried alive. Not without a parting message for the pack, however, The Undertaker's purple glove fit hand emerged from his burying place amid a bolt of lightning that had erupted over the gravesite. The scene sent all of his antagonists fleeing.<ref name="pwi95" />

==== Lord of Darkness (1996–1998) ====
After being buried alive and a following month-long hiatus, The Undertaker returned at the [[Survivor Series (1996)|Survivor Series]] again pitting him against Mankind, but with a unique stipulation: Hanging {{convert|20|ft|m|abbr=on|disp=flip}} above the ring would be Paul Bearer, enclosed in a steel cage. And if The Undertaker were to win the match, he would be rewarded the opportunity to assault Bearer however he pleased. Even though The Undertaker won this match, interference from The Executioner enabled Bearer to escape Undertaker's clutches.<ref name=pwi97>PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 96–97).</ref> It was also at this event that The Undertaker had developed a comparatively more humanized and more informal yet still superhuman "Deadman" incarnation. In this then new form, he took on a [[Goth subculture|Goth]] appearance and persona, with a brash, rebelling, Championship-driven mean streak (perhaps to better fit in with the then-budding, more adult-oriented [[Attitude Era]]).<ref name="LordofDarkness">{{cite news|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-deadman-to-american-bada-transformation-of-the-undertakers-gimmick-and-attire-over-the-years-the-undertaker/|title=Deadman to American Bada**- Transformation of The Undertaker's Gimmick and Attire Over the Years|access-date=February 9, 2022|work=Essentially Sports|last=Mishra|first=Prithvi|date=October 28, 2021|archive-date=February 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209200341/https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-deadman-to-american-bada-transformation-of-the-undertakers-gimmick-and-attire-over-the-years-the-undertaker/|url-status=live}}</ref> This delivering, dubbed "The Lord of Darkness", was the 3rd incarnation of his Deadman persona.<ref name="LordofDarkness"/> Following Survivor Series, The Undertaker briefly turned his attention to The Executioner, who had been interfering in his matches since his arrival. At [[In Your House 12: It's Time]], The Undertaker defeated The Executioner in an [[Professional wrestling match types#Texas Deathmatch|Armageddon Rules]] match even with Mankind heavily involved throughout the entire encounter.<ref name=pwi97 />

The Undertaker then moved on to feud with [[Big Van Vader|Vader]], whom he faced in January 1997 at the [[Royal Rumble (1997)|Royal Rumble]] in a singles match, which The Undertaker lost after Bearer interfered on behalf of his new protégé.<ref name=pwi97 /> The two then clashed in the Royal Rumble match itself as they made it to the final moments of the match, but both were eliminated by [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]], who had crept back into the match after his elimination was unseen. He faced both Vader and Austin in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination match types|four-corners elimination match]] for the vacant WWF Championship at [[In Your House 13: Final Four]], but Bret Hart won.<ref>{{cite web|title=Final Four results|date=February 16, 1997|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1990s.html#13|access-date=December 7, 2011|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|archive-date=April 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412162128/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1990s.html#13|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the following month, The Undertaker managed to win the WWF Championship for the second time by defeating [[Sid Eudy#WWF Champion (1996–1997)|Sycho Sid]] at [[WrestleMania 13]].<ref name=pwi98>2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 98–99).</ref> Reviving his first Deadman incarnation for that night only, The Undertaker appeared as the "Old West Mortician", donning the trademarked gray wrestling gear accessories (boot spats, tie, gloves), along with a pitch-black entrance with only a white spotlight shined over him, contrasted from the purple/blue semidarkness associated with the rest of his Deadman incarnations.<ref name="LordofDarkness"/>

Following his WWF Championship win at WrestleMania 13, Paul Bearer attempted to rejoin The Undertaker as his manager. After The Undertaker refused and attacked Bearer, Bearer had Mankind set a fireball to the Undertaker's face, leading up to a match at [[In Your House 14: Revenge of the 'Taker]], for which The Undertaker was victorious.<ref name="Reliving Undertaker and Mankind">{{cite news|url=http://placetobenation.com/reliving-a-feud-2-the-undertaker-vs-mankind-1996-1998/|title='Reliving A Feud #2: The Undertaker vs. Mankind, 1996 – 1998|access-date=February 10, 2022|work=Place to be Nation|date=February 1, 2013|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210094312/http://placetobenation.com/reliving-a-feud-2-the-undertaker-vs-mankind-1996-1998/|url-status=live}}</ref> Evening the score at "Revenge of the 'Taker", The Undertaker set a fireball to Bearer's face directly following the match.<ref name="Reliving Undertaker and Mankind"/> Following the event, Bearer bandaged up from fire burns, likened The Undertaker's assault to a past incident he described as The Undertaker's "deepest, darkest secret". Through giving The Undertaker the [[ultimatum]] of revealing his deepest, darkest secret to the world, Bearer was able to reunite with him as manager and protégé. After only a few months of abrasive behaviors from Bearer, however, The Undertaker lost his patience and rejected Bearer as his manager. In retaliation, Bearer disclosed that The Undertaker had intentionally killed his family by burning down his parents' family funeral home for which they raised him and his younger brother.<ref name="RedRiver">{{cite news|url=https://www.redriverhorror.com/2021/01/26/death-and-taxes-and-takers/|title=Death and Taxes, and 'Takers|access-date=January 31, 2022|work=Red River Horror|last=Feese|first=Steven|date=January 26, 2021|archive-date=March 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331071632/https://www.redriverhorror.com/2021/01/26/death-and-taxes-and-takers/|url-status=live}}</ref> (Note that the younger brother, Kane, was not revealed to be The Undertaker's half-brother until the following year, April 1998, when Bearer disclosed to the world that he is Kane's father, The Undertaker's mother having had an affair with him. Bearer later verified this with DNA test results).<ref name="Classic Wrestling Review">{{cite news|url=https://classicwrestlingreview.com/2022/01/09/over-the-edge-in-your-house/|title=Over The Edge: In Your House|access-date=February 10, 2022|work=Classic Wrestling Review|date=January 9, 2022|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210101518/https://classicwrestlingreview.com/2022/01/09/over-the-edge-in-your-house/|url-status=live}}</ref> At this point in his career, The Undertaker denied the charges of committing the arson murder that killed his family; however, Bearer claimed to have proof in the form of The Undertaker's alive and well younger brother, Kane, who had survived though scarred and burned. Bearer raised Kane after the fire, having him institutionalized from the date of the fire into adulthood. Ever since the fire, Kane had been awaiting to exact vengeance on his older half-brother. In defense, Undertaker responded that Kane, a "[[pyromania]]c", had been the one to set the fire and, as a result, could not have possibly even survived.<ref name="RedRiver"/> (Note that it would not be until a year and a half later from this point, in latter 1998, in which The Undertaker would shamelessly confess to intentional acts of arson to the funeral home that killed his parents and scarred his brother).<ref name="RedRiver"/>

[[File:Undertaker standing 1997.jpg|thumb|left|upright|The Undertaker as "Lord of Darkness" Deadman in September 1997]]
In spite of Bearer projecting himself as a constant source of mental distress to The Undertaker during his Championship title reign, The Undertaker managed to secure successful title defenses against Stone Cold Steve Austin ([[In Your House 15: A Cold Day in Hell|A Cold Day In Hell: In Your House]]),<ref name="ECW Press Stone Cold Steve Austin">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ReANEAAAQBAJ&dq=the+undertaker+vs.+stone+cold+steve+austin+In+your+house+cold+day+in+hell+1997&pg=PT117|title=Austin 3:16: 316 Facts and Stories about Stone Cold Steve Austin|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=[[ECW Press]]|last=McAvennie|first=Michael|date=March 30, 2021|isbn=9781773057231|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003420/https://books.google.com/books?id=ReANEAAAQBAJ&dq=the+undertaker+vs.+stone+cold+steve+austin+In+your+house+cold+day+in+hell+1997&pg=PT117|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Ron Simmons|Faarooq]] ([[King of the Ring (1997)|King of the Ring]])<ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VUaPBgAAQBAJ&dq=The+undertaker+vs+Faarooq+1997+King+of+the+Ring&pg=PA58|title=The RAW Files|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=[[Lulu.com]]|last1=Dixon|first1=Dixon|last2=Furious|first2=Arnold|last3=Maughan|first3=Lee|date=February 1, 2014|isbn=9781291757798|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003413/https://books.google.com/books?id=VUaPBgAAQBAJ&dq=The+undertaker+vs+Faarooq+1997+King+of+the+Ring&pg=PA58|url-status=live}}</ref> and Vader ([[In Your House 16: Canadian Stampede|Canadian Stampede: In Your House]], revisiting and settling their Royal Rumble feud from earlier on in the year),<ref name="Undertaker vs Vader">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uDxbDgAAQBAJ&dq=the+undertaker+canadian+stampede+vader+1997&pg=PA139|title=The WWE Book of Top 10s|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=[[DK (publisher)|DK]]|last=Miller|first=Dean|date=May 9, 2017|isbn=9781465467171 }}</ref> respectively. Concurrent to the "deep, dark secret" storyline directed by Bearer, Undertaker began a then new rivalry at [[SummerSlam (1997)|SummerSlam]] when [[Referee (professional wrestling)#Special referees|special guest referee]] [[Shawn Michaels]] accidentally hit him with a steel chair shot intended for his archnemesis Bret Hart, in effect, costing The Undertaker the WWF Championship.<ref name=pwi98 /> The accidental chair shot led to Michaels feeling betrayed by the now booing WWF fans, and quickly becoming heel. Thus, a severely violent storyline with The Undertaker followed, one revolving around repeated intentional chair shots by Michaels on the Undertaker, Michaels taunting The Undertaker throughout.<ref name="Shawn Michaels chair assault">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VUaPBgAAQBAJ&dq=shawn+michaels+hitting+undertaker+with+chair+1997+raw&pg=PA87|title=The RAW Files|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=[[Lulu.com]]|last1=Dixon|first1=Dixon|last2=Furious|first2=Arnold|last3=Maughan|first3=Lee|date=February 1, 2014|isbn=9781291757798|archive-date=February 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212181043/https://books.google.com/books?id=VUaPBgAAQBAJ&dq=shawn+michaels+hitting+undertaker+with+chair+1997+raw&pg=PA87#v=onepage&q=shawn%20michaels%20hitting%20undertaker%20with%20chair%201997%20raw&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> After the duo's first match, which was a chaotic and uncontrolled encounter that resulted in a double count-out draw at [[Ground Zero: In Your House]], Undertaker challenged Michaels to the first ever [[Hell in a Cell|Hell in a Cell match]] to take place at [[Badd Blood: In Your House]]. Despite the inclusion of the cell for more order and to prevent Michaels from receiving help from his [[D-Generation X]] stable, the encounter ended up even more uncontrolled and savage than their first and is considered one of The Undertaker's best matches of his career.<ref name="The Undertaker Best Match">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jDtaAAAAYAAJ&q=Undertaker%27s+best+matches|title=Wrestling Observer Newsletter - Page 16|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|date=July 1, 2004|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003426/https://books.google.com/books?id=jDtaAAAAYAAJ&q=Undertaker%27s+best+matches|url-status=live}}</ref>

Seemingly about to emerge the victor after striking Michaels with a chair shot of his own, The Undertaker was interrupted by his storyline half-brother Kane, finally making his debut. Under the control of Paul Bearer, Kane stormed the arena, ripped off the cell door, and laid out a nonplussed Undertaker with his own trademarked finisher, ''The Tombstone Piledriver'', allowing Michaels to pin him for the victory.<ref name=pwi98 /> As the storyline progressed through Bearer having Kane mow down much of the WWF roster, Kane repeatedly challenged The Undertaker, going to lengths of tormenting and humiliating him. However, The Undertaker consistently refused to fight his half-brother, claiming he had made a vow to his parents never to do harm to his own "flesh and blood".<ref name="WWF History">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YLXmDwAAQBAJ&dq=Undertaker+refuses+to+fight+kane+his+own+flesh+and+blood&pg=PT168|title=WWE Encyclopedia of Sports Entertainment New Edition|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=[[DK (publisher)|DK]]|date=September 29, 2020|isbn=978-0-7440-3510-0 |archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003428/https://books.google.com/books?id=YLXmDwAAQBAJ&dq=Undertaker+refuses+to+fight+kane+his+own+flesh+and+blood&pg=PT168|url-status=live |author1=D. K. }}</ref> The Undertaker's final encounter with Michaels during this chapter of his career was in a casket match for the WWF Championship at the [[Royal Rumble (1998)|Royal Rumble]]. The week before on ''Raw'', Kane had duplicitously presented as allying with his brother against Michaels's D-Generation X stable; however, at the Royal Rumble, Kane trapped The Undertaker in the coffin, padlocked the lid shut, and set the casket ablaze, allowing Michaels another victory.<ref name=pwi100>PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 100–101).</ref> After a two-month hiatus in which Kane wreaked havoc over the WWF, The Undertaker returned on the March 2, 1998 episode of ''Raw'' in a most notable resurrection—his druids interrupting Kane and Bearer by presenting them with a coffin on the entrance stage amid a large number of bell tolls. The coffin was struck and dismantled by a lightning bolt, revealing a lied out Undertaker who sat up in a fury state and challenged Kane to do battle with him.<ref name="Undertaker returns">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1056114-wwe-ranking-the-undertakers-various-returns-to-the-ring|title=WWE: Ranking The Undertaker's Various Returns to the Ring|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Massey|first=Daniel|date=February 6, 2012|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220045422/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1056114-wwe-ranking-the-undertakers-various-returns-to-the-ring|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania XIV]] in their first match, The Undertaker defeated Kane.<ref name=pwi100 /> Kane challenged Undertaker to a rematch—Kane's specialty and first ever [[Professional wrestling match types#Inferno match|Inferno match]]—that occurred one month later at [[Unforgiven: In Your House]]. The Undertaker won the encounter by setting Kane's right arm on fire.<ref name=pwi100 />

The Undertaker and Mankind's wildly violent, outlandish feud from over a year previous to this point was revitalized over the next month, ultimately taken to a new graphic height and decisively resolved when [[Mankind vs. The Undertaker|they faced each other in a Hell in a Cell match]] at [[King of the Ring (1998)|King of the Ring]]. The match became one of the most famous matches in professional wrestling history. During the match, the Undertaker threw Mankind off the roof of the {{convert|16|ft|m|abbr=on|disp=flip}} cell onto a broadcast table below, in what was a preplanned move. He later performed a chokeslam on Mankind through the roof of the cell into the ring, which was not preplanned and legitimately knocked Mankind unconscious. In jumping from the top of the cell to the ring canvas, The Undertaker suffered a broken ankle. Escalating as things progressed, blood flowed from both wrestlers as they attacked each other with steel steps, chairs, the cell wall, etc. Topping that off, Mankind introduced multitudes of thumbtacks scattered across the ring canvas but was [[Professional wrestling throws#Back body drop|back body dropped]] on them, and subsequently chokeslammed onto them before The Undertaker won the match with his ''Tombstone Piledriver''.<ref name=pwi100 />

At [[Fully Loaded: In Your House]], the Undertaker and Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated Kane and Mankind to win the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF Tag Team Championship]].<ref name=pwi100 /> The Undertaker and Austin's reign as [[World tag team championship|tag team champions]] lasted only two weeks, as Kane and Mankind regained the titles from them in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types|fatal four-way tag-team match]] on the August 10 episode of ''Raw is War''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1074412-abandoned-the-history-of-wwes-world-tag-team-championship-pt-3|title=Abandoned: The History of WWE's World Tag Team Championship, Pt. 3 (See section 11 of 53)|access-date=February 10, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Schadler|first=Kyle|date=February 21, 2012|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210075218/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1074412-abandoned-the-history-of-wwes-world-tag-team-championship-pt-3|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://insidepulse.com/2012/11/12/match-listing-and-artwork-for-wwes-the-attitude-era-dvd-blu-ray/|title=Match Listing And Artwork For WWE's The Attitude Era DVD & Blu-ray|access-date=February 10, 2022|work=Inside Pulse|last=Leamons|first=Travis|date=November 12, 2012|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210075219/https://insidepulse.com/2012/11/12/match-listing-and-artwork-for-wwes-the-attitude-era-dvd-blu-ray/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Undertaker then became the number one contender for the WWF Championship, held by Austin at that point, for a match at [[SummerSlam (1998)|SummerSlam]]. Shortly before SummerSlam and after much speculation, The Undertaker finally disclosed that he and his half-brother were working together. Despite this revelation, The Undertaker told Kane before his SummerSlam bout that he did not want him interfering, even sending Kane away during the match itself when he appeared. Even though The Undertaker lost the match at SummerSlam, he handed Austin his championship belt back after the match with a show of respect and sportsmanship.<ref name=pwi100 />

In September as the storyline matured however, The Undertaker subtly began showing some heel characteristics, becoming a [[wikt:tweener|tweener]]. This began when he and Kane revealed the fact that they were in cahoots to rid Austin of his title for villainous company owner Mr. McMahon—Austin and McMahon immersed in a bitter rivalry during this era. At [[Breakdown: In Your House]], The Undertaker and Kane were booked in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|triple threat match]] with Austin for the WWF Championship, in which McMahon stated that the brothers were not allowed to pin each other. The Undertaker and Kane pinned Austin simultaneously after a [[Chokeslam#Double chokeslam|double chokeslam]], ending the match in a [[no contest (combat sports)|no contest]], so the title was vacated by McMahon.<ref name=pwi100 /> This event led to a match at [[Judgment Day: In Your House]] between The Undertaker and Kane for the title, with Austin as the special guest referee. Near the end of the match, Paul Bearer seemed about to assist Kane by handing him a steel chair to hit The Undertaker with, but as Kane had his back turned, both Bearer and The Undertaker hit Kane with chair shots. The Undertaker went for the pin, but Austin refused to count the fall, attacked The Undertaker and counted out both of them.<ref name=pwi100 /> Finally the next night on ''Raw is War'', The Undertaker reconciled with Bearer and claimed that he and Bearer would unleash their "[[The Ministry of Darkness|Ministry of Darkness]]" on the WWF, turning heel for the first time since 1992. As part of the then new storyline angle, The Undertaker admitted that he had indeed intentionally set the fire that killed his parents and scarred Kane, for which he had previously blamed on Kane.<ref>{{YouTube|uNCRvCc4XY0|"Undertaker admits to setting Kane on fire"}}</ref>

==== Ministry of Darkness Deadman (1998–1999) ====
{{see also|Ministry of Darkness|Corporate Ministry}}
After [[Survivor Series (1998)|Survivor Series]], The Undertaker returned his attention to his previous feud with Austin for costing him the title at Judgment Day, hitting Austin in the head with a shovel during a title match with [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] on the November 16 episode of ''Raw is War'', returning the favor for what happened a month earlier. With this twist in the storyline, Mr. McMahon scheduled a Buried Alive match between The Undertaker and Austin at [[Rock Bottom: In Your House]]. In the weeks leading up to Rock Bottom, The Undertaker attempted to [[embalming|embalm]] Austin alive, tried to have Kane committed to a mental asylum, and had his druids chain Austin to an immense structure of his Undertaker crucifix-like logo (which took the appearance of a capital T combined X) before having that structure lifted up on high into the air.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-watch-when-wwe-legend-the-undertaker-crucified-cold-steve-austin-in-a-chilling-segment/|title=WATCH: When WWE Legend the Undertaker Crucified Cold Steve Austin in a Chilling Segment|access-date=February 10, 2022|work=EssentiallySports|last=Chaudhury|first=Shuvangi|date=February 7, 2021|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211041225/https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-watch-when-wwe-legend-the-undertaker-crucified-cold-steve-austin-in-a-chilling-segment/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm9yNgZ91TU|title=Undertaker attempts to embalm Stone Cold Steve Austin: This Week in WWE History, Dec. 8, 2016|access-date=February 10, 2022|work=[[WWE]] [[YouTube]]|date=December 8, 2016|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211041224/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm9yNgZ91TU|url-status=live}}</ref> However, The Undertaker lost the Buried Alive match to Austin at Rock Bottom after Kane interfered.<ref name=pwi102>2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 102).</ref>

After the buildup to his second heel run in the latter part of 1998, The Undertaker introduced an updated version of his Deadman identity by January 1999—a dark priest-like character who in the initial period of this persona reigned over a stable known as The Ministry of Darkness. In this form, he took on a wicked, demonic presence, much more so than ever before. He often proclaimed to be invoking and taking orders from a "Higher Power". Moreover, he often appeared in a hooded black robe and sat on a throne with a towering backrest specially designed into his crucifix-like logo. With the help of his minions, he often performed sacrifices on select WWF wrestlers, using various [[incantation]]s and [[magic word]]s with intent to extract out the dark side of the wrestlers in question to recruit them into his Ministry. The completed Ministry of Darkness consisted of [[The Brood (professional wrestling)|The Brood]] ([[Christian Cage|Christian]], [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] and [[Gangrel (wrestler)|Gangrel]]), [[Acolytes Protection Agency|The Acolytes]] (Bradshaw and Faarooq), [[Dennis Knight|Mideon]] and [[Viscera (wrestler)|Viscera]]. Calaway himself did not wrestle for a period, having undergone a hip replacement. As part of the [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Angle|angle]], The Undertaker had his Ministry members fight his battles, carry out his evil wishes and do all his dirty deeds. In this manner, he expressed his desires to take over the World Wrestling Federation, displacing its owner, Mr. McMahon. These ambitions culminated into a rivalry between The Ministry and [[The Corporation (professional wrestling)|The Corporation]], ultimately resulting in a match between The Undertaker and Corporation enforcer, [[Big Boss Man (wrestler)|Big Boss Man]]. The two faced off in a Hell in a Cell match at [[WrestleMania XV]], which The Undertaker won.<ref name="Wrestlemania XV Results">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm15/results/|title=WrestleMania XV Results|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=March 21, 2013|archive-date=March 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329175839/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm15/results/|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Backlash: In Your House]], The Undertaker defeated Corporation member [[Ken Shamrock]] after interference from Ministry member Bradshaw.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/april/1999.htm|title=Backlash '99 Results|publisher=PWWEW.net|access-date=March 22, 2013|archive-date=February 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225145109/http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/april/1999.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Thereafter, The Undertaker kidnapped [[Stephanie McMahon]], forcing Mr. McMahon to enter into a reluctant alliance with his longtime nemesis Stone Cold Steve Austin. The Undertaker attempted to marry Stephanie before sacrificing her in an [[wikt:eldritch|eldritch]] ceremony conducted by Paul Bearer, but Austin was able to rescue her.<ref name="Backlash Slam!">{{cite web|url= http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/apr26_backlash.html|archive-url= https://archive.today/20120716183312/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/apr26_backlash.html|url-status= usurped|archive-date= July 16, 2012|title=Backlash: Austin wins, Stephanie abducted|date=April 26, 1999|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=May 12, 2009}}</ref> At the [[Over the Edge (1999)|Over the Edge]] pay-per-view, The Undertaker defeated Austin for his third WWF Championship with help from [[Shane McMahon]], the special guest referee.<ref name=pwi103>2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p.103)</ref> The Ministry eventually merged with Shane McMahon's Corporation alliance to form [[The Corporate Ministry]]. The Undertaker later revealed that Mr. McMahon had been his "Higher Power" all along as a scheme against Austin.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/tcXhMSOLJKM Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140611221846/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcXhMSOLJKM Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |title=The Higher Power of The Corporate Ministry is revealed |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcXhMSOLJKM |website=YouTube | date=July 19, 2011 |publisher=WWE.com |access-date=January 10, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> After The Undertaker [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Drop|lost]] the WWF Championship back to Austin on the ''Raw'' following [[King of the Ring (1999)|King of the Ring]] and lost to him in a [[Professional wrestling match types#First Blood match|First Blood match]] at [[Fully Loaded (1999)|Fully Loaded]], his relationship with the McMahons dissolved and The Corporate Ministry disbanded.<ref name="CBR.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.cbr.com/higher-power-vince-undertaker-corporate-ministry/|title=The Higher Power: How Vince and Undertaker Formed the Corporate Ministry|access-date=February 10, 2022|work=[[Comic Book Resources]]|last=Rodriguez|first=Jesse|date=June 1, 2020|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210083440/https://www.cbr.com/higher-power-vince-undertaker-corporate-ministry/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Undertaker then began a storyline where he teamed with [[Big Show]] in a tag team known as "The Unholy Alliance", which held the WWF Tag Team Championship twice. After their victory at [[SummerSlam (1999)|SummerSlam]], The Undertaker suffered a groin tear and was seen limping in several matches. He avoided competing in wrestling matches in the following weeks, instead overbearingly ordering Big Show to fight his battles and do all his dirty deeds. Developing a comedy horror smart mouth during this time, elements of The Undertaker's trash-talking biker identity (that he would eventually introduce in 2000) began peeping out during this phase of his career. According to an interview with Kevin Nash, this was a move to allow Calaway to return to WCW with a non-trademarked persona; had he entered WCW, it would have been as Mark Calaway. According to Nash, although negotiations were described as close, Calaway ultimately re-signed with the WWF. Conversely, while on Steve Austin's ''Broken Skull Sessions'' podcast on November 22, 2020, Calaway revealed that there was no way he was ever going to rejoin WCW, that the gimmick's biker transition was just a matter of him mixing things up because he didn't feel the character's Deadman side properly fit with the then ongoing Attitude Era.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Barrasso |first=Justin |title=Pro wrestling's Wolfpac is tighter than ever |url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2015/04/23/wwe-wcw-wolfpac-kevin-nash-scott-hall |access-date=October 30, 2020 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=April 23, 2015 |archive-date=May 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513031953/https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2015/04/23/wwe-wcw-wolfpac-kevin-nash-scott-hall |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/the-undertaker-wwe-wcw-character/|title=411MANIA|website=The Undertaker On Having Conversations With Kevin Nash About Jumping To WCW, When He Realized Potential Of His Character|access-date=November 26, 2020|archive-date=September 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912170840/https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-undertaker-wwe-wcw-character/|url-status=live}}</ref>

To compensate for his lack of physical activity, The Undertaker became increasingly overbearing and vocal, often mouthing off with a weirdness and making sinisterly [[wikt:smart aleck|smart-aleck]] remarks in promos and on commentary. On the September 23, 1999, episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'', Mr. McMahon threatened that he would remove The Undertaker from the [[Unforgiven (1999)|Unforgiven]] main event if he refused to participate in a casket match against [[Triple H]]. The Undertaker retorted that he did not care and maybe he would not be participating in anything WWF any longer, from there walking out on the WWF.<ref name="WWF SmackDown! - 09/23/1999">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/990923.htm|title=WWF SmackDown results|publisher=PWWEW.net|access-date=March 21, 2013|date=September 23, 1999|archive-date=January 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120195619/http://www.pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/990923.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In reality, Calaway went on a hiatus from the WWF in order to treat his groin injury. He made his return to action on December 14, teaming with Viscera in a losing effort against Kane and The Godfather at a house show in [[Coamo, Puerto Rico]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/99.htm |title=1999 |website=thehistoryofwwe.com |access-date=January 9, 2022 |archive-date=June 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611191606/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/99.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The Undertaker was advertised on the [[Armageddon (1999)|Armageddon]] promotional poster to return, but meanwhile also tore his pectoral muscle, taking him out of action for almost eight months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/54778/undertaker-royal-rumble-vickie-guerrero-and-more.html|title=Undertaker, Royal Rumble, Vickie Guerrero and more|last=Woodward|first=Buck|date=January 29, 2011|publisher=PWInsider|access-date=February 23, 2015|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000229/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/54778/undertaker-royal-rumble-vickie-guerrero-and-more.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== American Badass (2000–2001) ====
{{see also|Brothers of Destruction}}
[[File:the Undertaker at WrestleMania XIX.jpg|upright|thumb|The Undertaker at [[WrestleMania XIX]]]]
In May 2000, Calaway expanded on The Undertaker gimmick, returning under a human alter ego of the gimmick—a smack-talking, redneck biker, dubbed "The American Badass", known for motorcycle-riding, tobacco chewing/spitting, and donning a sporty appearance and manner.<ref name="AmericanBadass">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iZqdBgAAQBAJ&dq=American+Badass+Texas+redneck+biker&pg=PA224|title=The Complete WWF Video Guide: Volume 5|access-date=February 22, 2022|work=[[Lulu.com]]|last1=Dixon|first1=James|last2=Furious|first2=Arnold|last3=Maughan|first3=Lee|date=March 29, 2014|isbn=978-1-291-81693-8 |archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003432/https://books.google.com/books?id=iZqdBgAAQBAJ&dq=American+Badass+Texas+redneck+biker&pg=PA224|url-status=live}}</ref> In stark contrast to his horror-themed and fully fictional Deadman persona, Calaway's Badass persona was only semifictional with traits and features adopted from who he is out of character—hence, why he desired to transform The Undertaker.<ref name="Transformation">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2886330-the-evolution-of-the-undertakers-american-badass-character-in-wwe|title=The Evolution of The Undertaker's 'American Badass' Character in WWE|access-date=February 22, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Beaston|first=Erik|date=April 13, 2020|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423183339/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2886330-the-evolution-of-the-undertakers-american-badass-character-in-wwe|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Kane betrayal of Undertaker">{{cite news|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2020/08/17/20-yrs-ago-wwe-raw-report-8-14-2000-the-rock-angle-stephanie-triple-h-shane-hardys-lita-undertaker-trish-guerrero-x-pac/|title=20 YRS AGO: WWE RAW REPORT (8-14-2000): The Rock, Angle, Stephanie, Triple H, Shane, Hardys, Lita, Undertaker, Trish, Guerrero, X-Pac|access-date=February 11, 2022|work=PWTorch|last=Powell|first=Jason|date=August 17, 2020|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211061718/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2020/08/17/20-yrs-ago-wwe-raw-report-8-14-2000-the-rock-angle-stephanie-triple-h-shane-hardys-lita-undertaker-trish-guerrero-x-pac/|url-status=live}}</ref> While explained off screen years later for the above reasons, Calaway's sudden appearance as American Badass Undertaker after hiatus in which he left off as Deadman Undertaker was never explained within WWE storylines or the WWE's fictional universe. Rather, the expectation was for fans to just go with it.<ref name="ScreenRant">{{cite news|url=https://screenrant.com/wwe-undertaker-zombie-biker-changes-explained/|title=Why WWE Changed The Undertaker Into A Biker (Then Switched Him Back)|access-date=March 5, 2022|work=[[Screen Rant]]|last=Kennedy|first=Michael|date=March 5, 2022|archive-date=March 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305223120/https://screenrant.com/wwe-undertaker-zombie-biker-changes-explained/|url-status=live}}</ref>

When The Undertaker returned near the end of the [[iron man match]] for the WWF Championship between Triple H and The Rock at [[Judgment Day (2000)|Judgment Day]] on May 21, 2000, he took out all the members of the McMahon-Helmsley Faction, which created for a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] turn after having left things off as a heel before his hiatus.<ref name="The Undertaker: Master of Pain">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TM38w278TJIC&dq=kane+chokeslam+undertaker+through+the+ring+raw&pg=PA22|title=The Undertaker: Master of Pain (see page 21 and 22)|access-date=February 10, 2022|work=[[Rosen Publishing]]|last=Bringle|first=Jennifer|date=January 1, 2012|isbn=978-1-4488-5536-0 |archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003434/https://books.google.com/books?id=TM38w278TJIC&dq=kane+chokeslam+undertaker+through+the+ring+raw&pg=PA22|url-status=live}}</ref> He also targeted their leader, then WWF Champion Triple H. At the [[King of the Ring (2000)|King of the Ring]] pay-per-view on June 25, The Undertaker teamed with The Rock and Kane to defeat the team of Triple H, Shane McMahon and Vince McMahon.<ref name=pwi106 /> Afterward, he was booked to team with Kane to contend for the WWF Tag Team Championship. They defeated [[Edge and Christian]], earning the right to face them the following week for the championship, which Edge and Christian retained. During an August 14 ''Raw is War'' bout against [[Chris Benoit]], Kane became involved and betrayed The Undertaker by hitting him with two chokeslams, the second one causing the ring apron to cave in underneath The Undertaker.<ref name="The Undertaker: Master of Pain"/> This incident led to another match between the two at [[SummerSlam (2000)|SummerSlam]] on August 27, which ended in a no contest as Kane fled from the ring area after The Undertaker removed Kane's mask.<ref name=pwi106>PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p.106)</ref>

The Undertaker then challenged [[Kurt Angle]] for the WWF Championship at [[Survivor Series (2000)|Survivor Series]] on November 19.<ref name=pwi107>2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p.107)</ref> Angle, however, defeated The Undertaker after he switched places with his real-life brother, [[Eric Angle]]. The Undertaker demanded and was awarded a spot in the six-man Hell in a Cell match for the WWF Championship at [[Armageddon (2000)|Armageddon]] on December 10. The Undertaker promised to make someone famous and did so when he performed a chokeslam on [[Rikishi (wrestler)|Rikishi]] from the roof of the cell into hay-filled cargo bed of a truck.<ref name=pwi107 />

The Undertaker reunited with Kane as the Brothers of Destruction, issuing a challenge for the WWF Tag Team Championship once again. They received a title shot at [[No Way Out (2001)|No Way Out]] on February 25, 2001, facing Edge and Christian and then champions [[The Dudley Boyz]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Tables match|tables match]] but were unsuccessful.<ref name=pwi107 /> The Undertaker then went on to defeat Triple H at [[WrestleMania X-Seven]] on April 1.<ref name=legacy /> He and Kane continued a storyline that focused on Triple H, who formed a "surprise alliance" with then WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin. The Brothers of Destruction were granted an opportunity to face Triple H and Austin for their titles (Triple H was the WWF Intercontinental Champion). After The Undertaker and Kane won the WWF Tag Team Championship from Edge and Christian on the April 19 episode of ''SmackDown!'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/|title=World Tag Team Title History|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=June 21, 2009|archive-date=November 14, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061114122031/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/|url-status=live}}</ref> Triple H pinned Kane after attacking him with a sledgehammer at [[Backlash (2001)|Backlash]] on April 29, where the Brothers of Destruction lost their championships.<ref name=pwi108>2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p.108–109)</ref> With Kane injured, The Undertaker feuded briefly with Austin for his WWF Championship, but he failed to win the title at [[Judgment Day (2001)|Judgment Day]] on May 20.<ref name=pwi108 />

As part of "[[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|The Invasion]]" storyline, The Undertaker's next nemesis was [[Diamond Dallas Page]], who was obsessively stalking The Undertaker's wife, Sara.<ref name=pwi108 /> At [[SummerSlam (2001)|SummerSlam]] on August 19, [[WCW World Tag Team Championship|WCW Tag Team Champions]] The Undertaker and Kane defeated Page and his partner [[Chris Kanyon|Kanyon]] in a steel cage match to win the WWF Tag Team Championship.<ref name=pwi108 /> At [[Survivor Series (2001)|Survivor Series]] on November 18, The Undertaker teamed with Kane, The Rock, [[Chris Jericho]] and Big Show to take on The Alliance's Stone Cold Steve Austin, [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]], [[Rob Van Dam]], Shane McMahon and Kurt Angle (this was the last time The Undertaker and Kane teamed until 2006). Angle pinned The Undertaker due to interference by Austin. Despite this, Team WWF won the match.<ref name=pwi108 />

==== Big Evil (2001–2003) ====
After [[The Alliance (professional wrestling)|The Alliance]] was defeated, The Undertaker inducted commentator [[Jim Ross]] into the ''Mr. McMahon: Kiss My Ass Club'' on the November 26 episode of ''Raw'', which involved The Undertaker pressing the lips of Ross against McMahon's exposed buttocks, turning heel in the process.<ref name="Mr. McMahon Kiss My Ass Club">{{cite news|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-the-infamous-kiss-my-a-club-of-wwe-chairman-vince-mcmahon/|title=The Infamous Kiss My A** Club of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon|access-date=February 11, 2022|work=EssentiallySports|last=Mishra|first=Prithvi|date=October 25, 2021|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214131351/https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-the-infamous-kiss-my-a-club-of-wwe-chairman-vince-mcmahon/|url-status=live}}</ref> In transitioning his "American Badass" biker identity into a heel, The Undertaker eventually cut his long hair short and went by the nickname "Big Evil". At [[Vengeance (2001)|Vengeance]] on December 9, The Undertaker defeated Rob Van Dam to win the [[WWE Hardcore Championship|WWF Hardcore Championship]].<ref name=pwi110>2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p.109–110)</ref>

[[File:Biker Taker.jpg|left|thumb|upright|The Undertaker in his "Big Evil" persona]]
The Undertaker's next storyline began at the [[Royal Rumble (2002)|Royal Rumble]] on January 20, 2002, when [[Maven Huffman|Maven]] eliminated him from the [[Royal Rumble match]] by hitting him with a [[dropkick]] from behind. Subsequently, The Undertaker eliminated Maven in return and brutally assaulted him backstage.<ref name=pwi110 /> Thereafter, on an episode of ''SmackDown!'', The Rock angered The Undertaker by mentioning his elimination at the Royal Rumble. He responded by costing The Rock the number one contendership for the [[WWE Championship|Undisputed WWF Championship]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|year=2003|page=52}}</ref> The storyline continued when The Rock cost The Undertaker the WWF Hardcore Championship against Maven on the February 7 episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|year=2003|page=56}}</ref> The two faced off at [[No Way Out (2002)|No Way Out]] on February 17, where The Undertaker lost due to interference from Ric Flair.<ref name=pwi110 /> This interference began a storyline with Flair, who declined a challenge to wrestle The Undertaker at [[WrestleMania X8]] on March 17.<ref>{{cite news|first=Michael|last=McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|year=2003|pages=79–80}}</ref> As a result, The Undertaker assaulted Flair's son [[David Flair]].<ref name=yearbook>{{cite news|author=Michael McAvennie|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|year=2003|pages=80–81}}</ref> Flair eventually accepted the match after The Undertaker threatened to inflict the same punishment on Flair's [[Charlotte Flair|daughter]].<ref name=yearbook /> A no-disqualification stipulation was added to the match and The Undertaker defeated Flair at WrestleMania.<ref name=legacy />

[[File:TakerTombstone.jpg|right|thumb|upright|The Undertaker performing a Tombstone Piledriver on [[Ric Flair]] at [[WrestleMania X8]]]]
After the storyline with Flair, The Undertaker was drafted to the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw brand]] after the WWF split its roster into two [[WWE Brand Extension|brands]] and defeated Stone Cold Steve Austin at [[Backlash (2002)|Backlash]] on April 21 to become the number one contender for the Undisputed WWF Championship. Later that night, he helped Hollywood Hulk Hogan win the title against then champion Triple H.<ref name=pwi110 /> The Undertaker then defeated Hogan for the renamed WWE Undisputed Championship at [[Judgment Day (2002)|Judgment Day]] on May 19. The next night on ''Raw'', The Undertaker seemingly lost the WWE Undisputed Championship to Rob Van Dam; however, Raw owner Ric Flair restarted the match (Van Dam pinned The Undertaker when his foot was on the rope, thus invalidating the pin attempt) and The Undertaker defeated Van Dam to retain the championship.<ref name=pwi111>PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p.110–111)</ref>

On the July 1 episode of ''Raw'', The Undertaker defeated [[Jeff Hardy]] in a [[ladder match]] to retain the WWE Undisputed Championship and raised Hardy's hand as a show of respect, turning face once again. The Undertaker, however, lost the title at [[Vengeance (2002)|Vengeance]] on July 21 to The Rock in a triple threat match that also involved Kurt Angle.<ref name=pwi111 /> On the August 29 episode of ''SmackDown!'', The Undertaker moved to the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown! brand]] (where he remained until the first brand extension ended in 2011), and defeated Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle in a triple threat match to become the number-one contender for the renamed WWE Championship and challenged [[Brock Lesnar]] for the title at [[Unforgiven (2002)|Unforgiven]] on September 22 that ended in a double disqualification.<ref name=pwi111 /> Their feud carried over to [[No Mercy (2002)|No Mercy]] on October 20 in a Hell in a Cell match, which The Undertaker performed with a legitimately broken hand and ultimately lost to Lesnar.<ref name=pwi111 />

The Undertaker took a break after Big Show threw him off the stage on the October 24 episode of ''SmackDown!'', sparking a feud.<ref>{{cite news|last=McAvennie|first=Michael|title=WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition|publisher=Pocket Books|year=2003|page=288}}</ref> The Undertaker returned at the [[Royal Rumble (2003)|Royal Rumble]] on January 19, 2003.<ref name=pwi112>2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p.112–113)</ref> He immediately continued his feud with Big Show and defeated him by [[Professional wrestling#Submission|submission]] at [[No Way Out (2003)|No Way Out]] on February 23 with a [[Professional wrestling holds#Triangle choke|triangle choke]]. [[Matt Bloom|A-Train]] entered the storyline by attempting to attack The Undertaker after the match, but [[Nathan Jones (wrestler)|Nathan Jones]] came to his aid.<ref name=pwi112 /> The storyline resumed as The Undertaker began to train Jones to wrestle and the two were scheduled to fight Big Show and A-Train in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types|tag team match]] at [[WrestleMania XIX]] on March 30.<ref name=legacy /> However, Jones was removed before the match, making it a [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|handicap match]], which The Undertaker won with the help of Jones.<ref name=pwi112 />

Over the remainder of the year, The Undertaker entered a brief feud with [[John Cena]] (defeating him at [[Vengeance (2003)|Vengeance]] on July 27) and was booked to have two WWE Championship opportunities. The first, on the September 4 ''SmackDown!'', against Kurt Angle, ended in a no contest, due to interference from Brock Lesnar.<ref name="TheWrestlingState">{{cite news|url=http://thewrestlingestate.com/index.php/2020/11/18/30-greatest-undertaker-matches/|title=30 Greatest Undertaker Matches|access-date=February 11, 2022|work=TheWrestlingState|last=Corrigan|first=John|date=November 18, 2020|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215000054/http://thewrestlingestate.com/index.php/2020/11/18/30-greatest-undertaker-matches/|url-status=live}}</ref> The second, at [[No Mercy (2003)|No Mercy]] on October 19, was a [[Professional wrestling match types#Weapon-based variations|Biker Chain match]] between The Undertaker and Lesnar, which Lesnar won with the help of Mr. McMahon.<ref name=pwi114>PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p.113–114)</ref> This match resulted in a feud with McMahon, culminating at [[Survivor Series (2003)|Survivor Series]] on November 16 where The Undertaker lost a Buried Alive match against McMahon when Kane interfered.<ref name=pwi114 /> The Undertaker disappeared for some time following this match, with Kane claiming that he was "dead and buried forever".<ref name="Bleacher Report on Undertaker Kane Rivalry">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/478721-the-devils-favorite-feud-the-history-of-the-undertaker-vs-kane|title=WWE Hell in a Cell Preview: The History Of The Undertaker Vs. Kane Feud (section 6 of 9)|access-date=February 11, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Brewer|first=Josh|date=September 30, 2010|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214234440/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/478721-the-devils-favorite-feud-the-history-of-the-undertaker-vs-kane|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Return of the Deadman (2004–2007) ====
[[File:Undertaker2.jpg|thumb|left|The Undertaker, awakening the arena lights as he enters the ring]]
In the storyline leading up to [[WrestleMania XX]] on March 14, 2004, Kane was tormented by horror-themed mind games, paranormal activities, and spooking vignettes proclaiming The Undertaker's Deadman return. The first was during the [[Royal Rumble (2004)|Royal Rumble]] when The Undertaker's bells tolled, distracting Kane and allowing Booker T to eliminate him.<ref name=pwi114 /> Accompanied by Paul Bearer at WrestleMania XX, The Undertaker resurrected his Deadman identity, defeating Kane in a singles match.<ref name=pwi115>2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p.115–116)</ref> Introduced was a more dramatic, theatrical and supernatural Deadman than in years past, his presence, mannerisms, and entrances significantly elaborated on as well, such as with more intensity, special effects and rising and falling flames.<ref name="Undertaker Deadman hybrid">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2827831-how-triple-h-undertaker-shawn-michaels-crafted-epic-4-year-wrestlemania-saga|title=How Triple H, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels Crafted Epic 4-Year WrestleMania Saga|access-date=February 16, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Wong|first=Kevin|date=April 4, 2019|archive-date=February 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216073251/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2827831-how-triple-h-undertaker-shawn-michaels-crafted-epic-4-year-wrestlemania-saga|url-status=live}}</ref> At the same time, The Undertaker maintained elements of his American Badass identity, thus a composite character more humanized than all of his previous Deadman incarnations<ref name="The Undertaker character development">{{cite news|url=https://www.givemesport.com/87975316-the-undertaker-the-greatest-moments-in-the-deadmans-hall-of-fame-career|title=The Undertaker: The greatest moments in The Deadman's Hall of Fame career|access-date=February 23, 2022|work=GiveMeSport|last=Rose|first=Ash|date=February 21, 2022|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224021001/https://www.givemesport.com/87975316-the-undertaker-the-greatest-moments-in-the-deadmans-hall-of-fame-career|url-status=live}}</ref> (The Undertaker would present in this particular hybrid Deadman form until [[No Mercy (2005)|No Mercy 2005]] when [[Randy Orton]] sealed him in a casket and set it on fire).<ref name="Undertaker Deadman hybrid"/> At [[Judgment Day (2004)|Judgment Day]] on May 16, The Undertaker defeated Booker T. One week later, [[Paul Heyman]] ordered The [[Dudley Boyz]] to kidnap Bearer.<ref name="Paul Bearer kidnapped">{{cite news|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/75883/william-paul-bearer-moody-passes-away.html?p=1|title=WILLIAM 'PAUL BEARER' MOODY PASSES AWAY|access-date=February 13, 2022|work=[[Dave Scherer|PWInsider]]|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=May 3, 2013|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213085314/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/75883/william-paul-bearer-moody-passes-away.html?p=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Undertaker, Paul Heyman and Dudleys">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TM38w278TJIC&dq=Heyman+took+control+of+Undertaker+kidnap+Paul+Bearer&pg=PA24|title=Undertaker: Master of Pain|access-date=September 25, 2021|work=[[Rosen Publishing]]|last=Bringle|first=Jennifer|date=December 15, 2011|isbn=9781448855360|archive-date=February 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212181045/https://books.google.com/books?id=TM38w278TJIC&dq=Heyman+took+control+of+Undertaker+kidnap+Paul+Bearer&pg=PA24#v=onepage&q=Heyman%20took%20control%20of%20Undertaker%20kidnap%20Paul%20Bearer&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> Thus, Heyman "took control" of Undertaker.<ref name="Undertaker, Paul Heyman and Dudleys"/> At [[The Great American Bash (2004)|The Great American Bash]] on June 27, The Undertaker fought a handicap match against The Dudley Boyz, with the stipulation that if he did not lay down and purposely lose, Heyman would bury Paul Bearer in cement. The Undertaker won and stopped Heyman from burying Bearer, but after claiming Bearer was merely a liability he had no use for, buried him himself.<ref name=pwi115 />

The Undertaker began a feud with then WWE Champion John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) by challenging him to a title match at [[SummerSlam (2004)|SummerSlam]] on August 15, which The Undertaker lost by disqualification.<ref name=pwi115 /> At [[No Mercy (2004)|No Mercy]] on October 3, The Undertaker and JBL competed in the first-ever [[Professional wrestling match types#Stipulation-based variations|Last Ride match]] for the WWE Championship, although The Undertaker lost after [[Jon Heidenreich|Heidenreich]] interfered.<ref name=pwi115 /> After defeating Heidenreich in a match at [[Survivor Series (2004)|Survivor Series]] on November 14,<ref name=pwi117>PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p.116–117)</ref> The Undertaker turned his focus to the WWE Championship once again. Along with [[Eddie Guerrero]] and Booker T, he challenged JBL to a championship rematch at [[Armageddon (2004)|Armageddon]] on December 12 in a fatal four-way match, in which The Undertaker was unsuccessful, again due to Heidenreich's interference.<ref name=pwi117 /> The feud culminated in a casket match between The Undertaker and Heidenreich at the [[Royal Rumble (2005)|Royal Rumble]] on January 30, 2005, where The Undertaker sealed Heidenreich in a casket for the victory.<ref name=pwi117 />

Soon after, Randy Orton challenged The Undertaker to a match at [[WrestleMania 21]] on April 3, uppishly proclaiming that he would end his WrestleMania winning Streak.<ref name="Undertaker, Orton, Mania">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TM38w278TJIC&dq=Randy+Orton+claiming+he+would+end+the+undertaker%27s+streak&pg=PA25|title=Undertaker: Master of Pain|access-date=September 25, 2021|work=[[Rosen Publishing]]|last=Bringle|first=Jennifer|date=December 15, 2011|isbn=9781448855360|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003431/https://books.google.com/books?id=TM38w278TJIC&dq=Randy+Orton+claiming+he+would+end+the+undertaker%27s+streak&pg=PA25|url-status=live}}</ref> Even with help from [[Bob Orton, Jr.|his father]], Orton lost as The Undertaker improved his WrestleMania record to 13–0.<ref name=pwi117 /> After a two-month hiatus, The Undertaker returned on the June 16 episode of ''SmackDown!'', but lost to JBL due to interference from Randy Orton, who was drafted to ''SmackDown!'' as part of the [[2005 WWE draft lottery|draft lottery]].<ref name="Undertaker and interference by Randy Orton">{{cite news|url=https://wrestlecrap.com/inductions/ortons-vs-undertaker/|title=INDUCTION: THE ORTONS VS. THE UNDERTAKER – POSSESSION IS 9/10S OF THE LAW, BUT ONLY 1/10 OF WHAT MADE THIS FEUD SO STUPID|access-date=February 13, 2022|work=[[WrestleCrap]]|last=Donnell|first=Arto|date=October 29, 2015|archive-date=February 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212181140/https://www.wrestlecrap.com/inductions/the-undertaker-vs-the-ortons/|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite his interference, the Randy Orton/Undertaker feud was put on the back burner until late summer of that year, resulting from Orton on the injured list.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wkw7TGfHYPMC&dq=Randy+Orton+new+draft+pick+to+smackdown+june+2005+jbl&pg=PA159|title=Wrestling's Sinking Ship: What Happens To An Industry Without Competition (p. 159)|access-date=February 13, 2022|work=[[Lulu.com]]|last=Hamilton|first=Ian|date=January 1, 2006|isbn=9781411612105|archive-date=February 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212181050/https://books.google.com/books?id=wkw7TGfHYPMC&dq=Randy+Orton+new+draft+pick+to+smackdown+june+2005+jbl&pg=PA159#v=onepage&q=Randy%20Orton%20new%20draft%20pick%20to%20smackdown%20june%202005%20jbl&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the meantime and in one of the most controversial moments in WWE history on an episode of ''SmackDown!'' taped on July 4 (aired on July 7), ''SmackDown!'' [[Professional wrestling authority figures#General managers 2|General Manager]] [[Theodore Long]] scheduled [[Muhammad Hassan (wrestler)|Muhammad Hassan]] in a match against The Undertaker that would determine the number one contender for the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] at [[The Great American Bash (2005)|The Great American Bash]] on July 24, and placed [[Shawn Daivari|Daivari]] in a match that night against The Undertaker: The Undertaker quickly defeated Daivari. After the match, however, Hassan began to "pray" on the ramp, summoning five masked men, dressed in black shirts, ski-masks and camouflage pants. Armed with clubs and a piano wire, the masked men assaulted and choked out The Undertaker before Hassan then placed The Undertaker in a [[Professional wrestling holds#Camel clutch|camel clutch]]. Afterward, the masked men lifted Daivari above their heads and carried him away. Three days later, the [[7 July 2005 London bombings|London bombings]] took place. The footage aired unedited on [[UPN]] in the United States and on [[Sportsnet 360|The Score]] in Canada with an advisory warning shown several times during the broadcast. It was removed from the Australian and European (including in the United Kingdom) broadcasts.<ref>{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Martin|title=Notes regarding segment on SmackDown with Hassan, Daivari & Taker|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1120848867.shtml|publisher=WrestleView.com|access-date=July 8, 2007|date=July 8, 2005|archive-date=November 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128075151/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1120848867.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

The angle elicited national attention in the ''[[New York Post]]'', ''[[TV Guide]]'', ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' and other major media outlets. In response to the criticism, UPN decided that it would monitor the storyline closely and that it did not want the Hassan character on its network that week.<ref>{{cite web|title=New York Post and Variety cover WWE "terrorist" angle; UPN speaks up|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1121217332.shtml|publisher=WrestleView.com|access-date=July 8, 2007|archive-date=July 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708133755/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1121217332.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> In a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Promo|promo]] hosted on WWE's website—UPN had edited it from the July 14 episode of ''SmackDown!''—Hassan reiterated that he was an [[Arab American]] and that the American people automatically and unfairly assumed that he was a terrorist. Despite being in character, he referred to the real-world media coverage of the storyline, singling out the ''New York Post's'' Don Kaplan by name and denouncing his description of the events on ''SmackDown!'', such as Kaplan's comment of the masked men being "Arabs in ski masks". On the July 14, 2005 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Hassan's absence was explained by a statement delivered by his attorney, [[Tommaso Ciampa|Thomas Whitney]], that Hassan refused to appear on the show until [[The Great American Bash (2005)|The Great American Bash]] due to the way he was treated by the American media and WWE fans.

It was revealed in late July that UPN had pressured WWE to keep Hassan off their network, effectively removing him from ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jay|last=Flannagan|title=UPN Bans Muhammad Hassan From WWE SmackDown|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1121975573.shtml|publisher=WrestleView.com|access-date=July 8, 2007|date=July 21, 2005|archive-date=February 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219215406/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1121975573.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The Undertaker defeated Hassan at The Great American Bash to become the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship. After the match, The Undertaker delivered a ''[[Powerbomb#Elevated powerbomb|Last Ride]]'' through an open stage ramp onto a concrete floor to Hassan. It was reported that Hassan sustained serious injuries and had to be rushed to a nearby medical facility, writing Hassan off television.<ref>{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work="Wrestling's historical cards"|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|pages=118}}</ref> Several days later, Long ([[kayfabe]]) banned Hassan from ''SmackDown!''. It was revealed years later that Hassan was about to receive a major [[Push (professional wrestling)|push]] by winning the World Heavyweight Championship from [[Dave Bautista|Batista]] at [[SummerSlam (2005)|SummerSlam]] on August 21 and thus breaking Randy Orton's record for being the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in WWE history.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/641490-wwes-pushed-to-punished-edition-three-muhammad-hassn |publisher=Bleacher Report |title=WWE's Pushed to Punished Edition Three: Muhammad Hassan |access-date=February 27, 2016 |date=March 22, 2011 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305194730/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/641490-wwes-pushed-to-punished-edition-three-muhammad-hassn |url-status=live }}</ref>

On the following episode of ''SmackDown!'', The Undertaker lost to JBL in a number-one contender's match, once again due to interference from Orton, reviving their feud that was put on hiatus.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/539045-cvc-snakes-and-demons-why-randy-orton-vs-undertaker-was-the-best-feud|title=Snakes and Demons: Why Randy Orton Vs. Undertaker Is The Best Feud Ever (CvC)|access-date=February 13, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Gartland|first=Ben|date=December 8, 2010|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214013558/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/539045-cvc-snakes-and-demons-why-randy-orton-vs-undertaker-was-the-best-feud|url-status=live}}</ref> At SummerSlam, Orton defeated The Undertaker in a WrestleMania rematch. The storyline intensified as the two tried to get into the head of one another with dark mind game tactics and use of caskets, leading to a handicap casket match at [[No Mercy (2005)|No Mercy]] on October 9, in which The Undertaker lost to Randy and his father "Cowboy" Bob Orton.<ref name=pwi118 /> After the match, the Ortons poured gasoline on the casket and set it on fire (a throwback moment to one of The Undertaker's most infamous attacks received and done by Kane doing the same to him at the 1998 Royal Rumble). When the charred casket was opened, however, The Undertaker was absent, presented as having vanished.<ref name=pwi118>PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p.118)</ref>

The Undertaker resurrected at the [[Survivor Series (2005)|Survivor Series]] on November 27 when the druids delivered a casket that was struck by lightning and went up in flames. The Undertaker then burst from the flaming casket in rage, battering and brutalizing an entire ring full of wrestlers as a message to Orton. Here, he reappeared still in hybrid form but with lessened Badass characteristics, eliminating several elements of his biker identity so that his Deadman side projected, most notably, replacing loose-fitting cargo pants with his Deadman spandex, and less use of the ''Last Ride'' finisher.<ref name=pwi119>2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p. 119)</ref> The Undertaker returned on the December 2 episode of ''SmackDown!'' to haunt Orton and set up a Hell in a Cell match at [[Armageddon (2005)|Armageddon]] on December 18.<ref name="Undertaker and interference by Randy Orton"/> After The Undertaker won their brutal Hell in a Cell encounter, in effect, settling his 9 month long feud with Orton,<ref name=pwi119 /> Calaway took a brief hiatus from professional wrestling.

[[File:Taker-WM22.jpg|thumb|right|The Undertaker retaining his undefeated Streak at [[WrestleMania 22]]]]
At the [[Royal Rumble (2006)|Royal Rumble]] on January 29, 2006, The Undertaker returned on a horse-drawn cart during Kurt Angle's celebration of his World Heavyweight Championship defense against [[Mark Henry]]. In this appearance, The Undertaker signaled for a title shot by using his supernatural powers to collapse the wrestling ring that Angle stood in as a means to spook him. As part of their storyline angle, The Undertaker lost his match with Angle at [[No Way Out (2006)|No Way Out]] on February 19 after a 30-minute bout—described as underrated and among The Undertaker's top matches, in which he versatilely took to a more ground-based submission style to combat Angle's trademarked [[freestyle wrestling]].<ref name="AngleFeud">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1205441-wwe-no-way-out-2006-top-5-moments-from-kurt-angle-vs-undertaker|title=WWE No Way out 2006: Top 5 Moments from Kurt Angle vs. Undertaker|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|access-date=February 26, 2022|last=Watry|first=Justin|date=June 1, 2012|archive-date=February 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226125947/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1205441-wwe-no-way-out-2006-top-5-moments-from-kurt-angle-vs-undertaker|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2352040-wwe-classic-of-the-week-the-undertaker-vs-kurt-angle-from-no-way-out-2006|title=WWE Classic of the Week: The Undertaker vs. Kurt Angle from No Way out 2006|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|access-date=February 26, 2022|last=Beaston|first=Erik|date=February 3, 2015|archive-date=February 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226125949/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2352040-wwe-classic-of-the-week-the-undertaker-vs-kurt-angle-from-no-way-out-2006|url-status=live}}</ref> The Undertaker cornered Angle after the match and told him he was not finished with him.<ref name="AngleFeud"/> In a rematch with Angle (similarly described as underrated and among The Undertaker's top matches that utilized the wrestling styles of their previous encounter on the March 3 episode of ''SmackDown!'') Henry attacked The Undertaker from behind, costing him the title.<ref name="AngleFeud"/> This led to The Undertaker challenging Henry to a casket match at [[WrestleMania 22]] on April 2 and Henry vowing to end The Undertaker's WrestleMania winning Streak. The match resulted in The Undertaker sealing Henry in the casket, winning the match and extending his streak to 14–0 at WrestleMania.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1103860-wwe-wrestlemania-22-top-10-moments-from-an-excellent-show-in-chicago|title=WWE WrestleMania 22: Top 10 Moments from an Excellent Show in Chicago|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|access-date=February 26, 2022|last=Watry|first=Justin|date=March 14, 2012|archive-date=February 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226131337/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1103860-wwe-wrestlemania-22-top-10-moments-from-an-excellent-show-in-chicago|url-status=live}}</ref> During a rematch on the next episode of ''SmackDown!'', The Undertaker was assaulted by the debuting [[The Great Khali|Great Khali]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1714307-wwe-pushed-to-punished-edition-35-the-punjabi-plunge-of-the-great-khali|title=WWE Pushed to Punished, Edition 35: The Punjabi Plunge of the Great Khali|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|access-date=February 26, 2022|last=Matthews|first=Graham|date=August 11, 2013|archive-date=February 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216065924/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1714307-wwe-pushed-to-punished-edition-35-the-punjabi-plunge-of-the-great-khali|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Undertaker was not heard from until the May 5 episode of ''SmackDown!'' when Theodore Long delivered a challenge from The Undertaker to Khali for a match at [[Judgment Day (2006)|Judgment Day]] on May 21. The Undertaker lost to Khali at Judgment Day,<ref name=pwi121>2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p.121)</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/2006/matches/23848443/results/ |title=The Great Khali makes Undertaker rest in peace|date=May 21, 2006|author=Ed Williams III|access-date=January 5, 2008|publisher=[[WWE]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080103092353/http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/2006/matches/23848443/results/|archive-date=January 3, 2008}}</ref> and he did not appear again until the July 7 episode of ''SmackDown!'' when he accepted Khali's challenge to a [[Professional wrestling match types#Punjabi Prison match|Punjabi Prison match]] at [[The Great American Bash (2006)|The Great American Bash]] on July 23. However, Khali was removed from the match due to not being medically cleared. He was thus replaced by then [[ECW World Heavyweight Championship|ECW World Champion]] Big Show, over whom The Undertaker gained the victory.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/Iy5AukI0Kbg Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20151118163934/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy5AukI0Kbg&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy5AukI0Kbg|title=5 Undertaker matches you've never seen before: 5 Things|date=November 18, 2015|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In storyline, Theodore Long replaced Khali with Big Show as punishment for an attack on The Undertaker shortly before the match.<ref name=pwi121 /> Khali was then challenged by The Undertaker to a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Man/Woman Standing match|Last Man Standing Match]] for [[SummerSlam (2006)|SummerSlam]] on August 20 after interfering in The Undertaker's match with then World Heavyweight Champion King Booker. Khali refused the challenge but Long scheduled the Last Man Standing Match ahead of time, for the August 18 episode of ''SmackDown!'' instead. The Undertaker won the match by striking Khali with steel stairs and finishing him with a chokeslam. It was Khali's first defeat and effectively ended his feud with The Undertaker.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://insidepulse.com/2006/08/11/50278/|title=The (Early) SmackDown Report|access-date=February 16, 2022|work=Inside Pulse|last=Hepple|first=Troy|date=August 11, 2006|archive-date=February 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216100110/https://insidepulse.com/2006/08/11/50278/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Khali's WWE history">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1714307-wwe-pushed-to-punished-edition-35-the-punjabi-plunge-of-the-great-khali|title=WWE Pushed to Punished, Edition 35: The Punjabi Plunge of the Great Khali|access-date=February 16, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Matthews|first=Graham|date=August 11, 2013|archive-date=February 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216065924/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1714307-wwe-pushed-to-punished-edition-35-the-punjabi-plunge-of-the-great-khali|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Undertaker's next match was with then United States Champion [[Mr. Kennedy]] at [[No Mercy (2006)|No Mercy]] on October 8, but was disqualified in the match after he hit Kennedy with the championship belt.<ref name=pwi122>PWI Staff. 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p.122)</ref> On the November 3 episode of ''SmackDown!'', The Undertaker reunited with Kane to reform the Brothers of Destruction for the first time in five years, defeating reluctant opposition in the form of Mr. Kennedy and [[Montel Vontavious Porter]] (MVP), with whom Kane was feuding with at the time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://insidepulse.com/2006/11/03/62499/|title=Smackdown Preview for November 3, 2006|access-date=February 15, 2022|work=Inside Pulse|last=Michaels|first=Matthew|date=November 3, 2006|archive-date=February 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216064214/https://insidepulse.com/2006/11/03/62499/|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of the storyline, Kennedy defeated The Undertaker in a First Blood match at [[Survivor Series (2006)|Survivor Series]] on November 26 after interference from MVP,<ref name=pwi122 /> but finally defeated Kennedy in a Last Ride match at [[Armageddon (2006)|Armageddon]] on December 17.<ref name=pwi122 /> The two continued to feud as Kennedy cost The Undertaker two World Heavyweight Championship opportunities for a championship match at the [[Royal Rumble (2007)|Royal Rumble]] on January 28, 2007.<ref name=pwi130>2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. "Wrestling's historical cards" (p.130)</ref> However, The Undertaker eventually qualified for the Royal Rumble match, by winning a [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] on the January 26 episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/01/27/3459986.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724035545/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/01/27/3459986.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 24, 2017|title=Smackdown: The Rumble comes early|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.com]]|first=Andy|last=McNamara|date=January 27, 2007|access-date=February 24, 2019}}</ref>

==== World Heavyweight Champion (2007–2010) ====
[[File:Undertaker with Fire.jpg|thumb|right|The Undertaker making his entrance in 2008]]
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The Undertaker won his first [[Royal Rumble (2007)|Royal Rumble]] match on January 28, in doing so becoming the first man to enter the Rumble at number 30 and win the match, after lastly eliminating Shawn Michaels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2007/matches/35535102/results/|publisher=[[WWE]]|title=A Phenom-enal Rumble|last=Dee|first=Louie|date=January 28, 2007|access-date=August 23, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217110330/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2007/matches/35535102/results/|archive-date=December 17, 2007}}</ref> On the February 5 episode of ''Raw'', The Undertaker elected to face World Heavyweight Champion Batista at [[WrestleMania 23]] on April 1, before attacking him with the chokeslam.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/02/06/3539808.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310030625/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/02/06/3539808.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Raw: Mania main events all set|work=SLAM! Sports|publisher=[[Canoe.com|Canadian Online Explorer]]|first=Dave|last=Plummer|date=February 5, 2007|access-date=January 22, 2019}}</ref> At [[No Way Out (2007)|No Way Out]] on February 18, The Undertaker and Batista reluctantly teamed together to face John Cena and Shawn Michaels, but lost after Batista gained revenge on The Undertaker by hitting him with a [[Professional wrestling throws#Spinebuster|spinebuster]], allowing Cena to pin him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2007/matches/34656681/results/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121044611/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2007/matches/34656681/results/|title=Payback|first=Brett|last=Hoffman|publisher=WWE|date=February 18, 2007|archive-date=January 21, 2008|access-date=March 5, 2008}}</ref> At WrestleMania 23, The Undertaker defeated Batista to win his first World Heavyweight Championship and extend his Streak to 15–0.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|date=April 1, 2007|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/15/4024168.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120530090525/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/15/4024168.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=May 30, 2012|title=Undertaker the champ, McMahon bald|access-date=February 22, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

The Undertaker faced Batista in a rematch at [[Backlash (2007)|Backlash]] on April 29, this time in a Last Man Standing match. The match ended in a draw after neither man got to their feet by the referee's count of ten, meaning The Undertaker retained the championship.<ref>{{cite web|first=Brian|last=Elliott|date=April 29, 2007|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/29/4140920.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718153708/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/29/4140920.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 18, 2012|title=No filler makes for a consistent Backlash|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports|access-date=September 24, 2009}}</ref> The Undertaker and Batista then fought once again in a steel cage match on the May 11 episode of ''SmackDown!'' that also ended in a draw when both men's feet touched the floor at the same time. After the match, Mark Henry made his return by assaulting an already battered The Undertaker, after which Edge ran to the ring and cashed in his [[Money in the Bank ladder match|Money in the Bank]] briefcase, forcing The Undertaker into a second title defense. Although he kicked out of two quick pin attempts, The Undertaker was pinned by Edge after two [[Professional wrestling attacks#Spear|spears]] and lost the World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05112007|title=In with the new|date=May 11, 2007|first=Noah|last=Starr|publisher=WWE|access-date=November 17, 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071121221935/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05112007| archive-date= November 21, 2007| url-status=dead}}</ref> After this match, The Undertaker took time off due to a torn right biceps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mikemooneyham.com/2007/05/20/wwe-beset-by-injuries/|title=WWE beset by injuries|work=The Wrestling Gospel|first=Mike|last=Mooneyham|date=May 20, 2007|access-date=January 22, 2019|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220094018/http://www.mikemooneyham.com/2007/05/20/wwe-beset-by-injuries/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Undertaker WHC.jpg|thumb|left|upright|The Undertaker after he defeated [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] at [[WrestleMania XXIV]]]]
During his rehabilitation, Henry bragged about his assault on The Undertaker, until vignettes began playing that promoted The Undertaker's return. The Undertaker returned at [[Unforgiven (2007)|Unforgiven]] on September 16, defeating Henry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/matches/|title=Unforgiven 2007 Results|access-date=September 16, 2007|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=September 2, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060902112331/http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/matches/|url-status=live}}</ref> Batista and The Undertaker reignited their feud at [[Cyber Sunday (2007)|Cyber Sunday]] on October 28 with the fans choosing the special guest referee to be Stone Cold Steve Austin, however, Batista retained the World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/october/cyber2007.htm|title=Cyber Sunday 2007 Results|access-date=November 19, 2007|publisher=PWWEW.net|archive-date=June 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612165937/http://pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/october/cyber2007.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> They battled again in a Hell in a Cell match at [[Survivor Series (2007)|Survivor Series]] on November 18, where Edge returned and interfered to help Batista retain the World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2007/matches/4334964/results/|title=On the Edge of Hell|access-date=November 19, 2007|date=November 18, 2007|publisher=[[WWE]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081031145013/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2007/matches/4334964/results/|archive-date=October 31, 2008}}</ref> In response to this, The Undertaker delivered a ''Tombstone Piledriver'' to General Manager [[Vickie Guerrero]] on the November 23 episode of ''SmackDown!'', sending her to the hospital. Returning assistant-General Manager Theodore Long declared a triple threat match for the title between the three men at [[Armageddon (2007)|Armageddon]] on December 16, which Edge won after interference from [[Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder|The Major Brothers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/history/2007/matches/554660422/results/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330075654/http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/history/2007/matches/554660422/results/|url-status=dead|title=Edge's "three-meditated" attack to perfection|first=Mike|last=McAvennie|archive-date=March 30, 2009|access-date=December 29, 2007|date=December 16, 2007|publisher=WWE}}</ref>

At the [[Royal Rumble (2008)|Royal Rumble]] on January 27, 2008, The Undertaker competed in the Royal Rumble match itself, entering at number 1, but eliminated by Shawn Michaels after lasting for most of the bout.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Plummer |first1=Dale |last2=Tywalk |first2=Nick |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/01/28/4797664.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629175015/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/01/28/4797664.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |title=Cena wins Rumble in surprise return |access-date=January 29, 2008 |date=January 28, 2008 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> At [[No Way Out (2008)|No Way Out]] on February 17, The Undertaker defeated Batista, [[Dave Finlay|Finlay]], The Great Khali, MVP and Big Daddy V in the SmackDown [[Elimination Chamber|Elimination Chamber match]] to become the number one contender for Edge's World Heavyweight Championship at [[WrestleMania XXIV]] on March 30.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2008/matches/6364982/results/ |access-date=February 17, 2008 |title=The Deadman doubles down |publisher=WWE |last=Dee |first=Louis |date=February 17, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225063218/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2008/matches/6364982/results/ |archive-date=February 25, 2009 }}</ref> At WrestleMania, The Undertaker defeated Edge with the ''[[Gogoplata|Hell's Gate]]'' submission hold to win his second World Heavyweight Championship in what was his 16th WrestleMania win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/matches/6208634/results/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405163823/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/matches/6208634/results/|archive-date=April 5, 2008|title=Sweet Sixteen|date=March 30, 2008|first=Craig|last=Tello|access-date=April 10, 2008|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> In a WrestleMania rematch, The Undertaker defeated Edge once again at [[Backlash (2008)|Backlash]] on April 27 to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/6347966/results/|access-date=May 2, 2008|title=Second verse, same as the first|last=Dee|first=Louie|publisher=[[WWE]]|date=April 27, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501145452/http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/6347966/results/ |archive-date=May 1, 2008}}</ref> Vickie Guerrero then banned The Undertaker's ''Hell's Gate'' submission hold and stripped him of the World Heavyweight Championship on the May 2 episode of ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05022008/articles/titleturmoil|title=Title turmoil|date=May 2, 2008|last=Dee|first=Louis|access-date=May 3, 2008|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220185633/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05022008/articles/titleturmoil|url-status=live}}</ref> The Undertaker battled Edge for the vacant title at [[Judgment Day (2008)|Judgment Day]] on May 18, which he won by countout. Guerrero ordered that the title remain vacant, because titles could not change hands in this way.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bob|last=Kapur|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/05/18/5609326.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718052924/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/05/18/5609326.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 18, 2012|title=Judgment Day spoils streak of good shows|access-date=June 16, 2008|date=May 18, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Edge and The Undertaker faced each other again for the vacant championship at [[One Night Stand (2008)|One Night Stand]] on June 1 in a [[Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match]], which The Undertaker lost after interference from [[La Familia (professional wrestling)|La Familia]]. As a result of the stipulation, The Undertaker was forced to leave WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/05/30/5721341.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120724193637/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/05/30/5721341.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 24, 2012|title=One Night Stand WWE's best this year|date=May 30, 2008|last=Mackinder|first=Matt|access-date=March 28, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

[[File:Undertaker at Wrestlemania 25 cropped.jpg|thumb|upright|The Undertaker, after defeating [[Shawn Michaels]] at [[WrestleMania 25]]]]
On the July 25 episode of ''SmackDown'', Vickie Guerrero reinstated The Undertaker and scheduled Edge to face him at [[SummerSlam (2008)|SummerSlam]] on August 17 in a Hell in a Cell match,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07252008/|title=SmackDown: A woman's scorn, a Deadman reborn|access-date=June 25, 2008|archive-date=August 6, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080806083454/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07252008/|url-status=live}}</ref> which The Undertaker won. After the match, The Undertaker chokeslammed Edge from the top of a ladder and through the ring canvas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/matches/6541940/results/|title=Unleashed in Hell|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|date=August 17, 2008|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=August 18, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822055025/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/matches/6541940/results/ |archive-date=August 22, 2008}}</ref> Following this match, Guerrero tried making a peace offering with The Undertaker on ''SmackDown'' by apologizing, but The Undertaker told her that he was not the forgiving kind. At [[Unforgiven (2008)|Unforgiven]] on September 7, as The Undertaker approached the ring to "take Guerrero's soul" and seal her in a casket, [[Big Show]], who appeared at first to be aiding The Undertaker ended up assaulting him.<ref name="ShowknocksTaker">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/matches/bigshowspeaks/results/|title=Big Show lends Guerrero a giant hand|date=September 7, 2008|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=September 7, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910044919/http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/matches/bigshowspeaks/results/|archive-date=September 10, 2008}}</ref> Resulting from that, The Undertaker and Big Show faced each other in a match at [[No Mercy (2008)|No Mercy]] on October 5, where Big Show won by [[Professional wrestling#Knockout|knockout]].<ref name="ShowvsTaker">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/matches/8101498/results/|title=The knockout heard 'round the WWE Universe|last=Burdick|first=Michael|date=October 5, 2008|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=October 6, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008104418/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/matches/8101498/results/|archive-date=October 8, 2008}}</ref>

At [[Cyber Sunday (2008)|Cyber Sunday]] on October 26, The Undertaker defeated Big Show in a Last Man Standing match after choking him out with ''Hell's Gate''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/matches/8320770/results/|access-date=September 17, 2009|date=October 26, 2008|last=Passero|first=Mitch|title=Deadman's revenge|publisher=[[WWE]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630182014/http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/matches/8320770/results/|archive-date=June 30, 2009}}</ref> At the same time, The Undertaker was engaged in a short feud with Jeff Hardy, who interfered during his match with [[Vladimir Kozlov]] on the November 7 episode of ''SmackDown''. Hardy defeated The Undertaker in an [[Hardcore wrestling|Extreme Rules match]] the following week on ''SmackDown'' due to interference from Big Show. The Undertaker then went on to defeat Big Show in a casket match at [[Survivor Series (2008)|Survivor Series]] on November 23 and again in a steel cage match by submission on the December 5 episode of ''SmackDown'' to end their feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2008/matches/8641756|access-date=May 5, 2012|date=November 23, 2008|title=Undertaker def. Big Show (Casket Match)|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921042528/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2008/matches/8641756|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[No Way Out (2009)|No Way Out]] on February 15, 2009, The Undertaker was part of the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match along with Triple H, Jeff Hardy, Big Show, Vladimir Kozlov and Edge; however, he was unsuccessful at winning the match as he was the runner-up behind Triple H.<ref name="WWE No Way Out 2009">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/124676-2009-wwe-no-way-out-voices-and-chambers|title=2009 WWE No Way Out: Voices and Chambers|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|access-date=February 26, 2022|last=Robinson|first=Michael|date=February 15, 2009|archive-date=February 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226120824/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/124676-2009-wwe-no-way-out-voices-and-chambers|url-status=live}}</ref>

In early 2009, The Undertaker began a second chapter to his unresolved feud with Shawn Michaels from the late 1990s, over a decade prior to this point (their tensions gradually increasing in the years immediately preceding this from heated run-ins at the 2007 and 2008 Royal Rumble matches). Their renewed feud by this point was two-dimensional, in part focusing on the wonder of The Undertaker's undefeated WrestleMania Streak in relation to, however, the fact that he had never before defeated Michaels in a singles match, only vice versa.<ref name="Undertaker and Shawn Michaels WrestleMania encounter">{{cite news|last=Matthews|first=Graham|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/645529-wrestlemania-25-the-most-disappointing-wrestlemania-of-all-time|title=WrestleMania 25: The Most Disappointing WrestleMania of All Time|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|date=March 25, 2011|archive-date=March 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309172401/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/645529-wrestlemania-25-the-most-disappointing-wrestlemania-of-all-time|url-status=live}}</ref> Michaels also made the buildup to their WrestleMania encounter personal, repeatedly demonstrating his Christian objections to the demonic dark side nature of The Undertaker's Deadman gimmick, even creating his own heaven-esque bright side spin-off of what he felt The Undertaker's gimmick should be (Michaels having become a real-life born again Christian by this point in his career).<ref name="Undertaker and Shawn Michaels WrestleMania 25 theme">{{cite news |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1558102-wrestlemania-classics-what-made-shawn-michaels-vs-undertaker-so-great |title=WrestleMania Classics: What Made Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker so Great |access-date=February 25, 2022 |work=[[Bleacher Report]] |last=Dilbert |first=Ryan |date=March 8, 2013 |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309172401/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1558102-wrestlemania-classics-what-made-shawn-michaels-vs-undertaker-so-great |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2827831-how-triple-h-undertaker-shawn-michaels-crafted-epic-4-year-wrestlemania-saga|title=How Triple H, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels Crafted Epic 4-Year WrestleMania Saga|access-date=February 25, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Wong|first=Kevin|date=April 4, 2019|archive-date=February 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216073429/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2827831-how-triple-h-undertaker-shawn-michaels-crafted-epic-4-year-wrestlemania-saga|url-status=live}}</ref> The feud culminated in a singles match between the two at [[WrestleMania 25]] on April 5 in which Michaels made a heaven-sent entrance descending from up on high portraying his bright side anti-Deadman, while The Undertaker made a grave-risen entrance emerging from the ground.<ref name="Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels"/><ref name="Shawn Michaels anti-Deadman">{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHvw3H8FueU|title=Shawn Michaels' 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania Entrance|access-date=February 25, 2022|work=[[WWE]]|archive-date=February 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225071421/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHvw3H8FueU|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Undertaker and Shawn Michaels WrestleMania 25 theme"/> After what was widely described as a suspenseful, competitive match, The Undertaker defeated Michaels, thus extending his [[The Streak (wrestling)|WrestleMania winning streak to 17–0]].<ref name="Undertaker and Shawn Michaels WrestleMania encounter"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/25/matches/9074020|access-date=May 5, 2012|date=April 1, 2009|title=Undertaker def. Shawn Michaels|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=February 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201095410/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/25/matches/9074020|url-status=live}}</ref> Their encounter was highly acclaimed by critics and audiences alike and is considered by many to be one of the greatest WrestleMania matches of all time.<ref name="Undertaker and Shawn Michaels WrestleMania 25 theme"/> On the April 24 episode of ''SmackDown'', after losing a match against Big Show by knockout with Big Show taking advantage of The Undertaker's battered neck state from his previous WrestleMania encounter, The Undertaker attacked Big Show. Following this, The Undertaker took another hiatus from the WWE.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/9965-smackdown-results-4-24-09/|title=Smackdown Results – 4/24/09|work=Wrestleview|access-date=February 26, 2022|last=Nemer|first=Paul|date=April 25, 2009|archive-date=February 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226115921/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/9965-smackdown-results-4-24-09/|url-status=live}}</ref>

After a four-month hiatus, The Undertaker returned at [[SummerSlam (2009)|SummerSlam]] on August 23 by attacking [[CM Punk]], who had just won the World Heavyweight Championship from Jeff Hardy in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2009/matches/hardypunk|access-date=May 5, 2012|date=August 23, 2009|title=CM Punk def. Jeff Hardy (New World Heavyweight Champion)|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=April 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403095929/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2009/matches/hardypunk|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[WWE Breaking Point|Breaking Point]] on September 13, The Undertaker faced Punk in a submission match for the World Heavyweight Championship. The Undertaker had originally won the match with his ''Hell's Gate'' submission hold, but the match was restarted by SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long, who ruled that the ban placed on the move by Vickie Guerrero was still in effect. Punk went on to win the match with his [[Professional wrestling holds#Anaconda vise|anaconda vise]] when referee [[Scott Armstrong (wrestler)|Scott Armstrong]] called for the bell, despite The Undertaker never submitting—a recreation of the [[Montreal Screwjob]], which took place in the same venue in [[Survivor Series (1997)|1997]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebreakingpoint/matches/11460100/results/|access-date=September 26, 2009|date=September 13, 2009|last=Tello|first=Craig|title=Hell's Gate-crasher|publisher=[[WWE]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923191351/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebreakingpoint/matches/11460100/results/|archive-date=September 23, 2009}}</ref> On the September 25 episode of ''SmackDown'', Theodore Long officially lifted the ban after being released from a casket that The Undertaker had him placed inside of, among a series of other horror-themed mind game tactics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/09/26/11135656.html|url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723213252/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/09/26/11135656.html |archive-date=July 23, 2012|title=Smackdown: Punk escapes 'Taker's grasp|date=September 26, 2009|last=Sidhu|first=Manraj|access-date=May 5, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> With Long out of the way, the feud between The Undertaker and Punk pressed on and at [[Hell in a Cell (2009)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 4, The Undertaker won the World Heavyweight Championship from him in a Hell in a Cell match.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sokol|first1=Brian|last2=Sokol|first2=Chris|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/10/05/11300786.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710194953/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/10/05/11300786.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 10, 2015|title=Title changes highlight Hell in a Cell|date=October 5, 2009|access-date=October 5, 2009|work=Slam Wrestling|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

The Undertaker successfully defended the title against CM Punk on the October 23 episode of ''SmackDown'', in a fatal four-way match at [[Bragging Rights (2009)|Bragging Rights]] on October 25 against Punk, Batista and [[Rey Mysterio]] and in a triple threat match against Chris Jericho and Big Show at [[Survivor Series (2009)|Survivor Series]] on November 22.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/10/25/11522721.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706025436/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/10/25/11522721.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 6, 2015|title=Cena, Smackdown earn Bragging Rights|date=October 25, 2009|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=February 1, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/11/23/11879686.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018025201/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/11/23/11879686.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 18, 2015|title=Lots of wrestlers per match but no title changes at Survivor Series|date=November 23, 2009|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|access-date=February 1, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> He faced Batista at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2009)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] on December 13 in a chairs match for the championship and won when the match was restarted by Long, after Batista had originally won after utilizing a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Low blow|low blow]]. The next night on ''Raw'', The Undertaker competed in a tournament to crown the [[WWE Slammy Awards#2009 Slammy Awards|2009 Superstar of the Year]], losing to Randy Orton by countout in the first round after a distraction by Orton's protegès [[Cody Rhodes]] and [[Ted DiBiase Jr.|Ted DiBiase]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/12/14/12146261.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018112021/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/12/14/12146261.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 18, 2015|title=New champs at strong WWE TLC show|date=December 14, 2009|last=Kapur|first=Bob|access-date=February 1, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

[[File:Undertaker prematch.jpg|left|thumb|The Undertaker defending the World Heavyweight title at the [[Royal Rumble (2010)|Royal Rumble]] in January 2010]]
After successfully defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Rey Mysterio at the [[Royal Rumble (2010)|Royal Rumble]] on January 31, 2010,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/matches/13224522/results/|title=Results: Under-World Title triumph|first=Michael|last=Burdick|date=January 31, 2010|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=February 1, 2010|archive-date=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921042939/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/matches/13224522/results/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Undertaker lost the championship at the [[Elimination Chamber (2010)|Elimination Chamber]] pay-per-view on February 21. It was also at this event that a notorious [[shoot wrestling|shoot incident]] (non-kayfabe) befell The Undertaker: a [[pyrotechnics]] malfunction momentarily engulfed him in flames up to three times during his ring entrance. He was, however, able to continue with his scheduled match that night despite suffering first and second-degree burns on his chest and neck. According to a WWE spokesman, it "looked like a bad sunburn".<ref name="burns">{{cite web|url=http://www.aolnews.com/2010/02/22/the-undertaker-burned-during-accident-at-elimination-chamber/|title=The Undertaker Burned During Accident at Elimination Chamber|date=February 22, 2010|last=Fritz|first=Brian|access-date=June 25, 2014|publisher=AOL Fanhouse|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409065922/http://www.aolnews.com/2010/02/22/the-undertaker-burned-during-accident-at-elimination-chamber/|archive-date=April 9, 2014}}</ref> The Undertaker lost the title to Chris Jericho after interference from Shawn Michaels that night;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/02/22/12978356.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018112021/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/02/22/12978356.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 18, 2015|title=Batista, Jericho and Michaels capitalize on Elimination Chamber opportunities|date=February 22, 2010|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|access-date=February 24, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Jericho has said on multiple occasions that the pyrotechnician responsible for the accident was immediately escorted from the arena and relieved of his employment with WWE, following a threat of violence from Calaway.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Director/Actor Eli Roth|url=http://podcastone.com/Talk-Is-Jericho?showAllEpisodes=true|access-date=June 25, 2014|series=Talk is Jericho|network=PodcastOne|date=March 20, 2014|number=23|minutes=84|archive-date=March 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324062829/http://podcastone.com/Talk-Is-Jericho?showAllEpisodes=true|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode|title=WWE's Paul Heyman & Edge Pt 1|url=http://podcastone.com/Talk-Is-Jericho?showAllEpisodes=true|access-date=June 26, 2014|series=Talk is Jericho|network=PodcastOne|date=June 24, 2014|number=50|minutes=34|archive-date=March 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324062829/http://podcastone.com/Talk-Is-Jericho?showAllEpisodes=true|url-status=live}}</ref> Calaway himself explained that he had previously expressed concerns to the technician regarding the pyro arrangement, but was ignored. He feels he was saved from severe injury by applying water to his hair, and altering his attire from a sleeveless to a sleeved jacket, just minutes before the accident.<ref>{{cite episode|title=One More Round: The Undertaker|series=Steve Austin's Broken Skull Sessions|network=[[WWE Network]]|date=November 22, 2020|minutes=83–92}}</ref>

The Undertaker then accepted Michaels's rematch offer, after initially declining, at [[WrestleMania XXVI]] on March 28 in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Retirement match|Streak vs. Career match]], where The Undertaker was victorious and Shawn Michaels was forced to retire. This match also made both The Undertaker and Michaels the first men in WWE history to main event WrestleMania in three different decades (Undertaker main evented WrestleMania 13 and XXIV in 1997 and 2008 and Michaels main evented WrestleMania XII and XIV in 1996 and 1998 and XX and 23 in 2004 and 2007, respectively). After a hiatus (which included wrestling two matches on ''Raw''), he returned to ''SmackDown'' on May 28, defeating Rey Mysterio to qualify for a spot at the [[WWE Fatal 4-Way|Fatal 4-Way]] pay-per-view on June 20 to compete for the World Heavyweight title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05282010|title=WWE "Back in black"|date=May 22, 2010 |publisher=Wwe.com|access-date=October 24, 2011|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220101029/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05282010|url-status=live}}</ref> During the Rey Mysterio match, The Undertaker suffered a concussion, broken orbital bone and broken nose; he was visibly bleeding profusely on camera by the end of this match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestling.insidepulse.com/2010/05/31/undertaker-injured-wwe-fatal-4-way-main-event-in-jeopardy/|title=Inside Pulse Wrestling &#124; Undertaker Injured, WWE Fatal 4 Way Main Event In Jeopardy|publisher=Wrestling.insidepulse.com|access-date=October 24, 2011|archive-date=April 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413140446/http://wrestling.insidepulse.com/2010/05/31/undertaker-injured-wwe-fatal-4-way-main-event-in-jeopardy/|url-status=dead}}</ref> To cover for the injury, Kane revealed that The Undertaker had been found in a vegetative state on the June 4 episode of ''SmackDown'';<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06042010/mainarticle|title=WWE "Unnatural Phenom-enon"|publisher=Wwe.com|date=June 4, 2010|access-date=October 24, 2011|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220101026/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06042010/mainarticle|url-status=live}}</ref> Mysterio took his place in the match and won the World Heavyweight Championship. While attempting to learn which wrestler had attacked The Undertaker, Kane defeated Mysterio to win the World Heavyweight Championship at [[Money in the Bank (2010)|Money in the Bank]]. Kane and Mysterio continued to clash as they accused one another of being the assailant behind the mysterious ambush of The Undertaker.<ref>{{cite web|author=Brandon Stroud %BloggerTitle%|url=http://www.aolnews.com/2010/07/18/wwe-money-in-the-bank-2010-results-new-champion-cashes-in/|title=WWE Money in the Bank 2010 Results: New Champion Cashes In|publisher=Aolnews.com|date=July 18, 2010|access-date=October 24, 2011|archive-date=May 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518165210/http://www.aolnews.com/2010/07/18/wwe-money-in-the-bank-2010-results-new-champion-cashes-in/|url-status=live}}</ref>

At [[SummerSlam (2010)|SummerSlam]] on August 15, The Undertaker returned to confront Kane and Rey Mysterio, only to be attacked with a ''Tombstone Piledriver'' by Kane. With Kane revealed as his attacker, the two feuded for the next few months over the World Heavyweight Championship. After losing to Kane in a No Holds Barred match at [[Night of Champions (2010)|Night of Champions]] on September 19, Paul Bearer returned as The Undertaker's manager on the September 24 episode of ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/09/25/15475181.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310041714/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/09/25/15475181.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Smackdown: Kickin' it old school|date=September 25, 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=October 4, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> However, Bearer turned on him at [[Hell in a Cell (2010)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 3 to help Kane win once again in a Hell in a Cell match. The feud ended at [[Bragging Rights (2010)|Bragging Rights]] on October 24 when [[The Nexus (professional wrestling)|The Nexus]] helped Kane defeat The Undertaker in a Buried Alive match (the half-brothers' final singles match against one another). The Undertaker needed surgery for a torn rotator cuff, causing him to be written off.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_44956.shtml|title=WWE News: Health updates on The Undertaker and C.M. Punk - both out for the rest of the year?|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=December 19, 2019|archive-date=April 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421194433/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_44956.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Final years of The Streak (2011–2014) ====
{{Main|The Streak (professional wrestling)}}
After the [[Royal Rumble (2011)|2011 Royal Rumble]], promotional videos began airing, showing The Undertaker entering and standing within a Western-style, dilapidated shack on a rainy desert in [[Death Valley]], The birthplace. Each promo ended with the date 2–21–11 being "burned into" the screen. On the February 21 episode of ''Raw'', The Undertaker returned, but before he could speak, Triple H also returned and confronted him. The two challenged each other to a match at [[WrestleMania XXVII]], which was later made a [[Professional wrestling match types#No Holds Barred match|No Holds Barred]] match and which The Undertaker won by submission. However, he had to be carried away from the ring on a stretcher.<ref name="UT vs. HHH">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/27/triple-h-undertaker-streak-photos|title=Results:the Undertaker def. Triple H (No Holds Barred Match)|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=April 5, 2011|archive-date=February 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204203237/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/27/triple-h-undertaker-streak-photos|url-status=live}}</ref> Following WrestleMania XXVII in 2011, The Undertaker would take on a more part-time role within the company; he would not have another match on ''Raw'' or ''SmackDown'' until 2013.

[[File:Wrestlemania 28 Undertaker vs HHH.jpg|thumb|left|alt=|[[Triple H]] and The Undertaker at [[WrestleMania XXVIII]]]]
On the January 30, 2012 episode of ''Raw SuperShow'', The Undertaker returned after a nine-month hiatus to confront Triple H.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-01-30/results|title=The Undertaker returned with his sights set on Triple H|publisher=[[WWE]]|last=Passero|first=Mitch|date=January 30, 2012|access-date=January 30, 2012|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043300/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-01-30/results|url-status=live}}</ref> On the February 13 episode of ''Raw SuperShow'', Triple H refused The Undertaker's challenge for a WrestleMania rematch.<ref>{{cite web|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|title=WWE Raw SuperShow results: Has Cena embraced the hate?|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-02-13/results|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=February 14, 2012|date=February 13, 2012|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071908/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-02-13/results|url-status=live}}</ref> After The Undertaker accused Triple H of living in the shadow of Shawn Michaels on the February 20 episode of ''Raw SuperShow'', Triple H accepted the challenge on the condition that it would be a Hell in a Cell match; Michaels was later inserted as guest referee in the match. At [[WrestleMania XXVIII]], The Undertaker, while debuting his new look, a mohawk, defeated Triple H to extend his Streak to 20–0. After the match, The Undertaker and Michaels carried Triple H to the entrance stage, where the three embraced.<ref name="WWEEndofanEra">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/28/undertaker-triple-h-hell-in-a-cell|title=the Undertaker def. Triple H (Hell in a Cell Match with special referee Shawn Michaels)|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=March 2, 2013|archive-date=May 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531015208/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/28/undertaker-triple-h-hell-in-a-cell|url-status=live}}</ref> Later in 2012, The Undertaker appeared on the [[WWE Raw 1000|1000th episode of ''Raw'']] on July 23 to help Kane, who had been confronted by [[Jinder Mahal]], Curt Hawkins, [[Tyler Reks]], [[Hunico]], [[Camacho (wrestler)|Camacho]] and [[Drew McIntyre]]. The Brothers of Destruction overcame and dominated the six other wrestlers.<ref>{{cite web|last=J.|first=Cyril|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-07-23/raw-1000-results/page-9|title=Raw 1,000 results|work=WWE|access-date=July 23, 2012|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220103524/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-07-23/raw-1000-results/page-9|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=J.|first=Cyril|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/undertaker-and-kane-fight-off-their-attackers-and-stand-tall-raw-july-23-2012-26039958|title=Undertaker and Kane fight off their attackers and stand tall: Raw, July 23, 2012|work=WWE|access-date=July 23, 2012|archive-date=July 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724135254/http://www.wwe.com/videos/undertaker-and-kane-fight-off-their-attackers-and-stand-tall-raw-july-23-2012-26039958/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Undertaker's next television appearance was on ''Old School Raw'' on March 4, 2013, where he opened the show by performing his signature entrance. CM Punk, Randy Orton, Big Show and [[Sheamus]] fought in a fatal four-way match to determine who would face him at [[WrestleMania 29]], which Punk won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-03-04/wwe-raw-results-26096005|title=The Undertaker rises again and CM Punk punches his WrestleMania ticket|publisher=WWE.com|date=March 4, 2012|access-date=March 5, 2013|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220192043/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-03-04/wwe-raw-results-26096005|url-status=live}}</ref> After the real-life death of Paul Bearer on March 5, 2013, a storyline involving Punk regularly [[Spite (sentiment)|spiting]] The Undertaker through displays of flippancy and disrespect towards Bearer's death began.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/wwe-goes-into-overtime-raw-march-11-2013-26098254|title=WWE goes into overtime: Raw, March 11, 2013|publisher=WWE.com|date=March 11, 2013|access-date=March 20, 2013|archive-date=March 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315045707/http://www.wwe.com/videos/wwe-goes-into-overtime-raw-march-11-2013-26098254|url-status=live}}</ref> Punk interrupted The Undertaker's ceremony to honor Bearer on ''Raw'', stealing the trademark urn and later using it to attack Kane, humiliate The Brothers of Destruction and mock Bearer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/cm-punk-interrupts-undertakers-tribute-to-paul-bearer-raw-march-11-2013-26097992|title=CM Punk interrupts Undertaker's tribute to Paul Bearer: Raw, March 11, 2013|publisher=WWE.com|date=March 11, 2012|access-date=March 20, 2013|archive-date=March 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315045447/http://www.wwe.com/videos/cm-punk-interrupts-undertakers-tribute-to-paul-bearer-raw-march-11-2013-26097992|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/cm-punk-taunts-the-undertaker-with-paul-bearers-urn-raw-march-18-2013-26099706|title=CM Punk taunts the Undertaker with Paul Bearer's urn: RAW, March 18, 2013|publisher=WWE.com|date=March 18, 2012|access-date=March 20, 2013|archive-date=March 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320102759/http://www.wwe.com/videos/cm-punk-taunts-the-undertaker-with-paul-bearers-urn-raw-march-18-2013-26099706|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Undertaker defeated Punk at WrestleMania 29 to extend his Streak to 21–0 and then took back the urn.<ref name="wwe.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/29/wrestlemania-29-results-26104708|title=WrestleMania 29 results|work=WWE|access-date=April 8, 2013|archive-date=September 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901050140/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/29/wrestlemania-29-results-26104708|url-status=live}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', The Undertaker came out to pay his respects to Bearer, but was interrupted by [[The Shield (professional wrestling)|The Shield]], who attempted to attack Undertaker before [[Team Hell No]] (Kane and [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]]) made the save.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69884.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/8: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WM29 fall-out, new World Champ, no Rock, Taker live, crowd takes over|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=December 19, 2019|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403092537/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69884.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The Undertaker would wrestle his final ''Raw'' match (his first since 2010) on the April 22 episode, teaming with Kane and Bryan against The Shield in a losing effort.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70166.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/22 (Second Hour): Shield vs. The Undertaker six-man tag match, Ryder squashed|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=December 19, 2019|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403010100/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70166.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Four days later, he wrestled his final ''SmackDown'' match (also his first since 2010), defeating Shield member [[Dean Ambrose]] by submission. Afterward, The Undertaker was attacked by Ambrose and the rest of The Shield, who performed a triple powerbomb through the broadcast table on him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70252.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/26: Complete coverage of the loaded Friday night show, including Undertaker vs. Ambrose, Henry vs. Orton|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=December 19, 2019|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116083307/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70252.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:The Undertaker WM30 entrance.jpg|thumb|right|upright|alt=|The Undertaker approaching the ring at [[WrestleMania XXX]] in 2014]]
On the February 24, 2014, episode of ''Raw'', The Undertaker returned to confront Brock Lesnar and accepted his challenge for a match at [[WrestleMania XXX]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Raw: Longer matches and a dramatic return in Green Bay|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/02/25/21493241.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710171552/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/02/25/21493241.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 10, 2015|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> After 25 minutes and three ''F-5''s, Lesnar won the match at WrestleMania by [[Professional wrestling#Pinfall|pinfall]], ending The Undertaker's Streak in what was described as "the most shocking result in WWE history".<ref>{{cite news|last=Murphy|first=Ryan|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/30/undertaker-brock-lesnar-26184576|title=Brock Lesnar def. The Undertaker|date=April 6, 2014|access-date=April 15, 2014|publisher=WWE|archive-date=March 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302034323/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/30/undertaker-brock-lesnar-26184576|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the match, The Undertaker was hospitalized with a severe concussion which he suffered in the first minutes of the match.<ref>{{cite news|last=Butterly|first=Amelia|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-26934095|title=WWE WrestleMania star The Undertaker has head injury|date=April 8, 2014|access-date=April 15, 2014|publisher=BBC|archive-date=February 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228035845/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/26934095|url-status=live}}</ref> In a December 2014 interview, Vince McMahon confirmed that it was his final decision to have Lesnar end The Streak and that The Undertaker was initially shocked at the decision. McMahon justified his decision that it would significantly enhance Lesnar's formidability to set up the next WrestleMania event and that there were no other viable candidates to fill Lesnar's role.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE news: Austin/McMahon podcast – McMahon attempts to explain why Undertaker's Streak was broken at WM30|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_82062.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=December 2, 2014|first=James|last=Caldwell|archive-date=December 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141212160740/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_82062.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, The Undertaker was also offered to be inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]], but he declined the offer, feeling it wasn't time yet.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ato |first1=Antonio Rubio |title=The Undertaker rechazó entrar al WWE Hall of Fame en 2014 |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/106981-the-undertaker-rechazo-entrar-al-wwe-hall-of-fame-en-2014- |access-date=March 24, 2022 |work=Solo Wrestling |date=March 17, 2022 |language=es |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324104509/https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/106981-the-undertaker-rechazo-entrar-al-wwe-hall-of-fame-en-2014- |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Final feuds (2015–2020) ====
[[File:Undertaker 2015 WrestleMania.jpg|thumb|left|alt=|upright=0.56|The Undertaker in the ring at [[WrestleMania 31]] in 2015]]
In February 2015, [[Bray Wyatt]] began a series of cryptic promos which led to [[Fastlane (2015)|Fastlane]], where Wyatt challenged The Undertaker to a match at [[WrestleMania 31]], which The Undertaker accepted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_83486.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S WWE FAST LANE PPV RESULTS 2/22: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Bryan vs. Reigns, Cena vs. Rusev, Sting-Hunter confrontation, final PPV before WM31|date=February 22, 2015|access-date=February 22, 2015|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|author=Caldwell, James|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330044633/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_83486.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_83746.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 3/9: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Lesnar appears, Orton strikes, Taker "responds" to Bray, Sting "speaks," latest WM31 hype, more|date=March 9, 2015|access-date=March 9, 2015|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|author=Caldwell, James|archive-date=March 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313225639/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_83746.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> At WrestleMania, The Undertaker defeated Wyatt after two ''Tombstone Piledrivers''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_84175.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S WM31 PPV RESULTS 3/29: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of WWE World Title match, Taker's return, Sting vs. Triple H, Cena vs. Rusev, Rock/UFC surprise, more|date=March 29, 2015|access-date=March 29, 2015|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|author=Caldwell, James|archive-date=March 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331225800/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_84175.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

At [[Battleground (2015)|Battleground]] in July, The Undertaker made his return by attacking Lesnar as he was on the verge of defeating [[Seth Rollins]] during his WWE World Heavyweight Championship match, causing the match to end in a disqualification win for Lesnar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_86322.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S WWE BATTLEGROUND PPV REPORT 7/19: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Rollins vs. Lesnar, Cena vs. Owens III, Orton returns home, more|date=July 19, 2015|access-date=July 19, 2015|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|last=Caldwell|first=James|archive-date=July 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722175332/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_86322.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', The Undertaker explained his actions as revenge, not against Lesnar breaking The Streak, but rather the constant taunting he allowed Paul Heyman to engage in. Later that night, after The Undertaker and Lesnar brawled throughout the arena and had to be separated, a rematch was scheduled for [[SummerSlam (2015)|SummerSlam]] in August, where The Undertaker controversially defeated Lesnar. Lesnar put The Undertaker in a [[Armlock|kimura lock]] and the timekeeper rang the bell after seeing The Undertaker supposedly indicating submission, but since the referee had not seen a submission and never stopped the match, the match continued. The confusion allowed The Undertaker to surprise Lesnar with a low blow and apply ''Hell's Gate'', in which Lesnar passed out.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pappolla|first1=Ryan|title=The Undertaker def- Brock Lesnar|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2015-undertaker-vs-brock-lesnar-27682861|publisher=WWE|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-date=January 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106004847/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2015-undertaker-vs-brock-lesnar-27682861|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Hell in a Cell (2015)|Hell in a Cell]], The Undertaker was defeated by Lesnar in a Hell in a Cell match after Lesnar hit him with his own low blow, returning the favor, and executing what was his third ''F-5'' of the match.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Meltzer|first1=Dave|title=WWE Hell in a Cell live results: Brock Lesnar vs Undertaker, John Cena defends US Title (with updates on Alberto Del Rio)|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-hell-cell-live-results-brock-lesnar-vs-undertaker-john-cena-defends-us-title-updates|publisher=Wrestling Observer|access-date=December 21, 2015|date=October 26, 2015|archive-date=December 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222122054/http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-hell-cell-live-results-brock-lesnar-vs-undertaker-john-cena-defends-us-title-updates|url-status=live}}</ref>

While the crowd gave The Undertaker an ovation after his loss to Lesnar, he was attacked and captured by [[The Wyatt Family]] (Bray Wyatt, [[Luke Harper]], [[Erick Rowan]] and [[Braun Strowman]]), who carried him away from the ring.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2015/56660-wwe-hell-in-a-cell-ppv-results-10-25-15-live-from-los-angeles|title=WWE Hell in a Cell PPV Results|date=October 25, 2015|access-date=October 25, 2015|publisher=Wrestleview|archive-date=October 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028232017/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2015/56660-wwe-hell-in-a-cell-ppv-results-10-25-15-live-from-los-angeles|url-status=live}}</ref> After ambushing and capturing Kane the next night on ''Raw'', Wyatt explained that he had claimed their souls and stole their demonic powers.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/56669-wwe-raw-results-10-26-15-live-results-from-san-dieg|title=WWE RAW Results – 10/26/15|date=October 26, 2015|access-date=October 26, 2015|publisher=Wrestleview|archive-date=November 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117024603/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/56669-wwe-raw-results-10-26-15-live-results-from-san-dieg|url-status=live}}</ref> The Brothers of Destruction returned on the November 9 episode of ''Raw'' and attacked The Wyatt Family, setting up a tag team match at [[Survivor Series (2015)|Survivor Series]], which honored The Undertaker's 25 years in WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/the-undertaker-and-demon-kane-reemerge-to-unleash-hell-upon-the-wyatt-family-raw-28190849|title=The Undertaker and Demon Kane Return!|date=November 9, 2015|access-date=November 10, 2015|publisher=WWE.com|archive-date=November 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112020148/http://www.wwe.com/videos/the-undertaker-and-demon-kane-reemerge-to-unleash-hell-upon-the-wyatt-family-raw-28190849|url-status=dead}}</ref> At Survivor Series on November 22, the Brothers of Destruction defeated Wyatt and Harper.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2015/undertaker-kane-wyatt-family-28201139|title=WWE Survivor Series 2015 Results: The Brothers of Destruction defeated The Wyatt Family|date=November 22, 2015|access-date=November 23, 2015|archive-date=June 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609001401/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2015/undertaker-kane-wyatt-family-28201139|url-status=live}}</ref>

On the February 22, 2016, episode of ''Raw'', Vince McMahon placed his son Shane McMahon, who returned to WWE for the first time since 2009, in a Hell in a Cell match at [[WrestleMania 32]] against The Undertaker with the stipulation that if Shane won, he would gain control of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=2/22 Raw News|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/02/22/vincesrawardfeb22/|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=April 22, 2016|date=February 23, 2016|archive-date=November 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115112843/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/02/22/vincesrawardfeb22/|url-status=live}}</ref> Vince later decided that should Undertaker lose the match against Shane, it would be his final match at WrestleMania.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=3/21 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/03/21/march21rawresults/|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=March 25, 2016|date=March 22, 2016|archive-date=October 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006032515/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/03/21/march21rawresults/|url-status=live}}</ref> After weeks of random physical confrontations and mind games exchanged between the pair, The Undertaker defeated Shane McMahon at WrestleMania 32.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=4/3 WrestleMania 32 PPV Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live Report on Main PPV|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/03/wm32liveresults/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 3, 2016|archive-date=April 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404040347/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/03/wm32liveresults/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Undertaker would not appear again until the [[List of WWE SmackDown special episodes|900th episode of ''SmackDown'']] on November 15, issuing a threat to Team SmackDown if they failed to defeat Team Raw at the upcoming [[Survivor Series (2016)|Survivor Series]] pay-per-view.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|title=WWE Smackdown Results – 11/15/16 (Live from Wilkes-Barre, 900th episode, The Undertaker and Edge return)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/69572-wwe-smackdown-results-111516-live-wilkes-barre-900th-episode-undertaker-edge-return/|work=WrestleView|access-date=November 15, 2016|date=November 15, 2016|archive-date=November 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118232118/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/69572-wwe-smackdown-results-111516-live-wilkes-barre-900th-episode-undertaker-edge-return/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Taker-WM34.jpg|thumb|right|The Undertaker in April 2018]]
The Undertaker appeared on the January 23 episode of ''Raw'', confronting Brock Lesnar and [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Keller|first1=Wade|title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 1/23: Final show before the Royal Rumble, Goldberg-Lesnar hype, Reigns confronted by Jericho & Owens|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/23/kellers-wwe-raw-report-123-final-show-royal-rumble-goldberg-lesnar-hype-reigns-confronted-jericho-owens/|website=pwtorch.com|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|access-date=January 23, 2017|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202020110/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/23/kellers-wwe-raw-report-123-final-show-royal-rumble-goldberg-lesnar-hype-reigns-confronted-jericho-owens/|url-status=live}}</ref> During the [[Royal Rumble (2017)|Royal Rumble]] on January 29, The Undertaker entered at number 29, eliminating Goldberg, [[The Miz]], [[Baron Corbin]] and [[Sami Zayn]], before being eliminated by the number 30 entrant, [[Roman Reigns]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/article/2017-royal-rumble-statistics-entrants-eliminations|title=Full 2017 Royal Rumble Match statistics: entrants, eliminations, times and more|publisher=WWE.com|date=January 30, 2017|access-date=January 30, 2017|archive-date=July 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715223049/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/article/2017-royal-rumble-statistics-entrants-eliminations|url-status=live}}</ref> The Undertaker returned on the March 6 episode of ''Raw'' and performed a chokeslam on Reigns.<ref>{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=KELLER'S WWE RAW REPORT 3/6: Fallout from Fastlane including Jericho asking Owens for explanation for breaking up their friendship|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/03/06/kellers-wwe-raw-report-36-fallout-fastlane-including-jericho-asking-owens-explanation-breaking-friendship/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=March 6, 2017|archive-date=March 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307203904/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/03/06/kellers-wwe-raw-report-36-fallout-fastlane-including-jericho-asking-owens-explanation-breaking-friendship/|url-status=live}}</ref> This led to a No Holds Barred match between The Undertaker and Reigns at [[WrestleMania 33]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/undertaker-vs-roman-reigns?sf62052304=1|title=The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns|last=Clapp|first=John|date=March 13, 2017|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=March 13, 2017|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220112911/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/undertaker-vs-roman-reigns?sf62052304=1|url-status=live}}</ref> in which The Undertaker lost to Reigns after five spears in his fourth WrestleMania main event.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/undertaker-vs-roman-reigns-results|title=Roman Reigns def. The Undertaker|last=Burdick|first=Michael|work=WWE|access-date=April 2, 2017|archive-date=April 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404043151/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/33/undertaker-vs-roman-reigns-results|url-status=live}}</ref> After the match, The Undertaker left his gloves, coat and hat in the center of the ring before slowly making his exit.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=Powell's WrestleMania 33 live review: Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns, Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon, Seth Rollins vs. Triple H in an unsanctioned match|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/02/powells-wrestlemania-33-live-review-undertaker-vs-roman-reigns-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-shane-mcmahon-seth-rollins-vs-triple-h/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 2, 2017|date=April 2, 2017|archive-date=April 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403113529/http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/02/powells-wrestlemania-33-live-review-undertaker-vs-roman-reigns-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-shane-mcmahon-seth-rollins-vs-triple-h/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Undertaker took part in the ''[[Raw 25 Years]]'' broadcast on January 22, 2018, his first post-WrestleMania 33 appearance.<ref name="raw2018">{{Cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/25th-anniversary-monday-night-raw-details |title=The 25th anniversary of Monday Night Raw will emanate from Barclays Center and Manhattan Center on Jan. 22 |date=October 30, 2017 |website=WWE |access-date=January 16, 2018 |archive-date=February 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220112912/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/25th-anniversary-monday-night-raw-details |url-status=live }}</ref> In the months prior to [[WrestleMania 34]], John Cena challenged The Undertaker to a singles match. At WrestleMania, after [[Elias (wrestler)|Elias]] confronted Cena and was beaten down, The Undertaker's hat and coat appeared in the center of the ring and were struck by lightning. The Undertaker then appeared and beat Cena in a three-minute squash match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestlemania-results/101418-april-8-2018-brock-lesnar-roman-reigns/|title=WrestleMania 34 Results – 4/8/18 (Reigns vs. Lesnar, Styles vs. Nakamura, Rousey)|date=April 8, 2018|access-date=April 8, 2018|publisher=Wrestleview|archive-date=April 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409171354/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestlemania-results/101418-april-8-2018-brock-lesnar-roman-reigns/|url-status=live}}</ref> Three weeks later, The Undertaker defeated [[Rusev (wrestler)|Rusev]] at WWE's [[Greatest Royal Rumble]] event in a casket match.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Burdick|first1=Michael|title=Undertaker vs. Rusev (Casket Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/undertaker-rusev|work=WWE|access-date=April 12, 2018|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220112921/https://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/2018/undertaker-rusev|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Super Show-Down (2018)|Super Show-Down]] in Australia on October 6, The Undertaker faced Triple H in a [[Professional wrestling match types#No-disqualification match|no disqualification match]] billed as the "Last Time Ever"; they were accompanied by Kane and Shawn Michaels, respectively. The Undertaker lost the match after interference from Michaels. After the match, the four men shook hands as a sign of respect, however, The Undertaker and Kane would follow this by attacking them.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pappolla|first=Ryan|title=Triple H def. The Undertaker|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-super-show-down/2018-10-06/the-undertaker-triple-h-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=October 6, 2018|archive-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203145903/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-super-show-down/2018-10-06/the-undertaker-triple-h-results|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, the duos reunited their respective tag teams—the Brothers of Destruction and D-Generation X—and faced each other at [[Crown Jewel (2018)|Crown Jewel]] on November 2, where The Undertaker and Kane lost their final match as a tag team.<ref>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title=D-Generation X def. The Brothers of Destruction|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2018/triple-h-shawn-michaels-the-undertaker-kane-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=November 2, 2018|archive-date=November 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103092331/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2018/triple-h-shawn-michaels-the-undertaker-kane-results|url-status=live}}</ref>

On the April 8, 2019 episode of ''Raw'', the night after [[WrestleMania 35]]—the first WrestleMania in 19 years without his involvement—The Undertaker appeared to interrupt and attack Elias during a musical performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/08/4-8-powells-wwe-raw-tv-review-the-night-after-wrestlemania-35-edition-featuring-new-raw-and-smackdown-womens-champion-becky-lynch-new-wwe-universal-champion-seth-rollins-new-intercontinental-ch/|title=4/8 Powell's WWE Raw TV Review: The night after WrestleMania 35 edition featuring new Raw and Smackdown Women's Champion Becky Lynch, new WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins, new Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor, and new Raw Tag Champions Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins|date=April 8, 2019|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 9, 2019|archive-date=April 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409081336/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/08/4-8-powells-wwe-raw-tv-review-the-night-after-wrestlemania-35-edition-featuring-new-raw-and-smackdown-womens-champion-becky-lynch-new-wwe-universal-champion-seth-rollins-new-intercontinental-ch/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Undertaker made his return to the ring to face Goldberg at [[Super ShowDown (2019)|Super ShowDown]] in Saudi Arabia on June 7, defeating him in the main event of the night in their first match against each other.<ref name="Super Show-Down2019">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Super ShowDown results: Powell's live review of Undertaker vs. Goldberg, Seth Rollins vs. Baron for the WWE Universal Championship, Kofi Kingston vs. Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Championship, Triple H vs. Randy Orton, Roman Reigns vs. Shane McMahon|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/06/07/wwe-super-showdown-results-powells-live-review-of-undertaker-vs-goldberg-seth-rollins-vs-baron-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-kofi-kingston-vs-dolph-ziggler-for-the-wwe-championship-tripl/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=June 7, 2019|date=June 7, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630060851/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/06/07/wwe-super-showdown-results-powells-live-review-of-undertaker-vs-goldberg-seth-rollins-vs-baron-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-kofi-kingston-vs-dolph-ziggler-for-the-wwe-championship-tripl/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the June 24, 2019 episode of ''Raw'', during a handicap match in which Roman Reigns was dominated by Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre, The Undertaker suddenly appeared and attacked McMahon and McIntyre. The Undertaker and Reigns were later scheduled to face McMahon and McIntyre in a No Holds Barred tag team match at [[Extreme Rules (2019)|Extreme Rules]]. At Extreme Rules, The Undertaker and Reigns won. This turned out to be The Undertaker's final match in front of a live audience in the United States.<ref name="Raw06242019">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/06/24/6-24-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-u-s-champion-ricochet-vs-aj-styles-in-a-non-title-match-roman-reigns-vs-shane-mcmahon-and-drew-mcintyre-in-a-handicap-match-wwe-champion-kofi-kingston-vs/|title=6/24 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of U.S. Champion Ricochet vs. AJ Styles in a non-title match, Roman Reigns vs. Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre in a handicap match, WWE Champion Kofi Kingston vs. Sami Zayn in a non-title match|date=June 24, 2019|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=June 25, 2019|archive-date=July 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701031207/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/06/24/6-24-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-u-s-champion-ricochet-vs-aj-styles-in-a-non-title-match-roman-reigns-vs-shane-mcmahon-and-drew-mcintyre-in-a-handicap-match-wwe-champion-kofi-kingston-vs/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Undertaker returned at [[Super ShowDown (2020)|Super ShowDown]] in Saudi Arabia on February 27, 2020, as a surprise replacement in a [[gauntlet match]]. He entered the match last, replacing Rey Mysterio and defeating [[AJ Styles]] to win the [[Tuwaiq Mountain Trophy]].<ref name="The first-ever Tuwaiq Trophy Gauntl">{{cite web|title=The first-ever Tuwaiq Trophy Gauntlet Match|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-super-showdown/wwe-super-showdown-2020/first-tuwaiq-trophy-match|work=WWE|date=February 11, 2020|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=February 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213220203/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-super-showdown/wwe-super-showdown-2020/first-tuwaiq-trophy-match|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Elimination Chamber (2020)|Elimination Chamber]] during a match between Styles and [[Aleister Black]], The Undertaker made another surprise appearance with an attack on Styles.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brookhouse |first=Brent |title=2020 WWE Elimination Chamber results, recap, grades: Shayna Baszler dominates, Undertaker appears |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2020-wwe-elimination-chamber-results-recap-grades-shayna-baszler-dominates-undertaker-appears/live/ |access-date=March 9, 2020 |work=CBSSports.com |date=March 9, 2020 |archive-date=March 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309054908/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2020-wwe-elimination-chamber-results-recap-grades-shayna-baszler-dominates-undertaker-appears/live/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Styles challenged The Undertaker to a match at [[WrestleMania 36]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/03/09/3-9-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-edge-returning-following-randy-ortons-attack-on-beth-phoenix-rey-mysterio-vs-angel-garza-drew-mcintyre-in-action-the-build-to-wrestlemania-kicks-in/|title=3/9 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Edge returning following Randy Orton's attack on Beth Phoenix, Rey Mysterio vs. Angel Garza, Drew McIntyre in action, the build to WrestleMania kicks in|date=March 9, 2020|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=March 9, 2020|archive-date=March 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320073605/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/03/09/3-9-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-edge-returning-following-randy-ortons-attack-on-beth-phoenix-rey-mysterio-vs-angel-garza-drew-mcintyre-in-action-the-build-to-wrestlemania-kicks-in/|url-status=live}}</ref> Over the following weeks that led up to WrestleMania, a resentful Styles made unprecedented efforts to expose The Undertaker, going so far as departing from bashing his Deadman gimmick, instead taking to a [[metafiction]] form of bashing Calaway himself. The feud saw Styles solely referring to The Undertaker by his real name, Mark Calaway, referencing his age and his wife, [[Michelle McCool]]. In response, The Undertaker cut promos of ominous warning against Styles in which for the first time in years, he [[breaking character|broke from the Deadman gimmick]] by presenting as himself out of character. In doing so, elements of his American Badass gimmick were reflected with Calaway making appearances in his biker gear. At WrestleMania 36, The Undertaker presented his third and final identity, "The Unholy Trinity", a combination of The Deadman, American Badass, and himself as Mark Calaway, this blend allowing him to trash talk Styles over real life matters during their encounter, while also able to maintain his superhuman horror capabilities.<ref name="Unholy Trinity">{{Cite web |last=Matadeen |first=Renaldo |url=https://www.cbr.com/wwes-the-last-ride-undertakers-unholy-trinity-boneyard-match/ |title=WWE's The Last Ride: How Undertaker's Unholy Trinity Made the Boneyard Match |date=June 26, 2020 |website=Comic Book Resources |access-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-date=April 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425093312/https://www.cbr.com/wwes-the-last-ride-undertakers-unholy-trinity-boneyard-match/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In what was subsequently learned to be The Undertaker's final match, he and Styles fought in a cemetery at a secluded rural locale, competing in what was a cinematic, narrative-heavy brawl similar to "Buried Alive matches",<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/specialtymatches/buriedalivematch |title=Buried Alive matches |access-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-date=March 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080325073927/http://www.wwe.com/inside/specialtymatches/buriedalivematch |url-status=dead }}</ref> named the "Boneyard match". Despite the assistance of [[Gallows and Anderson]], The Undertaker buried Styles in the grave to win this match and ride off on motorcycle into the sunset,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2881953-the-undertaker-beats-aj-styles-in-boneyard-match-at-wwe-wrestlemania-36|title=The Undertaker Beats AJ Styles in Boneyard Match at WWE WrestleMania 36|last=Chiari|first=Mike|website=Bleacher Report|access-date=April 15, 2020|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026220634/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2881953-the-undertaker-beats-aj-styles-in-boneyard-match-at-wwe-wrestlemania-36|url-status=live}}</ref> scoring his 25th WrestleMania victory to complete his professional wrestling career.<ref name="The Undertaker WrestleMania Streak 25-2">{{cite news|url=https://www.cbr.com/wwe-undertaker-not-won-wrestlemania-match/|title=WWE: Undertaker May NOT Have Won His Last WrestleMania Match - Here's Why|access-date=February 26, 2022|work=[[Comic Book Resources]]|last=McCarrick|first=Michael|date=May 10, 2020|archive-date=February 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227021844/https://www.cbr.com/wwe-undertaker-not-won-wrestlemania-match/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Retirement and Hall of Fame (2020–2022) ====
On June 21, 2020, in the final episode of the ''Undertaker: The Last Ride'' documentary, Callaway retired from the professional wrestling industry.<ref name="HT"/> Later on that November, he confirmed that he was "officially retired" in an interview.<ref name="Maglio"/> Many wrestlers and other public figures paid tribute to him on their social media pages.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Undertaker announces retirement; emotional fans, WWE Superstars pay tribute to 'Deadman' |url=https://www.wionews.com/sports/wwe-news-the-undertaker-announces-retirement-emotional-fans-wwe-superstars-pay-tribute-to-deadman-Undertaker-news-307609 |access-date=September 14, 2020 |work=WION |date=June 22, 2020 |archive-date=February 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220112910/https://www.wionews.com/sports/wwe-news-the-undertaker-announces-retirement-emotional-fans-wwe-superstars-pay-tribute-to-deadman-Undertaker-news-307609 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Madison Square Garden]], regarded as the most famous venue in professional wrestling, also paid tribute to him.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rego |first=Andrew |title=Undertaker Receives a Grand Tribute Following Retirement From WWE |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-undertaker-receives-a-grand-tribute-following-retirement-from-wwe/ |access-date=September 14, 2020 |work=EssentiallySports |date=June 24, 2020 |archive-date=February 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220112911/https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-undertaker-receives-a-grand-tribute-following-retirement-from-wwe/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Undertaker, wearing his trademark mortician trench coat and stetson hat, made an appearance at the conclusion of the [[Survivor Series (2020)|Survivor Series]] event on November 22, 2020. The event was dedicated to him, commemorating thirty years from that time since his WWE debut. There, he reiterated that his career had been completed, giving an emotional farewell speech which ended in typical Undertaker fashion: "My time has come to let The Undertaker ''Rest in Peace''."<ref name="SSeries2020">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Survivor Series results: Powell's review of Undertaker's Final Farewell, Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns, Asuka vs. Sasha Banks, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods vs. The Street Profits, Bobby Lashley vs. Sami Zayn in champion vs. champion matches, Team Raw vs. Team Smackdown in Survivor Series elimination matches|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/11/22/wwe-survivor-series-results-powells-review-of-undertakers-final-farewell-drew-mcintyre-vs-roman-reigns-asuka-vs-sasha-banks-kofi-kingston-and-xavier-woods-vs-the-street-profits-bobby-lashl/|website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 22, 2020|access-date=November 22, 2020|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123000414/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/11/22/wwe-survivor-series-results-powells-review-of-undertakers-final-farewell-drew-mcintyre-vs-roman-reigns-asuka-vs-sasha-banks-kofi-kingston-and-xavier-woods-vs-the-street-profits-bobby-lashl/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=FarewellFriends>{{cite web|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-my-time-has-come-the-undertaker-gives-an-emotional-speech-on-his-final-farewell-at-survivor-series/|title=My Time has Come" – The Undertaker Gives an Emotional Speech on his Final Farewell at Survivor Series|first=Shuvangi Sen|last=Chaudhury|website=Essentially Sports|date=November 23, 2020|access-date=November 23, 2020|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220112908/https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-my-time-has-come-the-undertaker-gives-an-emotional-speech-on-his-final-farewell-at-survivor-series/|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[ten-bell salute]] was also given for The Undertaker character as he did his traditional take-the-knee pose, and a holographic image of Paul Bearer, The Undertaker's former manager, was projected in the ring.<ref name=undertakerfarewell>{{cite news |last1=Brookhouse |first1=Brent |last2=Silverstein |first2=Adam |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2020-wwe-survivor-series-results-recap-grades-undertaker-bids-farewell-roman-reigns-drew-mcintyre-delivers/live/ |title=2020 WWE Survivor Series results, recap, grades: Undertaker bids farewell, Roman Reigns-Drew McIntyre delivers |work=CBS Sports |date=November 22, 2020 |access-date=November 23, 2020 |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130223218/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2020-wwe-survivor-series-results-recap-grades-undertaker-bids-farewell-roman-reigns-drew-mcintyre-delivers/live/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On April 1, 2022, The Undertaker was formally inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame at the [[American Airlines Center]].<ref>{{Cite news |first=Marc |last=Middleton |date=April 2, 2022 |title=Noelle Foley On The Undertaker Not Mentioning Her Dad In His WWE HOF Speech, Taker Gives Thanks |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/04/noelle-foley-on-the-undertaker-not-mentioning-her-dad-in-his-wwe-hof-speech-taker-gives-thanks/ |access-date=April 2, 2022 |work=Wrestling Inc. |archive-date=April 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402154746/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/04/noelle-foley-on-the-undertaker-not-mentioning-her-dad-in-his-wwe-hof-speech-taker-gives-thanks/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At his induction, Calaway made a 137-minute speech that opened with a 10-minute, emotional standing ovation from the live audience, bringing Calaway to tears. Calaway's acceptance speech, hailed by media outlets as matchless and beyond compare, was motivational and shared his collection of self-reflections and life philosophies for success. In making his speech, he stood before several genres of his Deadman character, through the varying costumes displayed on mannequins.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Undertaker in tears: Watch his viral emotional speech during WWE Hall of Fame induction |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/sports/report-the-undertaker-in-tears-watch-his-viral-emotional-speech-during-wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-2943741 |work=DNA |date=April 2, 2022 |access-date=April 3, 2022 |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203094540/https://www.dnaindia.com/sports/report-the-undertaker-in-tears-watch-his-viral-emotional-speech-during-wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-2943741 |url-status=live }}</ref> Later that same weekend, Calaway made appearances on the entrance stage on both nights of [[WrestleMania 38|WrestleMania]].

====Sporadic appearances and backstage roles (2023–present)====
[[File:The Rock and Undertaker, WrestleMania XL.jpg|thumb|The Undertaker about to chokeslam [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] at [[WrestleMania XL]].]]
On January 23, 2023, The Undertaker made an appearance at the Monday Night Raw 30th Anniversary special, [[WWE Raw is XXX|''Raw'' is XXX]]. He appeared under his American Badass gimmick, confronting [[LA Knight]] and seemingly giving his approval to [[Bray Wyatt]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ravens |first=Andrew |title=Bray Wyatt on WWE Raw 30 segment with The Undertaker: 'This moment justified a lifetime of sacrifices for me' |url=https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/bray-wyatt-on-wwe-raw-30-segment-with-the-undertaker-this-moment-justified-a-lifetime-of-sacrifices-for-me |access-date=January 27, 2023 |newspaper=Wrestling News |language=en |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127124025/https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/bray-wyatt-on-wwe-raw-30-segment-with-the-undertaker-this-moment-justified-a-lifetime-of-sacrifices-for-me |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 10, 2023, The Undertaker made his first appearance on ''[[WWE NXT]]'' chokeslamming [[Bron Breakker]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=October 11, 2023 |title=The Undertaker lays out Bron Breakker on WWE NXT |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/the-undertaker-lays-out-bron-breakker-on-wwe-nxt |work=F4W Online |access-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012031037/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/the-undertaker-lays-out-bron-breakker-on-wwe-nxt |url-status=live }}</ref>

On April 5, 2024, The Undertaker inducted [[Muhammad Ali]] into the 2024 [[WWE Hall of Fame (2024)|WWE Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKK2UGSxmSM|title=The Undertaker inducts Muhammad Ali into the WWE Hall of Fame: 2024 WWE Hall of Fame highlights|date=April 5, 2024|work=WWE YouTube|access-date=April 5, 2024}}</ref> On April 7, 2024, The Undertaker appeared briefly during the Night 2 main event of [[WrestleMania XL]] between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes where he aided Cody Rhodes and chokeslammed The Rock.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rathi |first=Ishaan |date=April 8, 2024 |title=Cody Rhodes Wins Undisputed WWE Championship In Match Filled with Surprises at WrestleMania 40 Sunday |url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2024/04/07/cody-rhodes-wins-undisputed-wwe-championship-in-match-filled-with-surprises-at-wrestlemania-40-sunday/ |work=Ringside News |access-date=April 8, 2024}}</ref> On the [[WWE Raw premiere on Netflix|''Raw'' premiere on Netflix]] on January 6, 2025, The Undertaker made an appearance under his American Badass persona and congratulated the new [[Women's World Championship (WWE)|Women's World Champion]] [[Rhea Ripley]] after her victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beaston |first=Erik |title=WWE Raw on Netflix Debut Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10149884-wwe-raw-on-netflix-debut-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights |access-date=January 7, 2025 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> On April 29, 2025, he made an appearance on ''WWE NXT'', warning [[Oba Femi]] that the [[WWE LFG|LFG]] trainees would be coming for his championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Killbane |first=Lyle |date=April 30, 2025 |title=The Undertaker Surprises NXT Champion With 3 New Stars – TJR Wrestling |url=https://tjrwrestling.net/news/the-undertaker-surprises-nxt-champion/ |website=tjrwrestling.net |access-date=May 2, 2025}}</ref> On July 22, 2025, he made another appearance on ''WWE NXT'', this time under his American Badass gimmick, confronting and chokeslamming [[Trick Williams]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Undertaker Chokeslams TNA Champion Trick Williams, Sets Internet On Fire |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/wwe/the-undertaker-chokeslams-tna-champion-trick-williams-sets-internet-on-fire-8929346 |work=NDTV Sports |date=July 23, 2025 |access-date=July 23, 2025}}</ref>

In August 2025, it was reported that The Undertaker was "one of the big driving forces behind" WWE's Mexican subsidiary [[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide]] (AAA).<ref name=TakerAAA2025>{{cite web|url=https://whatculture.com/wwe/the-undertaker-lands-powerful-new-role-in-wrestling-wwe-news|title=The Undertaker Lands Powerful New Role In Wrestling (WWE News)|work=What Culture|accessdate=August 20, 2025|date=August 20, 2025|author=Kennedy, Jamie}}</ref> Undertaker serves as "an influential figure" in AAA's creative and production processes.<ref name=TakerAAA2025/>

==Undertaker gimmick, identities and character evolution==
===The Deadman identity===
[[File:Undertaker rey de las sombras.jpg|thumb|right|upright|alt=|The Undertaker, as his Deadman character, preparing to supernaturally trigger lights back to the arena from raised arms as part of his entrance]]
Under his undead, [[wikt:funereal|funereal]], and macabre horror-themed gimmick, in which The Undertaker is subtitled "The Deadman", he routinely took to alarmist tactics to disrupt the focus and confidence of his rivals.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SJkOBAAAQBAJ&dq=the+undertaker+undead+wwf&pg=PA101 |title=The Complete WWF Video Guide Volume 2 (p. 101) |access-date=January 31, 2022 |last=Dixon |first=James |date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Lulu.com |isbn=9781291252927 |archive-date=July 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003435/https://books.google.com/books?id=SJkOBAAAQBAJ&dq=the+undertaker+undead+wwf&pg=PA101 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The Undertaker Effigy of Diesel"/> Often, these alarmist tactics were morbid and applied the use of props that reflected demise as the consequence of a wrestling match against him: caskets (sometimes personalizing casket designs to represent his opponents),<ref name="The Undertkaer's Custom Made Caskets">{{cite news|url=https://www.smarkoutmoment.com/2018/04/wrestling-history-lessons-undertakers.html|title=Wrestling History Lessons: The Undertaker's Casket Matches|access-date=February 22, 2022|work=Smark Out Moment|last=Maldonado|first=Jonathan|date=April 26, 2018|archive-date=February 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222093833/https://www.smarkoutmoment.com/2018/04/wrestling-history-lessons-undertakers.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The Undertaker's Yokozuna Custom Built Caskets"/> [[body bag]]s,<ref name="The Undertaker Scary Moments">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hMhbAgAAQBAJ&dq=undertaker+body+bag&pg=PT15|title=Pro Wrestling Legends: The Undertaker|access-date=January 31, 2022|work=Info Base Learning|last=Ross|first=Dan|date=January 1, 2013|isbn=9781438146553|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003418/https://books.google.com/books?id=hMhbAgAAQBAJ&dq=undertaker+body+bag&pg=PT15|url-status=live}}</ref> corpse-like [[effigy|effigies]],<ref name="The Undertaker Effigy of Diesel">{{cite news|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3425352/wrestlings-scariest-moments-diesel-finds-body-undertakers-casket/|title=Wrestling's Scariest Moments: Diesel Finds His Own Body in Undertaker's Casket|access-date=January 31, 2022|work=[[Bloody Disgusting]]|last=Squires|first=John|date=February 20, 2017|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131170335/https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3425352/wrestlings-scariest-moments-diesel-finds-body-undertakers-casket/|url-status=live}}</ref> cemeteries,<ref name="The Undertaker Scary Moments"/> hearses.<ref name="America Under Construction p. 172">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=seQsEAAAQBAJ&dq=The+Undertaker+moveset&pg=PA171|title=America Under Construction: Boundaries and Identities in Popculture (p. 172)|access-date=January 28, 2022|work=America Under Construction|last1=Long|first1=Kristi|last2=Nadelhaft|first2=Matthew|date=January 1, 2017|isbn=9781315459967|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003418/https://books.google.com/books?id=seQsEAAAQBAJ&dq=The+Undertaker+moveset&pg=PA171|url-status=live}}</ref> To that end, the gimmick evoked funerals and death down to finer details, such as in the character's birthplace of [[Death Valley]], catchphrase of "Rest in Peace", signature finishing maneuver of the [[Piledriver (professional wrestling)#Kneeling reverse Piledriver|Tombstone Piledriver]], a [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Cover|wrestling pin]] that had the opponent resemble a corpse with their arms crossed over their chest, etc.<ref name="America Under Construction p. 172"/><ref name="ESPN.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/17167514/wwe-undertaker-accolades-stats-information|title=WWE Profile - The Undertaker|access-date=January 1, 2022|work=[[ESPN]]|last=Hillabi|first=Amer|date=August 11, 2016|archive-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101104851/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/17167514/wwe-undertaker-accolades-stats-information|url-status=live}}</ref> Adding to his many effects of treating his wrestling matches as funeral services, The Undertaker frequently served a list of specialized matches that were personalized to his Deadman gimmick: [[Professional wrestling match types#Casket match|Casket Match]], Body Bag Match, [[Professional wrestling match types#Buried Alive match|Buried Alive Match]], [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Ride match|Last Ride Match]], [[Hell in a Cell]], Boneyard Match, etc.<ref name="WrestlingWorld">{{cite news|url=https://www.wrestling-world.com/news/news/wwe/6316/the-undertaker-says-thank-you-to-the-fans/|title=The Undertaker says 'Thank you' to the fans|access-date=January 30, 2022|work=WrestlingWorld|last=Brugnoli|first=Simone|date=June 27, 2020|archive-date=January 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130124619/https://www.wrestling-world.com/news/news/wwe/6316/the-undertaker-says-thank-you-to-the-fans/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Apex Publishing">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OHa5BAAAQBAJ&dq=last+ride+match+undertaker&pg=PP9|title=101 Things You May Not Have Known About World Wrestling|access-date=January 30, 2022|work=Apex Publishing|last=White|first=Paul|date=January 1, 2012|isbn=9781908752857|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003455/https://books.google.com/books?id=OHa5BAAAQBAJ&dq=last+ride+match+undertaker&pg=PP9|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Center Street">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DcKMDwAAQBAJ&dq=casket+match+undertaker&pg=PR11|title=Mayor Kane: My Life in wrestling and Politics|access-date=January 30, 2022|work=Center Street|last=Jacobs|first=Glenn|date=November 1, 2019|isbn=9781546085829|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003426/https://books.google.com/books?id=DcKMDwAAQBAJ&dq=casket+match+undertaker&pg=PR11|url-status=live}}</ref>

Filled with [[wikt:bells and whistles|bells and whistles]], The Undertaker's godlike superhuman presence and indignation were signaled by [[funeral toll]]s, settings of pitch-black darkness and blue/purple semidarkness, flickering lights, hazy fog, thunder, lightning strikes, and other bone-chilling scenes and sound activity.<ref name="Bleacherreport Undertaker entrance">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1625261-undertakers-7-best-entrances-of-all-time|title=The Undertaker's 7 Best Entrances of All Time|access-date=January 1, 2022|work=CBSlocal|last=Dilbert|first=Ryan|date=May 1, 2013|archive-date=January 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118182511/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1625261-undertakers-7-best-entrances-of-all-time|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CBSlocal">{{cite news|url=https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2017/01/12/who-will-be-undertakers-opponent-at-wrestlemania/|title=Who Will Be Undertaker's Opponent At WrestleMania?|access-date=January 1, 2022|work=CBSlocal|last=Carroll|first=Chuck|date=January 12, 2017|archive-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101104852/https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2017/01/12/who-will-be-undertakers-opponent-at-wrestlemania/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Prowrestling.net">{{cite news|url=https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/pruettblog/article10036636.shtml|title=Pruett's Blog Flashback: The Undertaker's Streak Series Part Three - The American Bad Ass Years & The Deadman's Return - WrestleMania XVII - WrestleMania XX|access-date=January 1, 2022|work=Prowrestling.net|last=Pruett|first=Will|date=April 2, 2014|archive-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101105020/https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/pruettblog/article10036636.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Portrayed as miraculously resilient to destruction,<ref name="Backbeat Books Professional Wrestling">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_tCGDwAAQBAJ&q=could%20bounce%20back%20from%20any%20form%20of%20punishment%20The%20Undertaker|title=Pro Wrestling FAQ: All That's Left To Know About The World's Most Entertaining Spectacle|access-date=February 11, 2022|work=[[Hal Leonard LLC|Backbeat Books]]|last=Solomon|first=Brian|date=January 1, 2015|isbn=9781617136283|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003443/https://books.google.com/books?id=_tCGDwAAQBAJ&q=could%20bounce%20back%20from%20any%20form%20of%20punishment%20The%20Undertaker|url-status=live}}</ref> The Undertaker yielded numerous resurrections,<ref name="Arre"/> which sometimes gave way to reincarnations of his Deadman gimmick. While maintaining his general character premise as death personified with accompanying alarmist tactics throughout all sagas of the Deadman,<ref name="The Undertaker death personified">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=seQsEAAAQBAJ&dq=death+personified+the+undertaker&pg=PA171|title=America Under Construction|access-date=January 23, 2022|work=Routledge|last1=Long|first1=Kristi|last2=Nadelhaft|first2=Matthew|date=January 1, 2017|isbn=9781315459967|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003446/https://books.google.com/books?id=seQsEAAAQBAJ&dq=death+personified+the+undertaker&pg=PA171|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The Undertaker Bray Wyatt Bleacher">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2408442-the-undertaker-vs-bray-wyatt-keeping-deadman-off-tv-makes-match-more-effective|title=The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt: Keeping Deadman off TV Makes Match More Effective|access-date=January 31, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Konuwa|first=Alfred|date=March 25, 2015|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131165617/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2408442-the-undertaker-vs-bray-wyatt-keeping-deadman-off-tv-makes-match-more-effective|url-status=live}}</ref> each incarnation took on its own distinct appearance and characterization. For example, some Deadman incarnations were [[#Rebirthed Deadman (1994–1996)|unearthly and zombie-like]] while others were [[#Lord of Darkness (1996–1998)|Goth and comparatively more human]].<ref name="Slamwrestling">{{cite news|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/1998/08/01/undertaker-likes-his-new-attitude/|title=UNDERTAKER LIKES HIS NEW ATTITUDE|access-date=January 1, 2022|work=Slamwrestling|last=Powell|first=John|date=August 1, 1998|archive-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101110021/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/1998/08/01/undertaker-likes-his-new-attitude/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The earliest of The Undertaker's Deadman incarnations (nicknamed in external media as "[[#Debut of The Undertaker (1990–1991)|The Old West Mortician]]" to distinguish from his other Deadman incarnations<ref name="The Old West Mortician"/>) depicted him as a menacing derivative of the Wild West undertakers in television westerns.<ref name="The Undertaker Western Mortician"/> In his own rendition, he was garbed in a black trench coat; gray-striped tie; black-ribboned, black [[stetson]]; gray [[Spats (footwear)|boot spats]]; and gray gloves<ref name="The Undertaker's Old Western Deadman incarnation">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KUsJAwAAQBAJ&dq=the+undertaker+gray+boot+spats+gray+gloves&pg=PA306|title=Historical Dictionary of Wrestling - Page 306|access-date=February 23, 2022|work=[[Rowman & Littlefield#Imprints|The Scarecrow Press]]|last=Grasso|first=John|date=March 6, 2014|isbn=9780810879263|archive-date=July 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716003438/https://books.google.com/books?id=KUsJAwAAQBAJ&dq=the+undertaker+gray+boot+spats+gray+gloves&pg=PA306|url-status=live}}</ref> (black gloves for first few appearances before gray).<ref name="Mark Calaway history">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2548866-undertakers-early-career-a-reminder-of-how-vital-finding-the-right-gimmick-is|title=Undertaker's Early Career a Reminder of How Vital Finding the Right Gimmick Is|access-date=February 27, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Dilbert|first=Ryan|date=August 20, 2015|archive-date=September 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910220059/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2548866-undertakers-early-career-a-reminder-of-how-vital-finding-the-right-gimmick-is|url-status=live}}</ref> However, most of The Undertaker's Deadman character development (sleeve tattoos, longer/straightened/black hair, purple/blue color representation, elements of thunder and lightning, etc.) would not surface until his first reincarnation into what was his [[#Rebirthed Deadman (1994–1996)|rebirthed Deadman]]  variation, lasting from [[SummerSlam (1994)|SummerSlam 94']] (resurrection from a [[Royal Rumble (1994)|death angle with Yokozuna]]) through [[In Your House 11: Buried Alive|Buried Alive: In Your House]] (The Undertaker buried alive by Mankind and numerous other WWF heel wrestlers).<ref name="Undertaker: Prototype Deadman"/> In these initial zombie-like incarnations of his gimmick, he was portrayed as impervious to pain, something accomplished by Calaway [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#no-sell|not selling]] his opponents' attacks. Among the many ways this was showcased was The Undertaker's maneuver of raising up from a [[Takedown (grappling)|taken down]] [[supine position]] into a [[Fowler's position#High Fowler's position|high Fowler's position]], dubbed "the sit-up" (often accompanied by his sharp hissing sound).<ref name="America Under Construction p. 172"/>

Beginning early on, The Undertaker's persona was complemented with histrionically spooky, wailing manager [[Paul Bearer]], introduced to represent and guide The Deadman.<ref name="Paul Bearer guiding the Undertaker">{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLJ2KbG_BeI|title=The Undertaker vs. British Bulldog – WWE Championship Match: Nov. 30, 1991|work=[[WWE]] [[YouTube]]|date=November 7, 2020|access-date=March 6, 2022|archive-date=March 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306021132/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLJ2KbG_BeI&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> Playing a key role, Bearer used an urn to transmit mysterious powers to The Undertaker that had supernatural healing effects on him during combat.<ref>{{cite web |last=Yardley |first=WIiliam |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/12/arts/television/william-moody-58-pro-wrestlings-paul-bearer-dies.html |title=William Moody, 58, Pro Wrestling's Paul Bearer, Dies |date=March 11, 2013 |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=The New York Times |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420151736/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/12/arts/television/william-moody-58-pro-wrestlings-paul-bearer-dies.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Also linked to The Undertaker's Deadman gimmick were the druids–a team of mysterious, incognito cult-like members, completely disguised in black hooded clergy robes.<ref name="WWE Smack Down 20 years and counting">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qriHDwAAQBAJ&dq=the+undertaker%27s+druids++like+wwe&pg=PT341|title=WWE Smack Down 20 years and counting|access-date=January 29, 2022|work=DK Publishing|last1=Jones|first1=John|last2=Vazquez|first2=Sara|date=January 1, 2019|isbn=978-1-4654-8706-3 }}</ref> [[Da pacem Domine#The introit|A mysterious choir chanting]] sounded whenever the druids presented.<ref name="The Raw Files 2015">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2geXCwAAQBAJ&dq=the+undertaker+druids+theme&pg=PA137|title=The Raw Files 2015|access-date=January 29, 2022|last1=Dixon|first1=James|last2=Furious|first2=Arnold|last3=Rick|first3=Ashley|last4=Dahlstrom|first4=Bob|date=January 1, 2016|publisher=Lulu.com |isbn=978-1-326-52984-0 }}</ref> The druids typically appeared for the purposes of removing The Undertaker where he had seemingly been extinguished by his enemies (as opposed to [[Emergency medical technician|EMT]]s or medical personnel used for the rest of WWF/E talent). The druids were also seen reproducing The Undertaker in recovered, wrathful states to those same enemies who were thought to have extinguished him.<ref name="The Raw Files 2015"/><ref name="WrestleMania 30 Years">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PS0IBAAAQBAJ&dq=the+undertaker+druids+return&pg=PA149|title=30 Years of WrestleMania|access-date=January 16, 2022|work=Thirty Years of WrestleMania|last1=Shields|first1=Brian|last2=Miller|first2=Dean|date=September 15, 2014 |isbn=978-1-4654-3420-3 }}</ref>

The Undertaker took to many trademarked idiosyncrasies and themes, including a stylized throat-slashing gesture,<ref name="Penguin Random House: WWE Greatest Rivalries">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Up5-DwAAQBAJ&dq=throat+slashing+gesture+the+undertaker&pg=PA125|title=WWE Greatest Rivalries|access-date=February 3, 2022|work=[[Penguin Random House]]|last=Afram|first=Pamela|date=January 1, 2019|isbn=978-1-4654-8634-9 }}</ref> grimacing facial expressions fit with eyeballs rolled back so that only the whites of his eyes displayed,<ref name="America Under Construction2">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IPcwDQAAQBAJ&dq=WWE+Undertaker+eyes+rolled&pg=PT178|title=America Under Construction: Boundaries and Identities in Popculture|access-date=January 28, 2022|work=America Under Construction|last1=Long|first1=Kristi|last2=Nadelhaft|first2=Matthew|date=January 1, 2017|isbn=978-1-315-51187-0 }}</ref> backwards hair-whips so as to expose his ominous facial expressions,<ref name="The Undertaker vs. American Badass">{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2018/04/07/wwe-wrestlemania-34-the-undertaker-vs-the-american-badass-a-tale-of-the-tape/?sh=3841f2dd2847|title=WWE WrestleMania 34: The Undertaker Vs. The American Badass, A Tale Of The Tape|access-date=February 10, 2022|work=[[Forbes]]|last=Konuwa|first=Alfred|date=April 7, 2018}}</ref> fixed stares on adversaries,<ref name="America Under Construction2"/> protruding tongue displays, jolting of his head with a fury so that it faced the direction of his antagonists,<ref name="Mirror">{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/wrestling/wwe-producer-makes-shock-revelation-14058578|title=WWE producer makes shock revelation about The Undertaker's character|access-date=January 31, 2022|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|last=Smith|first=Alex|date=February 26, 2019}}</ref> his celebratory take-the-knee pose,<ref name="Bleeding Cool">{{cite news|url=https://bleedingcool.com/tv/wwe-smackdown-a-tribute-to-coronavi-we-mean-the-undertaker/|title=WWE SmackDown: A Tribute to Coronavi-… We Mean, The Undertaker|access-date=January 31, 2022|work=[[Bleeding Cool]]|last=Terror|first=Jude|date=June 26, 2020}}</ref> sonorous vocalizations,<ref name="Center Street2">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DcKMDwAAQBAJ&dq=deep+voice+undertaker+wwe&pg=PP48|title=Mayor Kane: My Life in wrestling and Politics|access-date=January 30, 2022|work=Center Street|last=Jacobs|first=Glenn|date=November 1, 2019|isbn=978-1-5460-8582-9 }}</ref> collectively labeling his fanbase as "Creatures of the Night",<ref name="Creatures of the night">{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/605887-wwes-looking-back-at-legends-best-feuds-of-the-biggest-stars-in-ppv-era-ep-3|title=WWE's Looking Back At Legends: Best Feuds Of the Biggest Stars in PPV Era, Ep. 3|access-date=March 12, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Hubbs|first=Joe|date=February 11, 2011}}</ref> voice of God-like promos in which things were interrupted with dimmed lights and thunder while The Undertaker's communications were heard booming throughout the arena with no physical trace of him;<ref name="WWE Undertaker promo">{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO3YHHjuC10 |title=The Undertaker Delivers An Ominous Message To Stone Cold Before Rock Bottom! 12/13/98|access-date=May 4, 2014|work=WWE|date=October 5, 2022}}</ref> messages filled with death threats of a deeply posthumous insight into impending corpse decomposition, maggot feasting, unsouling and so on.<ref name="Mark Calaway on Undertaker promo style">{{cite news|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/tv/undertaker-wwe-hall-of-fame-2022-induction-ceremony-rcna21693|title=After 30 years as the Undertaker, a WWE legend rides off into the sunset|access-date=July 24, 2022|work=Today|last1=Lou|first1=Shane|date=March 29, 2022}}</ref> A main attraction of the Deadman gimmick, The Undertaker mesmerized his opponents and viewers alike through elaborately "bone-chilling" entrances.<ref name="Wrestlingstate">{{cite news|url=https://thewrestlingestate.com/index.php/2020/11/16/20-greatest-undertaker-entrances/|title=20 Greatest Undertaker Entrances|access-date=January 23, 2022|work=Wrestlingstate|last=Corrigan|first=John|date=November 16, 2020}}</ref> The character's godlike powers were routinely put on display in these moments, triggering lights back to the arena either gradually or suddenly dependent on his either slowly or abruptly raised arms.<ref name="Bleacherreport Undertaker entrance"/>

During the vast majority of his wrestling career as the Deadman, The Undertaker used an extended remix of [[Frédéric Chopin]]'s [[Funeral march|Funeral March]] as his [[Music in professional wrestling|theme music]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Allen |first=Ben |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/the-undertaker-interview |title=The Undertaker is thinking about death now more than ever |date=June 11, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=GQ}}</ref> WWF Composer [[Jim Johnston (composer)|Jim Johnston]] embellished on the Chopin march, using the historic melody as a pre- and post-chorus to a main chorus of bell tolls, along with an original transition section to the song of a slow, [[wikt:lugubrious|lugubrious]] instrumental feel.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ross |first=Daniel |url=https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/latest/classical-music-wrestling-entrance/ |title=Classical music and wrestling - 10 wrestlers who use classical entrance music |date=April 18, 2013 |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=Classic FM}}</ref> Of his entrances, Calaway has stated, "When that gong went off, that was go time. The music fit the character. That's the key element of it: the end is at hand for whoever's going to be standing in that ring waiting for me to come down. That was the mindset behind the gong. And the music was just doom and gloom, you knew what was coming."<ref name="Wrestling entrances">{{cite news|url=https://www.yardbarker.com/wrestling/articles/the_undertaker_the_entrance_is_an_important_part_of_a_match_it_sets_the_tone/s1_16998_37914341|title=The Undertaker: The Entrance Is An Important Part Of A Match, It Sets The Tone|access-date=September 23, 2022|work=Yardbarker|last=Tessier|first=Colin|date=September 23, 2022}}</ref>

===Alternate identities of The Undertaker gimmick===
After a hiatus, Calaway returned in 2000 adopting a human form of the Undertaker gimmick. Under the character's alter ego, he is a semifictional smack-talking, [[redneck]] biker, thoroughly absent of his fully fictional Deadman zombie-like traits and wizardry.<ref name="ScreenRant"/><ref name="AmericanBadass"/> In performing this alternate identity, he rode to the ring on motorcycles, chewed tobacco, donned cargo garments and/or denim, printed shirts, and sporty fashion accessories (sunglasses, necklaces, bandanas).<ref name="Transformation"/><ref>{{cite web |last=McCarrick |first=Michael |url=https://www.cbr.com/american-badass-wwes-realest-undertaker/ |title=American Badass: The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of WWE's REALEST Undertaker |date=April 4, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=Comic Book Resources}}</ref> His theme music was replaced with popular rock songs of the time, initially [[Kid Rock]]'s "[[American Bad Ass]]" (from which The Undertaker's subtitle used to refer to this second identity derived), and eventually [[Limp Bizkit]]'s "[[Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)]]".<ref>{{cite web |last=Beaston |first=Erik |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2886330-the-evolution-of-the-undertakers-american-badass-character-in-wwe |title=The Evolution of The Undertaker's 'American Badass' Character in WWE |date=April 13, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=Bleacher Report}}</ref> His American Badass catch phrases, such as threats of “I'll make you famous” or references to the wrestling ring as his “yard”, became popular during this era. According to [[Bruce Prichard]], Calaway requested this metamorphosis of character since he wanted to be "the biker–he wanted to be the guy that he is in everyday life".<ref>{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/bruce-prichard-explains-differences-thinking-between-creative-and-undertaker-about-american-badass |title=Bruce Prichard Explains The Differences In Thinking Between Creative And The Undertaker About The 'American Badass' Character |date=June 17, 2018 |access-date=October 30, 2020 |work=Fightful}}</ref>

While explained off-screen for the above reason years later, Calaway's sudden appearance as American Badass Undertaker after hiatus in which he left off as Deadman Undertaker was never explained within WWE storylines or the WWE's fictional universe. Rather, the expectation was for fans to just go with it.<ref name="ScreenRant"/> This transition lasted {{frac|3|1|2}} years until 2004 when The Undertaker resurrected his Deadman identity in hybrid form—residual features of his American Badass identity remaining. Among subtle details left over from his biker identity were his in-ring [[Mixed martial arts|MMA]] style between his stances, strikes, and submissions; penchant to sporadically lower his tank top for a barechested appearance; celebrating victories with an arm-raised fist; etc.<ref name="The Undertaker character development"/> This hybrid Deadman (Deadman incarnation most closely based on Calaway himself) would last many years and for the remainder of The Undertaker's professional wrestling career, excluding his final wrestling match. For The Undertaker's final encounter, a Boneyard Match at [[WrestleMania 36]] in 2020, he introduced a three-dimensional identity that brought all of his identities into one, dubbed "The Unholy Trinity:" a mix of his Deadman identity, American Badass identity, and his natural and genuine identity as Mark Calaway.<ref name="Unholy Trinity"/>

===Gimmick reflective nicknames===
The Undertaker generated many nicknames from commentators throughout the course of his active wrestling career, some of those names more associated with his Deadman Undertaker identity, including "The Grim Reaper" (variants of this used were "The Reaper" and "The Reaper of Wayward Souls"),<ref>{{cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IPcwDQAAQBAJ&dq=The+Undertaker+Grim+Reaper&pg=PT193 |title=America Under Construction: Boundaries and Identities in Popculture (p. 172) |access-date=February 12, 2022|work=America Under Construction |last1=Long |first1=Kristi|last2=Nadelhaft|first2=Matthew|date=January 1, 2017|isbn=978-1-315-51187-0 }}</ref> "The Demon of Death Valley",<ref>{{cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zbwxAwAAQBAJ&dq=Demon+of+Death+Valley+The+Undertaker&pg=PA153 |title=WWE 50 (p. 153) |access-date=February 12, 2022|work=[[DK (publisher)|DK]]|last=Sullivan|first=Kevin|date=March 31, 2014|isbn=9781465427762 }}</ref> "The Man from the Dark Side",<ref>{{cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=50EU6leHbLoC&dq=the+man+from+the+dark+side+the+undertaker&pg=PA67 |title=Wrestlecrap: The Very Worst of Professional Wrestling (p. 67)|access-date=February 12, 2022|work=[[ECW Press]] |last1=Baer |first1=Randy |last2=Reynolds |first2=R. D.|date=December 16, 2010|isbn=9781554905447 }}</ref> "The Prince of Darkness",<ref name="The Prince of Darkness">{{cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PS0IBAAAQBAJ&dq=prince+of+darkness+the+undertaker&pg=PA105 |title=30 Years of WrestleMania (p. 105)|access-date=February 12, 2022|work=[[DK (publisher)|DK]]|last=Shields|first=Brian|date=January 1, 2014|isbn=9781465434203 }}</ref> "The Lord of Darkness".<ref name="The Lord of Darkness and Phenom">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PS0IBAAAQBAJ&dq=Lord+of+Darkness+The+Undertaker&pg=PA187|title=30 Years of WrestleMania (p. 187)|access-date=February 12, 2022|work=[[DK (publisher)|DK]]|last=Shields|first=Brian|date=September 15, 2014|isbn=9781465434203 }}</ref> He also generated nicknames associated with his American Badass Undertaker identity, including "Big Evil" (used in reference to his American Badass [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] side),<ref name="Big Evil">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zKL_BgAAQBAJ&dq=big+evil+the+undertaker&pg=PT240|title=Booker T: My Rise To Wrestling Royalty|access-date=February 12, 2022|work=Medallion Media Group|last1=Huffmann|first1=Booker T|last2=Wright|first2=Andrew|date=March 10, 2015|isbn=9781605427072 }}</ref> "Booger Red".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-undertaker-failed-nickname/ |title=WWE News: The Undertaker Theme Music Helps Motivate Marine to Walk Again, Jim Ross Reveals His Failed Nickname for The Undertaker |date=July 7, 2018 |access-date=April 10, 2021 |work=411Mania}}</ref> Some of his nicknames were not identity specific but used for the character in general, such as "The Phenom".<ref name="The Lord of Darkness and Phenom"/><ref name="The Phenom">{{cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eQ86ax7XvzwC&dq=The+Phenom+American+Badass+biker&pg=PT137 |title=The WWE Yearbook 2003 Edition|access-date=February 12, 2022|work=[[WWE]]|last=McAvennie|first=Michael|date=June 30, 2008|isbn=9780743480628 }}</ref>

===Domestic backstory, parents and brother===
[[File:Brothers of Destruction.jpg|thumb|upright=1.13|Kane and The Undertaker in 2006]]
The Undertaker's gimmick has a [[Brothers of Destruction#History|dark and disturbed family backstory]] which involves him intentionally [[arson|burning down his family funeral home]] as a teenager, resulting in the deaths of his parents and purportedly a brother of his as well. Undertaker initially denied his then ex-manager Paul Bearer's charges of him committing the arson murder of his family, (though later confessed in late 1998). Instead, Undertaker blamed his younger brother of whom he thought long dead from the incident, describing him as a "[[pyromaniac]]". This led to Bearer's shocking warnings to proof in the form of the brother, "[[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]]", as alive and well.<ref name="RedRiver"/> In late 1997 at [[Badd Blood: In Your House|In Your House Badd Blood]], Bearer unleashed a vengeful Kane: the fire-personified, juggernaut half-brother of Undertaker, who was fit with a mask to conceal the scarring from Undertaker's arson.<ref name="RedRiver"/> In what became a fickle sibling relationship with Bearer (later revealed to be Kane's father) only adding to the pendulum and complexities, Undertaker and Kane went back and forth from one extreme to the other, feuding barbarically at points and yet teaming as the Brothers of Destruction at other points.<ref name="RedRiver"/> In the duo's final feud in late 2009 through 2010, [[Brothers of Destruction#Final sibling rivalry feud: Kane's closure and victories (late 2009–2010)|Kane emerged victorious]] in all of their matches.

===Gimmick fused with wrestling move set and style===
The Undertaker's wrestling performance and move set were carried out with significant amounts of character-driven physical theater and [[kinesics]]. In keeping with his Deadman routine for example, Undertaker was forbiddingly slow and measured in much of his maneuvering and offense.<ref name="America Under Construction p. 172"/> Taking his opponents and audience by surprise, however, he combined his slow, measured physicality with wrestling moves and action uncharacteristic of a wrestler of his vast height and weight.<ref name="The Undertaker debut match"/><ref name="EssentiallySports">{{cite news|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-the-grind-never-ends-the-undertaker-looks-in-phenomenal-shape-at-56/|title="The Grind Never Ends"- the Undertaker Looks in Phenomenal Shape at 56|access-date=January 28, 2022|work=EssentiallySports|last=Fulgado|first=Nathan|date=May 26, 2021}}</ref> Not limited to just ground offense and power moves, Undertaker was conspicuously aerial, swift, agile, loose-limbed and animated in the other half of his wrestling style and move set:<ref name="EssentiallySports"/> [[professional wrestling strikes#Leaping clothesline|flying clotheslines]],<ref name="Routledge">{{cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FV9CEAAAQBAJ&dq=the+undertaker+flying+clothesline&pg=PA182 |title=America Under Construction|access-date=January 23, 2022|work=Routledge|last1=Long|first1=Kristi|last2=Nadelhaft|first2=Matthew|date=January 1, 2017|isbn=9781315511887 }}</ref> [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving leg drop|guillotine leg drops]],<ref name="Inside the Ropes Undertaker">{{cite news|url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/the-undertaker-reveals-his-favourite-match-against-kane/|title=The Undertaker Reveals His Favourite Match Against Kane|access-date=January 23, 2022|work=Inside the Ropes|last=Goodwin|first=Jack|date=March 25, 2021}}</ref> [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Running DDT|running DDTs]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-watch-when-undertaker-rose-to-the-heavens-after-a-casket-match-with-yokozuna-at-the-1994-royal-rumble/|title=WATCH: When Undertaker Rose to the Heavens After a Casket Match With Yokozuna at the 1994 Royal Rumble|access-date=January 28, 2022|work=EssentiallySports|last=Fulgado|first=Nathan|date=January 20, 2021}}</ref> ability to land on his feet poised and motionless if thrown from the ring,<ref name="America Under Construction2"/> [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Suicide|over-the-top-rope suicide dives]]<ref name="EssentiallySports"/><ref name="The Main Event">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rEfBDwAAQBAJ&dq=top+rope+undertaker+vs.+shawn+michaels+ground+zero&pg=PT30|title=The Main Event: The Moves and Muscle of Prowrestling|access-date=January 28, 2022|work=Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.|last=Jones|first=Patrick|date=January 1, 2013|isbn=9781512458039 }}</ref> (on one occasion, over the top rope and combined active flames during an [[Professional wrestling match types#Inferno match|Inferno match]] at [[Unforgiven: In Your House|In Your House Unforgiven]]), etc. During matches, Undertaker would also pay homage to [[The Spoiler (wrestler)|Don Jardine]] by performing an [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Arm twist ropewalk chop|arm twist ropewalk chop]], dubbed "Old School".<ref>{{cite web |last=Matthews |first=Bobby |url=https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/the-spoiler-don-jardine/ |title=The Spoiler Don Jardine: The Man Who Trained the Undertaker |date=May 20, 2017 |access-date=May 2, 2021 |work=Pro Wrestling Stories}}</ref>

===Calaway's performance of The Deadman===
Most famed for his Deadman Undertaker identity in particular, the role won Calaway the [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards|Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards]] for Best Gimmick [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Gimmick|a record-setting 5 years in a row]] (1990–1994). Calaway was highly protective of his Deadman public image: for the vast majority of his career while performing the gimmick, he was so private that he wasn't seen outside of character in the media. Calaway's approach of presenting only in character publicly was done in order to maintain the mystique of the Deadman and facilitate disbelief suspension.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/undertaker-character-today/|title=411MANIA|website=The Undertaker Discusses If Undertaker Character Would Be Successful If It Debuted Today, How Much He Did to Protect The Character}}</ref> However, during the last few years of his wrestling career, he allowed himself to be seen out of character, giving interviews as Mark Calaway and filming a documentary called ''The Last Ride''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martínez |first1=Sebastián |title=Undertaker, sobre 'The Last Ride': 'Esta docuserie va a impresionar a la gente' |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/89444-undertaker-the-last-ride-docuserie-va-impresionar |access-date=March 14, 2022 |work=Solo Wrestling |date=May 8, 2020 |language=es}}</ref>

== Legacy and reception ==
===Recognitions and acclaim===
[[File:Varun Khanna and The Undertaker.jpg|thumb|The Undertaker with a fan at a WWE convention in September 2022.]]
The Undertaker has been named one of the greatest wrestlers of all time;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/wwe/news/14203/11516978/wwe-analysis-is-the-undertaker-the-greatest-of-all-time|title=WWE Analysis: Is The Undertaker the greatest of all time?|website=Sky Sports}}</ref> and the greatest character, and most iconic figure, in WWE history. He was voted the greatest WWE wrestler ever in a 2013 [[Digital Spy]] poll.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Undertaker voted greatest WWE Superstar of all time|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/s216/wwe/news/a482978/the-undertaker-voted-greatest-wwe-superstar-of-all-time.html#~plW3SSuMcxWtpS|publisher=Digital Spy |access-date=August 21, 2015|date=May 20, 2013}}</ref> In naming him the second greatest wrestler ever, [[IGN]] described Undertaker as, "one of the most respected wrestlers, and characters, in the business; treated with actual reverence. Like a cherished, invaluable artifact".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/11/02/top-50-wrestlers-of-all-time?page=5|title=Top 50 Wrestlers of All Time|date=November 2, 2012|work=IGN}}</ref> Luis Paez-Pumar of ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' wrote that the Undertaker character is "easily the best gimmick in the history of professional wrestling".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.complex.com/sports/2015/11/undertaker-10-best-matches-last-25-years/|title=The 10 Best Matches of 25 Years of the Undertaker |author=Luis Paez-Pumar |date=November 22, 2015|work=Complex}}</ref> Luke Winkie of ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' listed Undertaker as the fifth greatest wrestler of all time.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2016/07/26/wwe-wcw-ecw-100-best-wrestlers-all-time|title=Ranking the top 101 wrestlers of all time |last=Winkie |first=Luke |magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=July 26, 2016|access-date=August 1, 2016}}</ref> His consecutive matches with Shawn Michaels at WrestleManias XXV and XXVI were met with critical acclaim, with both matches winning the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'' and ''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'' awards for Match of the Year in 2009 and 2010 respectively.<ref name="PWI Awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html|title=PWI Awards|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|publisher=[[Kappa Publishing Group]]|access-date=December 17, 2016|archive-date=January 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121172943/http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=WON2010>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|periodical=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=Campbell, CA|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593}}</ref> His [[Hell in a cell]] match with Triple H at [[WrestleMania XXVIII]] won the 2012 [[Slammy Award]] for the match of the year as well as being voted the match of the year on [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-12-17/slammy-award-winner |title = 2012 WWE Slammy Awards and WWE.com Slammy Awards winners}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html |title=PWI Awards |website=www.pwi-online.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121172943/http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html |archive-date=January 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/96837-wwe-escoge-el-mejor-evento-estelar-de-wrestlemania|title = WWE escoge el Rock vs. Cena como el mejor main event de WrestleMania|date = March 15, 2021 | author1=Solowrestling }}</ref>

Wrestler Big Show named The Undertaker as the greatest professional wrestler of all time,<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/xfc79EMt2Io Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20160215031422/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfc79EMt2Io&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfc79EMt2Io&t=1m35s|title=Big Show Interview: On The Undertaker, Ultimate Warrior, leaving WWE, Hall of Fame|date=June 6, 2014|work=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> while Mark Henry and WWE chairman Vince McMahon have called him their favorite.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/whos-your-favorite-wrestlers-favorite-wrestler/page-8|title=Who's your favorite wrestler's favorite wrestler?|work=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.muscleandfitness.com/athletes-celebrities/interviews/wwe-chief-vince-mcmahon-still-making-gains?page=4&cc=GB|title=WWE Chief Vince McMahon Is Still Making Gains|work=Muscle & Fitness|date=July 6, 2015}}</ref> [[WWE Hall of Fame]]r and former company executive, Jim Ross, said: "Without question, The Undertaker is the greatest big man in the history of wrestling... There is no greater WWE star ever than The Undertaker".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/classic-lists/the-20-most-dangerous-superstars|title=The 20 most dangerous Superstars ever|last=Linder|first=Zach|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=April 2, 2016}}</ref>

''[[Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition]]'' recognized Undertaker as having the most consecutive victories at WrestleMania in 2016.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7s96CgAAQBAJ&q=undertaker+guinness+world+records&pg=PA174|title=Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition 2016|isbn=9781910561102|last1=Records|first1=Guinness World|date=September 10, 2015|publisher=Guinness World Records }}</ref> In November 2015, ''[[The Daily Telegraph|Telegraph]]'' journalist Tom Fordy called Undertaker "the world's greatest sportsman".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/the-filter/why-the-undertaker-is-the-worlds-greatest-sportsman/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/the-filter/why-the-undertaker-is-the-worlds-greatest-sportsman/ |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Why the Undertaker is the world's greatest sportsman|first=Tom|last=Fordy|website=The Telegraph|date=November 22, 2015|access-date=December 19, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The Undertaker is also one of two wrestlers (the other being The Rock) that has main evented WrestleMania in four different decades: 1990s: [[WrestleMania 13|13]] (1997); 2000s: [[WrestleMania XXIV|XXIV]] (2008); 2010s: [[WrestleMania XXVI|XXVI]] (2010), [[WrestleMania 33|33]] (2017); 2020s: [[WrestleMania 36|36]] (2020).

Undertaker's Deadman character in particular has been praised as one of the best in professional wrestling. He received the ''Wrestling Observer Newsletter''{{'}}s [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Gimmick|Best Gimmick award]] from 1990 to 1994. Tim Friorvant of [[ESPN]] named Undertaker "a character that has been a cornerstone of the WWE for more than three decades".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/23293794|title=New Undertaker graphic novel set to dig deeper into career of one of WWE's biggest icons|date=April 23, 2018|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Shawn Valentino of ''Pro Wrestling Torch'' said "The Undertaker may have been the greatest character in the history of professional wrestling".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/05/05/magic-memories-mania-top-10-undertaker-matches-mankind-punk-michaels-triple-h-finished-first/|title=MAGIC, MEMORIES AND MANIA: Top 10 Undertaker Matches from Mankind to Punk to Michaels to Triple H, which finished first? -|last=Dr.Gonzo|date=May 5, 2017}}</ref>

A 12-minute match between Undertaker and Stone Cold Steve Austin drew a 9.5 rating on June 28, 1999. It stands as the highest-rated segment in ''Raw'' history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/monday-night-raw-highest-rated-segment-all-time/|title=Revisit The Highest-Rated Segment In The History Of Monday Night Raw|date=September 28, 2016|website=UPROXX|access-date=November 24, 2019}}</ref>

=== Reception to later career ===
[[File:Undertaker, broken.jpg|thumb|The Undertaker walks away from the ring after The Streak was broken at [[WrestleMania XXX]] in April 2014.]]
In contrast to the high praise The Undertaker received during the vast majority of his professional wrestling career, he was heavily criticized for continuing to perform throughout the latter part of his wrestling career, particularly after his first defeat at WrestleMania in 2014. Calaway would later reveal that after suffering a severe concussion in his WrestleMania match against Lesnar, he lost his confidence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/89497-the-undertaker-grave-conmocion-en-wrestlemania-30|title=The Undertaker: 'Una conmoción en un sólo combate destruyó mi confianza'|date=May 11, 2020|website=solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com |author1=Solowrestling }}</ref> At WrestleMania 33, after his second defeat against Roman Reigns, Luis Paez-Pumar of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' said that Undertaker "should have retired when The Streak was broken" but "lived on to pass the rub on to Reigns in the sloppiest, saddest manner possible".<ref name=rolling>{{cite web|last1=Paez-Pumar|first1=Luiz|title=7 'WrestleMania 33' Takeaways: What Comes Next for WWE Superstars|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/7-wrestlemania-33-takeaways-what-comes-next-for-wwe-w474594|publisher=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=April 3, 2017|date=April 3, 2017}}</ref> Undertaker himself said he was disappointed by his performance against Reigns.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/89447-undertaker-decepcion-roman-reigns-wrestlemania|title=The Undertaker revela su decepción por el combate contra Roman Reigns en WrestleMnaia 33|date=May 8, 2020|website=solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com |author1=Solowrestling }}</ref> After his match against John Cena at WrestleMania 34, IGN posted an article titled "Undertaker's return was awesome, but now he needs to retire".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/04/09/undertakers-return-was-awesomebut-now-he-needs-to-retire|title=The Undertaker's WrestleMania Return Was Awesome...But Now He Needs to Retire|first=Matt|last=Fowler|date=April 9, 2018}}</ref> After his match at Crown Jewel in November 2018, ''Pro Wrestling Torch''{{'}}s [[Wade Keller]] wrote that Undertaker looked "brittle"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/11/02/wwe-crown-jewel-results-11-2-kellers-report-on-styles-vs-joe-strowman-vs-lesnar-world-cup-tournament-michaels-triple-h-vs-kane-undertaker/|title=WWE CROWN JEWEL RESULTS 11/2: Keller's report on Styles vs. Joe, Strowman vs. Lesnar, World Cup tournament, Michaels & Triple H vs. Kane & Undertaker|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|first=Wade|last=Keller|author-link=Wade Keller|date=November 2, 2018|access-date=November 2, 2018}}</ref> and Jason Powell of ''Pro Wrestling Dot Net'' said "they [Undertaker, Kane, Michaels and Triple H] need to accept their limitations, stop pretending they belong in main events, and stop acting like being in these main events isn't stealing the spotlight".<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Crown Jewel live review: Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman for the vacant WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe for the WWE Championship, Undertaker and Kane vs. DX, World Cup tournament|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/11/02/powells-wwe-crown-jewel-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-braun-strowman-for-the-vacant-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-samoa-joe-for-the-wwe-championship-undertaker-and-kane-vs-dx-wor/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 2, 2018|date=November 2, 2018}}</ref> His subsequent match with Goldberg at Super ShowDown in June 2019 was also widely pilloried, with Bryan Rose of the ''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'' calling it "sad more than anything".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-super-showdown-live-results-undertaker-vs-goldberg-285506|title=WWE Super ShowDown live results: The Undertaker vs. Goldberg|first=Bryan|last=Rose|date=June 7, 2019|access-date=June 9, 2019|work=Figure Four Online}}</ref> In reviewing the show, [[Dave Meltzer]] of the same publication wrote that Goldberg "has juice left, while Undertaker doesn't".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Meltzer |first1=Dave |author-link1=Dave Meltzer |title=June 17, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Scary incidents in the ring, NJPW Dominion review |url=https://members.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/june-17-2019-observer-newsletter-scary-incidents-ring-njpw-dominion |website=f4wonline.com |access-date=June 17, 2019}}{{subscription required}}</ref> Undertaker himself called the match "a disaster" in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/89711-the-undertaker-last-ride-episodio-3-resumen|title=The Undertaker: 'El combate de WWE Crown Jewel 2018 fue un desastre'|date=May 22, 2020|website=solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com}}</ref>

Despite the media criticism, two of Undertaker's later matches—teaming with [[Roman Reigns]] against [[Drew McIntyre]] and [[Shane McMahon]] at [[Extreme Rules (2019)|Extreme Rules 2019]], as well as his cinematic Boneyard match against [[A.J. Styles|AJ Styles]] at [[WrestleMania 36]]—were both widely praised, with critics citing both matches as his best performances in recent years. The former would be ranked #25 on WWE.com's 25 best matches of 2019, and the latter was ranked #1 on WWE.com's 25 best matches of 2020. The Boneyard match would also win WWE's Half-Year Award for best Cinematic Match, as well as winning the [[Slammy Award]] for 2020's Match of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Top 25 Matches of 2019|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/top-25-matches-of-2019|website=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/25-best-matches-2020|title=What was the best match of 2020?|website=WWE|accessdate=March 17, 2023}}</ref>
<ref name="Maglio"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Bixenspan |first=David |title=WrestleMania Still Happened Last Weekend. Without Fans. It Was Weird. |url=https://slate.com/culture/2020/04/wrestlemania-36-no-fans-audience-coronavirus-undertaker-john-cena.html |access-date=November 26, 2020 |work=Slate Magazine |date=April 7, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mueller |first=The Doctor Chris |title=WWE WrestleMania 36 Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from Day 1 |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2885079-wwe-wrestlemania-36-results-winners-grades-reaction-and-highlights-from-day-1 |access-date=November 26, 2020 |work=Bleacher Report |date=April 5, 2020}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
[[File:McCool & Undertaker 2019.jpg|thumb|242x242px|Calaway and McCool in November 2019]]
Calaway married Jodi Lynn in 1989. They had a son<!-- Please see [[WP:BLPNAME]]. --> in 1993 and divorced in 1999.<ref name=ibt>{{cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/undertakers-wife-michelle-mccool-reveals-first-ever-photo-their-daughter-722349|title=Undertaker's wife Michelle McCool reveals first-ever photo of their daughter|date=April 7, 2017|last=Maitra|first=Sayantan|access-date=February 19, 2018|work=[[International Business Times]]}}</ref> Calaway married Sara Frank in 2000,<ref name=ibt /> and she made televised appearances with WWE in 2001 as part of a feud between Calaway and [[Diamond Dallas Page]], in which she was acknowledged as Calaway's wife. They had two daughters<!-- Please see [[WP:BLPNAME]]. --> before divorcing in 2007.<ref name=ibt /> In 2010, Calaway married former professional wrestler [[Michelle McCool]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/15177-report-wwe-stars-wed-this-past-week/|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204214523/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/15177-report-wwe-stars-wed-this-past-week/ |archive-date=February 4, 2023| last=Martin| first=Adam| title=Report: WWE stars wed this past week|work=WrestleView|date=June 29, 2010|access-date=July 5, 2010}}</ref> They have a daughter<!-- Please see [[WP:BLPNAME]]. --> born in 2012<ref name=ibt /> and an adopted son<!-- Please see [[WP:BLPNAME]]. -->.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sportprat.com/es/el-hijo-de-3-anos-de-the-undertaker-dice-su-primera-palabrota-y-todo-gracias-a-la-leyenda-millonaria-de-la-nfl/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024170844/https://sportprat.com/es/el-hijo-de-3-anos-de-the-undertaker-dice-su-primera-palabrota-y-todo-gracias-a-la-leyenda-millonaria-de-la-nfl/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 24, 2022|title=El hijo de 3 años de The Undertaker dice su primera palabrota y todo gracias a la leyenda millonaria de la NFL|publisher=Sportprat|language=ES|date=August 8, 2022|access-date=October 24, 2022}}</ref>

In the 1990s, Calaway started a backstage "posse" called [[the Bone Street Krew]] which consisted of some of his best friends and fellow wrestlers [[Yokozuna (wrestler)|Yokozuna]], [[Savio Vega]], [[The Godfather (wrestler)|Charles Wright]], [[The Godwinns]], and [[Rikishi (wrestler)|Rikishi]]. Each member had the initials "BSK" tattooed onto themselves, with Calaway's prominently marked across his stomach.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/undertaker-bone-street-krew-bsk-history-28197200|title=The uncensored history of The Undertaker's locker room group: The Bone Street Krew|work=WWE|access-date=February 6, 2016|archive-date=January 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130004225/http://www.wwe.com/inside/undertaker-bone-street-krew-bsk-history-28197200|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Calaway is a fan of [[boxing]] and [[mixed martial arts]], which he incorporated into his onscreen character. He has practiced [[Brazilian jiu-jitsu]] and earned a black belt in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|date=February 6, 2021|title=Did you know that WWE's The Undertaker has a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?|url=https://bjjtribes.com/did-you-know-that-wwes-the-undertaker-has-a-black-belt-in-brazilian-jiu-jitsu/|access-date=April 19, 2021|website=BjjTribes}}</ref> He is also a supporter of the [[Texas Longhorns football|Texas Longhorns football team]], in 2021 the team presented him a custom helmet.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barazani |first=Tomer |date=August 15, 2021 |title=WATCH: The Undertaker Receives Special Gift From Texas Football |url=https://www.si.com/college/texas/football/watch-the-undertaker-receives-special-gift-from-texas-football |website=Texas Longhorns On SI |access-date=September 8, 2025}}</ref> He invests in real estate with his business partner, Scott Everhart. The two finished construction on a $2.7 million building in [[Loveland, Colorado]], called "The Calahart" (a [[portmanteau]] of their last names), in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1182096452.shtml|last=Martin|first=Adam|title=The Undertaker gets involved in real estate venture; his return to WWE|access-date=August 21, 2007|date=June 17, 2007|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> A dog lover, Calaway and his ex-wife Sara established The Zeus Compton Calaway Save the Animals Fund at the [[Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences]] to help pay for lifesaving treatments for large dogs.<ref name="BSS"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cvm.tamu.edu/zeusfund/index.shtml|title=The Zeus Compton Calaway Save the Animals Fund|access-date=December 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204000948/http://www.cvm.tamu.edu/zeusfund/index.shtml|archive-date=February 4, 2005}}</ref>

In June 2020, Calaway expressed support for the [[Blue Lives Matter]] movement.<ref name="Blue Lives Matter Shirts">{{cite news|url=https://popculture.com/sports/news/wwe-undertaker-taking-heat-blue-lives-matter-support/|title=WWE: Undertaker Taking Heat for Blue Lives Matter Support|access-date=February 21, 2022|work=Pop Culture|last=Newby|first=John|date=June 7, 2020}}</ref> Later that year, [[Dave Meltzer]] reported that Calaway had made several donations totaling $7,000 to [[Donald Trump 2020 presidential campaign|Donald Trump's re-election campaign]].<ref name="Trump Supporters">{{cite web|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=October 30, 2020|title=November 2, 2020 Observer Newsletter: WWE Q3 financials, more|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/newsletters/wrestling-observer-newsletter/november-2-2020-observer-newsletter-wwe-q3-financials-more-323936|access-date=February 4, 2021|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In February 2021, Calaway stated that he would endorse fellow wrestler [[Dwayne Johnson]] if he were to ever run for president, expressing that he felt Johnson could be the great "uniter" and ease the [[Political polarization in the United States|American political divide]].<ref name="The Rock endorsement">{{cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2021/02/23/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-endorsed-for-president/|title=Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson endorsed for president by WWE's Undertaker|access-date=February 21, 2022|work=[[New York Post]]|last=Sparks|first=Hannah|date=February 23, 2021}}</ref> Calaway and [[Glenn Jacobs]] endorsed Trump in the [[2024 United States presidential election]], appearing in a [[TikTok]] video with him.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 18, 2024 |title=Take Your Pick |url=https://www.tiktok.com/@realdonaldtrump/video/7427237451954965791 }}</ref>{{better source needed|social media|date=July 2025}}

==In other media==
Calaway made his acting debut as Hutch in the 1991 film ''[[Suburban Commando]]''.<ref name="Commando">{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/suburban_commando/|title=Suburban Commando|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|access-date=April 26, 2018}}</ref> He had guest roles on ''[[Poltergeist: The Legacy]]'' and ''[[Celebrity Deathmatch]]''. In 2002, he appeared on the Canadian sports show ''[[Off the Record with Michael Landsberg]]''.

On January 15, 2022, [[Donald Trump]] used The Undertaker's theme music as part of his "Save America" rally held in [[Florence, Arizona]]. The song that was played incorporates funeral bell tolls and was created by WWE composer [[Jim Johnston (composer)|Jim Johnston]] as an embellished remix of "[[Piano Sonata No. 2 (Chopin)#III. Marche funèbre: Lento|Funeral March]]". During the rally, the song was accompanied by a music video playing on large screens, advancing through multitudes of scenes intended to alarm the public of looming danger resulting from the presidency of Trump's successor [[Joe Biden]]. The song continued to play out for 30 seconds following the [[attack ad]] against Biden, ending just short of Trump making his entrance. Other than his music being played, Calaway was not reported to have any association with the affair, though he had previously donated to Trump's campaign in 2020 and would later endorse him in 2024.<ref name="Business Insider">{{cite news|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-arizona-rally-walkout-song-wwe-wrestler-the-undertaker-2022-1|title=Trump was introduced at his Arizona rally with the walkout song for WWE wrestler The Undertaker|access-date=January 16, 2022|work=[[Business Insider]]|last=Vlamis|first=Kelsey|date=January 16, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Trixabia">{{cite news|url=https://trixabia.com/trump-was-featured-at-his-arizona-rally-with-wwe-wrestler-the-undertakers-exit-song/|title=Trump was featured at his Arizona rally with WWE wrestler The Undertaker's exit song|access-date=January 16, 2022|work=Trixabia|date=January 16, 2022|archive-date=January 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116120735/https://trixabia.com/trump-was-featured-at-his-arizona-rally-with-wwe-wrestler-the-undertakers-exit-song/|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

In 2024, Calaway launched his own YouTube channel and podcast titled ''Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway''.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaQKFGoouLQ |title=Undertaker Rips His Pants Before Meeting Vince McMahon |date=October 24, 2023 |last=Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway |access-date=September 8, 2025 |via=YouTube}}</ref> The show then went on hiatus in March 2025, but it was later announced that WWE had acquired the podcast. In June of that year, the podcast returned this time airing on WWE's official YouTube channel featuring other wrestlers as special guests.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 18, 2025 |title=Original Co-Host Of The Undertaker's Podcast Details His Removal From The Show |url=https://www.sescoops.com/news/wwe/original-co-host-of-the-undertakers-podcast-details-his-removal-from-the-show/ |access-date=September 8, 2025}}</ref>

In 2025, he appeared in the documentary film ''[[WrestleMania IX#Aftermath|WrestleMania IX: The Spectacle]]''. The documentary was released on [[Peacock (streaming service)|Peacock]] on April 11, 2025.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/wrestlemania-ix-becoming-a-spectacle-trailer|title=WWE's New Peacock Doc Reveals the Shocking Events Behind WrestleMania in 1993|first=Tyler|last=McCarthy|publisher=NBC News|date=April 2, 2025|accessdate=April 11, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/article/wrestlemania-ix-becoming-a-spectacle-premieres-friday-april-11-on-peacock|title=WrestleMania IX: Becoming a Spectacle premieres Friday, April 11, on Peacock|publisher=WWE.com|date=April 2, 2025|accessdate=April 11, 2025}}</ref>

===Filmography===
{|class="wikitable"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film
|- style="text-align:center;"
! style="background:#ccc;" | Year
! style="background:#ccc;" | Title
! style="background:#ccc;" | Role
! style="background:#ccc;" | Notes
|-
| 1991
| ''[[Suburban Commando]]''<ref name="Commando" />
| Hutch
|
|-
| 1999
| ''[[Beyond the Mat]]''
| Himself
| Documentary
|-
| 2015
| ''[[The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age SmackDown!]]''
| rowspan="3" | The Undertaker (Deadman voice)
|
|-
| 2016
| ''[[Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon]]''
|
|-
| 2017
| ''[[Surf's Up 2: WaveMania]]''
|
|-
| 2021
| ''Escape the Undertaker''
| The Undertaker (Deadman) 
| Interactive
|}

{|class="wikitable"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Television
|- style="text-align:center;"
! style="background:#ccc;" | Year
! style="background:#ccc;" | Title
! style="background:#ccc;" | Role
! style="background:#ccc;" | Notes
|-
| rowspan="3"| 1999
| ''[[Poltergeist: The Legacy]]''
| Soul Chaser Demon
| 2 episodes
|-
| ''[[Downtown (1999 TV series)|Downtown]]''
| rowspan="2"| The Undertaker (Deadman voice)
| Episode: "The Con"
|-
| ''[[Celebrity Deathmatch]]''
| Episode: "Halloween Episode I"
|-
| 2001
| ''[[America's Most Wanted]]''<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/I1SfwWMZz3Y Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20130228040347/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1SfwWMZz3Y&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1SfwWMZz3Y|title=The Undertaker And Kane In America's Most Wanted|date=July 28, 2011|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
| The Undertaker (American Badass)
|
|-
| 2025
| ''[[WWE LFG]]''
| Himself
| Judge
|}

==Video games==
Calaway's WWE character has been included in numerous WWE video games, beginning with ''[[WWF Super WrestleMania]]'' (1992).<ref name="Super">{{cite web|url=https://segaretro.org/WWF_Super_WrestleMania|title=WWF Super WrestleMania|work=SegaRetro|access-date=May 30, 2019}}</ref> A special Undertaker-themed version of ''[[WWE 2K14]]'' was released in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/8/1/4579124/wwe-2k14-phenom-edition-undertaker-autograph-coffin#0|title=WWE 2K14 Phenom Edition puts Undertaker in tin coffin|last=Sarkar|first=Samit|date=August 1, 2013|access-date=May 30, 2019|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> The Undertaker is also the most featured wrestler in WWF/E's video game collection, having been presented on every game in the franchise.

{|class="wikitable sortable"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | WWE video games
|- style="text-align:center;"
! style="background:#ccc;" | Year
! style="background:#ccc;" | Title
! style="background:#ccc;" | Notes
|-
| rowspan="3"| 1992
| ''[[WWF Super WrestleMania]]''<ref name="WWF Video Games">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lmRjDwAAQBAJ&dq=WWF+Super+WrestleMania+undertaker&pg=PA246|title=Classic Home Video Games, 1989-1990: A Complete Guide to Sega Genesis, Neo Geo and TurboGrafx-16 Games|access-date=February 18, 2022|work=[[McFarland & Company]]|last=Weiss|first=Brett|date=July 9, 2018|isbn=9780786492312 }}</ref>
| Video game debut
|-
| ''[[WWF WrestleMania: Steel Cage Challenge]]''<ref name="Nintendo Games Released">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IE8IEAAAQBAJ&dq=WWF+WrestleMania:+Steel+Cage+Challenge%09The+Undertaker&pg=PA211|title=THE NES ENCYCLOPEDIA: EVERY GAME RELEASED FOR THE NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=[[Pen and Sword Books]]|last=Scullion|first=Chris|date=March 30, 2019|isbn=9781526737809 }}</ref>
| rowspan="2"| Cover athlete
|-
| ''[[WWF Superstars 2]]''<ref name="WWF Video Games"/>
|-
| rowspan="3"| 1993
| ''[[WWF Royal Rumble (1993 video game)|WWF Royal Rumble]]''<ref name="WWF Video Games"/>
| Cover athlete
|-
| ''[[WWF King of the Ring (video game)|WWF King of the Ring]]''<ref name="Nintendo Games Released"/>
| 
|-
| ''[[WWF Rage in the Cage]]''<ref name="Rage in the Cage video game">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eqQoDwAAQBAJ&dq=WWF+Rage+in+the+Cage+the+undertaker&pg=PT187|title=Guinness World Records 2018 Gamer's Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Gaming Records|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=[[Guinness World Records]]|date=September 18, 2017|isbn=9781912286218 |last1=Records |first1=Guinness World }}</ref>
| Cover athlete
|-
| 1994
| ''[[WWF Raw (1994 video game)|WWF Raw]]''<ref name="WWF Video Games"/>
| Cover athlete
|-
| 1995
| ''[[WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game]]''<ref name="WWF Video Games"/>
| Cover athlete
|-
| 1996
| ''[[WWF In Your House (video game)|WWF In Your House]]''<ref name="Sega Saturn video games">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n8NBDwAAQBAJ&dq=Sega+Saturn+WWF+In+your+house+the+undertaker&pg=PT165|title=The A-Z of Sega Saturn Games: Volume 1|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=Andrews UK Limited|last=Hawken|first=Kieren|date=November 1, 2017|isbn=9781785387814 }}</ref>
|
|-
| 1998
| ''[[WWF War Zone]]''<ref name="WWF War Zone game">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2dDNdiX7TncC&q=WWF+War+Zone+the+undertaker|title=Playstation Power Pocket Guide - Page 86|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=Prima Pub|last=Roberts|first=Nick|date=October 1, 1998|isbn=9780761518181 }}</ref>
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| 1999
| ''[[WWF Attitude]]''<ref name="WWF Attitude video game">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dQgEAAAAMBAJ&dq=WWF+Attitude+video+game+the+undertaker&pg=PA26|title=Billboard: Oct 16, 1999: Page 26|access-date=February 19, 2022|last=Bell|first=Carrie|date=October 16, 1999}}</ref>
| rowspan="2"| Cover athlete
|-
| ''[[WWF WrestleMania 2000 (video game)|WWF WrestleMania 2000]]''<ref name="WrestleMania 2000 video game">{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gfEmpeX6B7EC&q=WWF+WrestleMania+2000+video+game+the+undertaker|title=Ultimate Code Book: Book of Secrets - Page 392|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=[[Prima Games]]|last1=Knight|first1=Jim|last2=Knight|first2=Micheal|date=January 1, 2001}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2000
| ''[[WWF SmackDown! (video game)|WWF SmackDown!]]''<ref>{{cite web |title=The Official WWF Smackdown Roster|date=January 14, 2000 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/01/15/the-official-wwf-smackdown-roster|publisher=IGN|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>
|
|-
| ''[[WWF Royal Rumble (2000 video game)|WWF Royal Rumble]]''<ref name="Royal Rumble 2000">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/games/wwf-royal-rumble-2000|title=WWF Royal Rumble (2000)|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel|date=August 1, 2000}}</ref>
|
|-
| ''[[WWF No Mercy (video game)|WWF No Mercy]]''<ref name="WWF No Mercy">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/no-mercy/roster/|title=WWF No Mercy|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| ''[[WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role]]''<ref name="WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/sd-kyr/roster/|title=WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| Cover athlete
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2001
| ''[[With Authority!|WWF With Authority!]]''<ref name="WWF With Authority!">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/games/wwf-with-authority|title=WWF With Authority!|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| ''[[WWF Betrayal]]''<ref name="WWF Betrayal">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/games/wwf-betrayal|title=WWF Betrayal|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| ''[[WWF Road to WrestleMania]]''<ref name="WWF Road to WrestleMania">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/games/wwf-road-to-wrestlemania|title=WWF Road to WrestleMania|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| Cover athlete
|-
| ''[[WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It]]''<ref name="WWF SmackDown!: Just Bring It">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/sd-jbi/roster/|title=WWF SmackDown!: Just Bring It|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2002
| ''[[WWF Raw (2002 video game)|WWF Raw]]''<ref name="WWE Raw">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/roster/wwe-raw/|title=WWE Raw|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| Cover athlete
|-
| ''[[WWE WrestleMania X8 (video game)|WWE WrestleMania X8]]''<ref name="WWE WrestleMania X8">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/roster/wwe-wrestlemania-x8/|title=WWE WrestleMania X8|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| 
|-
| ''[[WWE Road to WrestleMania X8]]''<ref name="WWE Road to WrestleMania X8">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/games/wwe-road-to-wrestlemania-x8|title=WWE Road to WrestleMania X8|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| Cover athlete
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth]]''<ref name="WWE SmackDown!: Shut Your Mouth">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/sd-sym/roster/|title=WWE SmackDown!: Shut Your Mouth|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2003
| ''[[WWE Crush Hour]]''<ref name="WWE Crush Hour">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/games/wwe-crush-hour|title=WWE Crush Hour|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| 
|-
| ''[[WWE WrestleMania XIX (video game)|WWE WrestleMania XIX]]''<ref name="WWE WrestleMania XIX">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/roster/wrestlemania-xix/|title=WWE WrestleMania XIX|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| 
|-
| ''[[WWE Raw 2]]''<ref name="WWE RAW 2">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/roster/wwe-raw-2/|title=WWE Raw 2|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| 
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain]]''<ref name="WWE SmackDown!: Here Comes The Pain">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/sd-hctp/roster/|title=WWE SmackDown!: Here Comes The Pain|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| Cover athlete
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2004
| ''[[WWE Day of Reckoning]]''<ref name="WWE Day of Reckoning">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/roster/day-of-reckoning/|title=WWE Day Of Reckoning|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| ''[[WWE Survivor Series (video game)|WWE Survivor Series]]''<ref name="WWE Survivor Series">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/roster/survivor-series/|title=WWE Survivor Series|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| Cover athlete
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw]]''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/svr/roster/|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2005
| ''[[WWE WrestleMania 21 (video game)|WWE WrestleMania 21]]''<ref name="WWE WrestleMania 21">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wrestlemania21/|title=WWE WrestleMania 21|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| 
|-
| ''[[WWE Aftershock]]''<ref name="WWE Aftershock">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/games/wwe-aftershock|title=WWE Aftershock|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| Cover athlete<ref name="WWE Aftershock"/>
|-
| ''[[WWE Day of Reckoning 2]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006]]''<ref name="WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/svr2006/|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| 
|-
| 2006
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007]]''<ref name="WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/svr2007/roster/|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| 2007
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008]]''<ref name="WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/svr2008/|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| Cover athlete<ref name="WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008"/>
|-
| 2008
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009]]''<ref name="WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/svr2009/roster/|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2009
| ''[[WWE Legends of WrestleMania]]''<ref name="WWE Legends of WrestleMania">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/legends-of-wrestlemania/roster/|title=WWE Legends of WrestleMania|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010]]''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/svr2010/roster/|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| Cover athlete<ref name="Undertaker cover">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/svr2010/|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|-
| 2010
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011]]''<ref name="WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/svr2011/roster/|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2011
| ''[[WWE All Stars]]''<ref name="WWE All Stars">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/allstars/roster/|title=WWE All Stars|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| ''[[WWE '12]]''<ref name="WWE '12">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wwe12/roster/|title=WWE '12|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2012
| ''[[WWF WrestleFest#Follow-up titles|WWE WrestleFest]]''<ref name="WWE WrestleFest">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wrestlefest/roster/|title=WWE WrestleFest|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref> 
|
|-
| ''[[WWE '13]]''<ref name="WWE '13">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wwe13/roster/|title=WWE '13|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| 2013
| ''[[WWE 2K14]]''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1829117-wwe-2k14-killer-features-that-will-excite-die-hard-fans|title=WWE 2K14: Killer Features That Will Excite Die-Hard Fans|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Dilbert|first=Ryan|date=October 29, 2013}}</ref>
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2014
| ''[[WWE SuperCard]]''<ref name="WWE SuperCard">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/supercard/roster/|title=WWE SuperCard|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K15]]''<ref name="WWE 2K15">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wwe2k15/roster/|title=WWE 2K15|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| [[Motion capture]] (Next-gen & PC)
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2015
| ''[[WWE Immortals]]''<ref name="WWE Immortals">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/immortals/roster/|title=WWE Immortals|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K (video game)|WWE 2K]]''
| 
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K16]]''<ref name="WWE 2K16">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wwe2k16/roster/|title=WWE 2K16|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| rowspan="2"| Motion capture (Next-gen & PC)
|-
| 2016
| ''[[WWE 2K17]]''<ref name="WWE 2K17">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wwe2k17/roster/|title=WWE 2K17|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2017
| ''WWE Champions''<ref name="WWE Champions">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/champions/roster/#sort=name&sortdir=asc|title=WWE Champions|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| ''[[List of Sega mobile games|Tap Mania]]''<ref name="WWE Tap Mania1">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/tapmania/roster/|title=WWE Tap Mania|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref><ref name="WWE Tap Mania2">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/tapmania/|title=WWE Tap Mania|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K18]]''<ref name="WWE 2K18">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wwe2k18/roster/|title=WWE 2K18|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
| Motion capture
|-
| ''WWE Mayhem''<ref name="WWE Mayhem">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/mayhem/roster/|title=WWE Mayhem|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| 2018
| ''[[WWE 2K19]]''<ref name="Undertaker 2K22 and 2K19">{{cite news|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-rare-the-undertaker-appears-out-of-character-at-a-wwe-2k22-event/|title=RARE: The Undertaker Appears Out of Character at a WWE 2K22 Event|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=Essentially Sports|last=Sawant|first=Yash|date=January 21, 2022}}</ref>
| Motion capture
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2019
| ''WWE Universe''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wwe-universe/roster/|title=WWE Universe|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K20]]''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2856440-wwe-2k20-release-date-roster-new-features-and-known-superstar-ratings|title=WWE 2K20: Release Date, Roster, New Features and Known Superstar Ratings|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Chiari|first=Mike|date=October 17, 2019}}</ref>
|
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2020
| ''[[The King of Fighters All Star#Crossover with WWE|The King of Fighters All Star]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kofallstar.netmarble.jp/event/wwe/|title=KOF ALLSTAR×WWE COLLABORATION - THE KING OF FIGHTERS|website=kofallstar.netmarblw.jp|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629164328/https://kofallstar.netmarble.jp/event/wwe/|archive-date=June 29, 2020|access-date=July 24, 2020}}</ref>
|
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K Battlegrounds]]''<ref name="The Gamer: The Undertaker on cover">{{cite news|url=https://www.thegamer.com/undertaker-56-different-video-games/|title=The Undertaker Has Appeared In 56 Video Games Over The Course Of His 30-Year Career|access-date=February 19, 2022|work=The Gamer|last=Coulson|first=Josh|date=June 20, 2020}}</ref>
| Cover athlete
|-
| ''WWE Undefeated''<ref name="WWE Undefeated1">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/undefeated/roster/|title=WWE Undefeated|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref><ref name="WWE Undefeated2">{{cite news|url=https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/games/wwe-undefeated|title=WWE Undefeated|access-date=February 20, 2022|work=TheSmackDownHotel}}</ref>
|
|-
| 2022
| ''[[WWE 2K22]]''<ref name="Undertaker 2K22 and 2K19"/>
|
|- 
| 2023
| ''[[WWE 2K23]]''
|
|-
| 2024
| ''[[WWE 2K24]]''
|
|-
| 2025
| ''[[WWE 2K25]]''
| Cover athlete on the Deadman edition of the game
|}

== Championships and accomplishments ==
[[File:The Undertaker Wins!.jpg|thumb|The Undertaker is a [[List of World Heavyweight Champions (WWE)|three-time]] [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Champion]].]]
* '''''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'''''
** Feud of the Year (2007) {{small|vs. [[Dave Bautista|Batista]]}}<ref name="Baltimore2007">{{cite web|last=Eck|first=Kevin|title=2007 Awards|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2007-12-2007_awards-story.html|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|date=December 30, 2007|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026135318/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2007-12-2007_awards-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** Best Match of the Decade (2000s) {{small|vs. [[Shawn Michaels]] at [[WrestleMania 25]]}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Eck|first=Kevin|title=Best of the Decade awards|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-01-best_of_the_decade_awards-story.html|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|date=January 11, 2010|access-date=December 20, 2020|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204084558/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-01-best_of_the_decade_awards-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** Match of the Year (2009) {{small|vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 25}}<ref name="Baltimore2009">{{cite web|last=Eck|first=Kevin|title=2009 Awards|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-01-2009_awards-story.html|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|date=January 27, 2010|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026135227/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-01-2009_awards-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** Match of the Year (2010) {{small|vs. Shawn Michaels in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Retirement match|career vs. streak match]] at [[WrestleMania XXVI]]}}<ref name="Baltimore">{{cite web|last=Eck|first=Kevin|title=2010 Awards|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2011-02-2010_awards-story.html|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|date=February 14, 2011|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=June 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605095538/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2011-02-2010_awards-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''[[CBS Sports]]'''
** Worst [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Angle|Angle]] of the Year (2018) {{small|with [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] vs. [[Triple H]] and [[Shawn Michaels]]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/the-man-comes-around-becky-lynch-breaks-out-for-wwe-as-the-2018-wrestler-of-the-year/|title=The Man comes around: Becky Lynch breaks out for WWE as the 2018 Wrestler of the Year|last=Silverstein|first=Adam|date=December 26, 2018|work=[[CBS Sports]]}}</ref>
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Comeback of the Year|Comeback of the Year]] (2015)<ref name="PWI Awards" />
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] (1991) {{small|vs. [[The Ultimate Warrior]]}}<ref name="PWI Awards" />
** Feud of the Year (2015) {{small|vs. [[Brock Lesnar]]}}<ref name="PWI Awards" />
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (1998) {{small|vs. [[Mick Foley|Mankind]] [[The Undertaker vs. Mankind (Hell in a Cell match)|in a Hell in a Cell match]] at [[King of the Ring (1998)|King of the Ring]]}}<ref name="PWI Awards" />
** Match of the Year (2009) {{small|vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 25}}<ref name="PWI Awards" />
** Match of the Year (2010) {{small|vs. Shawn Michaels in a career vs. streak match at WrestleMania XXVI}}<ref name="PWI Awards" />
** Match of the Year (2012) {{small|vs. Triple H in a [[Hell in a Cell|Hell in a Cell match]] at [[WrestleMania XXVIII]]}}<ref name="PWI Awards" />
** Ranked No. 2 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]]'' in 2002<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2002.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2002|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=August 25, 2015}}</ref>
** Ranked No. 21 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.willywrestlefest.fr/Ressources/PWI/PWI500_PWI_Years_2003.htm|title=PWI 500 of the PWI Years|access-date=January 16, 2019}}</ref>
*'''[[Sports Illustrated]]'''
**Ranked No. 6 of the 20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers Of All Time<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Pullar III |first1=Sid |date=October 13, 2024 |title=20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers Of All Time |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/features/10-greatest-wwe-wrestlers-of-all-time |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=November 26, 2024}}</ref>
* '''[[United States Wrestling Association]]'''
** [[USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/uswa/uswa-uh.html | title=Unified World Heavyweight Title [United States Wrestling Association] | access-date=March 28, 2017 | work=Wrestling-Titles}}</ref>
* '''[[World Class Championship Wrestling|World Class Wrestling Association]]'''
** [[NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship|WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="wcwa" /><ref name=TexasBook>{{cite book| last1=Will | first1=Gary | first2=Royal | last2= Duncan | title=Wrestling Title Histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | publisher=Archeus Communications | year=2000 | location=Pennsylvania | chapter=Texas: NWA Texas Heavyweight Title [Von Erich] | isbn=0-9698161-5-4 | pages=268–269}}</ref><ref name=TexasWeb>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/tx-h.html | title= NWA Texas Heavyweight Title | access-date=March 30, 2017 | work=Wrestling-Titles}}</ref>
* '''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Gimmick|Best Gimmick]] (1990–1994)<ref name=WON2010 />
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Heel|Best Heel]] (1991)<ref name=WON2010 />
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] (2007) {{small|vs. Batista}}<ref name=WON2010 />
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (2009) {{small|vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 25}}<ref name=WON2010 />
** Match of the Year (2010) {{small|vs. Shawn Michaels in a career vs. streak match at WrestleMania XXVI}}<ref name=WON2010 />
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Match of the Year|Worst Worked Match of the Year]] (2001) {{small|with Kane vs. [[KroniK]] at [[Unforgiven (2001)|Unforgiven]]}}<ref name=WON2010 />
** Worst Match of the Year (2018) {{small|with Kane vs. Triple H and Shawn Michaels at [[Crown Jewel (2018)|Crown Jewel]]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2019/03/17/bonus-show-wrestling-observer-newsletter-awards/|title=BONUS SHOW: Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards|date=March 17, 2019|access-date=March 23, 2019|work=Post Wrestling}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Overrated|Most Overrated]] (2001)<ref name=WON2010 />
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Readers' Least Favorite Wrestler|Readers' Least Favorite Wrestler]] (2001)<ref name=WON2010 />
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Feud of the Year|Worst Feud of the Year]] (1993) {{small|vs. [[Jorge González (wrestler)|Giant González]]}}<ref name=WON2010 />
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic|Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic]] (2005) {{small|Involvement in a [[terrorism|terrorist]] angle that aired on [[7 July 2005 London bombings|day of London bombings]]}}<ref name=WON2010 />
** [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] (Class of 2004)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/hallofame.html|title=Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame|access-date=January 24, 2019|archive-date=November 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112104543/http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/hallofame.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''[[WWE|World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment / WWE]]'''
** [[WWE Championship|WWF/WWE Championship]] ([[List of WWE Champions|4 times]])<ref>[http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwe/wwf-h.html WWWF/WWF/WWE World Heavyweight Title history] At wrestling-titles.com</ref>
** [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of World Heavyweight Champions (WWE, 2002–2013)|3 times]])<ref>[http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwe/wwe-world-h.html World Heavyweight Title (WWE Smackdown!) history] At wrestling-titles.com</ref>
** [[WWE Hardcore Championship|WWF Hardcore Championship]] ([[List of WWE Hardcore Champions|1 time]])<ref>[http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwe/wwf-hc.html WWF/WWE Hardcore Title history] At wrestling-titles.com</ref>
** [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010)|6 times]]) – with [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] (1), [[Big Show]] (2), [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] (1), and Kane (2)<ref>[http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwe/wwf-t.html WWWF/WWF/WWE World Tag Team Title history] At wrestling-titles.com</ref>
** [[WCW World Tag Team Championship|WCW Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of WCW World Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with Kane{{Efn|Won during [[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|The Invasion]]}}<ref>[http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wcw/wcw-t.html WCW World Tag Team Title history] At wrestling-titles.com</ref>
** [[Royal Rumble match|Royal Rumble]] ([[Royal Rumble (2007)|2007]])<ref name="WWEProfile" />
** [[WWE Hall of Fame]] ([[WWE Hall of Fame (2022)|Class of 2022]])
**[[Super ShowDown (2020)|Tuwaiq Mountain Trophy]] (2020)<ref name="The first-ever Tuwaiq Trophy Gauntl"/> 
**[[List of WWE tournaments#Undisputed WWF Championship #1 contender's Tournament|Undisputed WWF Championship #1 contender's Tournament (April 2002)]]
** [[Slammy Award]] (15 times)
*** Best Entrance Music ([[Slammy Award#1997 Slammy Awards|1997]])<ref name="97Slammys">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/slammy.html#97|title=Slammy Awards — 1997|work=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=January 24, 2019}}</ref>
*** Best Tattoo (1997)<ref name="97Slammys" />
*** Match of the Year ([[Slammy Award#2009 Slammy Awards|2009]], [[Slammy Award#2010 Slammy Awards|2010]], [[Slammy Award#2012 Slammy Awards|2012]], [[Slammy Award#2015 Slammy Awards|2015]], [[Slammy Award#2020 Slammy Awards|2020]]) {{small|vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 25}}, {{small|vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXVI}}, {{small|vs. Triple H in a Hell in a Cell match at WrestleMania XXVIII}}, {{small|vs. Brock Lesnar at [[Hell in a Cell (2015)|Hell in a Cell]]}}, {{small|and vs. [[AJ Styles]] in a Boneyard match at WrestleMania 36}}.<ref name="2009 WWE">{{cite news|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards09/|title=2009 Slammy Awards|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091217075351/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards09/|archive-date=December 17, 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=April 28, 2018|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref name="2010 WWE main">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards10/|title=2010 Slammy Awards|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218194038/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards10/|archive-date=December 18, 2010|url-status=dead|access-date=April 28, 2018|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-12-17/slammy-award-winners|title=2012 WWE Slammy Awards and WWE.com Slammy Awards winners|access-date=April 28, 2018|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref name="2015Slammys">{{cite news|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2015-12-21/2015-slammy-award-winners|title=2015 Slammy Award winners|date=December 16, 2015|access-date=April 27, 2018|newspaper=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
*** Moment of the Year (2010) {{small|vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXVI}}<ref name="2010 WWE main" />
*** Most Intimidating ([[Slammy Award#1994 Slammy Awards|1994]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thewrestlinginsomniac.com/2015/11/wwf-1994-slammy-awards.html|title=WWF 1994 Slammy Awards|first=Michael J.|last=Labbe}}</ref>
*** OMG Moment of the Year ([[Slammy Award#2011 Slammy Awards|2011]]) {{small|Kicking out of Triple H's ''[[Piledriver (professional wrestling)#Kneeling reverse piledriver|Tombstone Piledriver]]'' at [[WrestleMania XXVII]]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-12-12/exclusive-slammy-awards-2011|title=WWE.com Exclusive Slammy Awards 2011|access-date=April 28, 2018|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
*** Rivalry of the Year (2015) {{small|vs. Brock Lesnar}}<ref name="2015Slammys" />
*** Star of the Highest Magnitude (1997)<ref name="97Slammys" />
*** WWF's Greatest Hit ([[Slammy Award#1996 Slammy Awards|1996]]) {{small|Sucking [[Kevin Nash|Diesel]] into the abyss at [[In Your House 6|In Your House 6: Rage in the Cage]]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/slammy.html#96|title=Slammy Awards — 1996|work=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref>
*** Moment of the Year ([[Slammy Award#2020 Slammy Awards|2020]]) {{small|The Undertaker's final farewell at [[Survivor Series (2020)|Survivor Series]]}}
*** [[WWE Network]] Documentary of the Year ([[Slammy Award#2020 Slammy Awards|2020]]) {{small|Undertaker: The Last Ride}}
** [[NXT Year-End Award]]
*** Moment of the Year (2023 - appearing on the October 10 episode of ''NXT'') 
**[[WrestleMania Axxess#WWE Bronze Statues|WWE Bronze Statue]] (2022)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/the-undertakers-statue-revealed-at-wrestlemania-axxess|title=The Undertaker's statue revealed at WrestleMania Axxess|publisher=WWE|date=March 31, 2022|access-date=April 15, 2022}}</ref>
**[[WWE LFG|WWE LFG Championship]]  ([[WWE LFG#Season 1|Season 1]])<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rasool |first=Nouman |date=May 20, 2025 |title=The Undertaker crowned first WWE LFG Champion |url=https://www.wrestling-world.com/news/news/wwe/35492/the-undertaker-crowned-first-wwe-lfg-champion/ |work=Wrestling World}}</ref>
**All-Time Most career victories in [[Pay-per-view|PPV]]/[[Premium Live Event|PLE]]: 107 matches, including:
***All-Time Career best record in [[WrestleMania]] (25 consecutive wins, 2 consecutive losses)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-25 |title=WWE WRESTLEMANIA HISTORY |url=https://darrenswinloss.wordpress.com/wm/ |access-date=2025-10-12 |website=Darren's Win-Loss Records, Facts, & Stats |language=en}}</ref>
***All-Time Career best record in [[SummerSlam|Summerslam]] (10 wins, 5 losses, 2 draws)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-05 |title=WWE SUMMERSLAM HISTORY |url=https://darrenswinloss.wordpress.com/wwesslam/ |access-date=2025-10-12 |website=Darren's Win-Loss Records, Facts, & Stats |language=en}}</ref>

== Other awards and honors ==
* Eyegore Award (2000)<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/3IqMaa4lKCw Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20160316003448/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IqMaa4lKCw Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IqMaa4lKCw|title=THE UNDERTAKER accepts 2000 Eyegore Horror Award with explosive arrival|date=March 8, 2013|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/event/ev0001545/2000/1/|title=Eyegore Awards (2000)|website=IMDb}}</ref>

== WrestleMania record ==
{{Main|The Streak (professional wrestling)}}
{|class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
|-
|style="background:#edf1f1;border-style:none none none none;text-align:center;text-style:normal" colspan="2"|'''WrestleMania record breakdown'''
!style="background:#edf1f1;border-style:none none none none;"|
|-
|style="background:#e3e3e3;text-align:center"|'''27 matches'''
|style="background:#e3e3e3;text-align:center"|'''25 wins'''
|style="background:#e3e3e3;text-align:center"|'''2 losses'''
|-
|style="background:#e3e3e3;text-align:left"|'''By pinfall'''
|style="background:#bbffdd;text-align:center"|20
|style="background:#ffdddd;text-align:center"|2
|-
|style="background:#e3e3e3;text-align:left"|'''By submission'''
|style="background:#bbffdd;text-align:center"|2
|style="background:#ffdddd;text-align:center"|0
|-
|style="background:#e3e3e3;text-align:left"|'''By disqualification'''
|style="background:#bbffdd;text-align:center"|1
|style="background:#ffdddd;text-align:center"|0
|-
|style="background:#e3e3e3;text-align:left"|'''By casket'''
|style="background:#bbffdd;text-align:center"|1
|style="background:#ffdddd;text-align:center"|0
|-
|style="background:#e3e3e3;text-align:left"|'''By burial'''
|style="background:#bbffdd;text-align:center"|1
|style="background:#ffdddd;text-align:center"|0
|}
{|class="sortable wikitable" style="font-size:95%"
|+
!colspan="7" align="center"|WrestleMania win–loss record of The Undertaker<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.profightdb.com/search.html?search-term=WrestleMania&submit=search|title=WrestleMania Cards|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.profightdb.com/}}</ref>
|-
!Result !!Rec. !!  width=120|Opponent !! width=120|Date !! Match time !! width=220|Venue !! Note
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
|[[Jimmy Snuka]]
|{{dts|1991|3|24}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania VII]]</small>
|4:20<br /><small>[[Professional wrestling#Pinfall|Pinfall]]</small>
|[[Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena]]<br /><small>[[Los Angeles]], [[California]]</small>
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/20/19401531.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141224185157/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/20/19401531.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 24, 2014|title=The Streak: Superfly first to fall|last=Van Der Greind|first=Blaine|date=February 20, 2012|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canoe]]|website=slam.canoe.ca/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|2–0
|[[Jake Roberts]]
|{{dts|1992|4|5}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania VIII]]</small>
|6:36<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[Hoosier Dome]]<br /><small>[[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]]</small>
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/20/19401491.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141224185130/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/20/19401491.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 24, 2014|title=Undertaker stomps a Snake|last=Van Der Greind|first=Blaine|date=February 20, 2012|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canoe]]|website=slam.canoe.ca/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|3–0<br />
|[[Jorge González (wrestler)|Giant González]]
|{{dts|1993|4|4}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania IX]]</small>
|7:33<br /><small>[[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|Disqualification]]</small>
|[[Caesars Palace]]<br /><small>[[Las Vegas Strip|Las Vegas, Nevada]]</small>
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/21/19404006.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141224185215/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/21/19404006.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 24, 2014|title=Slaying a giant|last=Van Der Greind|first=Blaine|date=February 21, 2012|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canoe]]|website=slam.canoe.ca/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|4–0
|[[King Kong Bundy]]
|{{dts|1995|4|2}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania XI]]</small>
|6:36<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[Hartford Civic Center]]<br /><small>[[Hartford, Connecticut]]</small>
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/02/21/19408966.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141224185150/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/02/21/19408966.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 24, 2014|title=DiBiase can't lead Bundy to win|last=Van Der Greind|first=Blaine|date=February 21, 2012|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canoe]]|website=slam.canoe.ca/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|5–0<br />
|[[Kevin Nash|Diesel]]
|{{dts|1996|3|31}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania XII]]</small>
|16:46<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[Arrowhead Pond]]<br /><small>[[Anaheim, California]]</small>
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/21/19404016.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141224185159/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/21/19404016.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 24, 2014|title=Nash lays down on way out|last=Van Der Greind|first=Blaine|date=February 21, 2012|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canoe]]|website=slam.canoe.ca/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|6–0
|[[Sid Eudy|Sycho Sid]]
|{{dts|1997|3|23}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania 13]]</small>
|21:19<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[Rosemont Horizon]]<br /><small>[[Rosemont, Illinois]]</small>
|{{small|Won the [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]].}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/20/19401536.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141224185224/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/20/19401536.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 24, 2014|title=Sid drops the belt|last=Van Der Greind|first=Blaine|date=February 20, 2012|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canoe]]|website=slam.canoe.ca/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|7–0
|[[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]]
|{{dts|1998|3|29}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania XIV]]</small>
|17:05<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[FleetCenter (Boston)|Fleet Center]]<br /><small>[[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]]</small>
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/22/19408991.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141224185240/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/22/19408991.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 24, 2014|title=Brother versus brother|last=Van Der Greind|first=Blaine|date=February 22, 2012|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canoe]]|website=slam.canoe.ca/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|8–0
|[[Big Boss Man (wrestler)|Big Boss Man]]
|{{dts|1999|3|28}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania XV]]</small>
|9:48<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[First Union Center]]<br /><small>[[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]]</small>
|{{small|This was a [[Hell in a Cell match]].}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/23/19413541.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141224185128/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/23/19413541.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 24, 2014|title=Bossman hangs|last=Van Der Greind|first=Blaine|date=February 23, 2012|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canoe]]|website=slam.canoe.ca/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|9–0
|[[Triple H]]
|{{dts|2001|4|1}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania X-Seven]]</small>
|18:19<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[Reliant Astrodome]]<br /><small>[[Houston]], [[Texas]]</small>
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/24/19419436.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141224185202/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/24/19419436.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 24, 2014|title=The first battle with Triple H|last=Van Der Greind|first=Blaine|date=February 24, 2012|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canoe]]|website=slam.canoe.ca/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{Nowrap|10–0}}
|[[Ric Flair]]
|{{dts|2002|3|17}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania X8]]</small>
|18:47<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[SkyDome]]<br /><small>[[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], [[Canada]]</small>
|{{small|This was a [[Professional wrestling match types#No-disqualification match|no disqualification match]].}}<ref name="auto1">{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/26/19427596.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141224185220/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/26/19427596.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 24, 2014|title=Two is not better than one|last=Van Der Greind|first=Blaine|date=February 26, 2012|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canoe]]|website=slam.canoe.ca/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|11–0
|[[Matt Bloom|A-Train]] and [[Big Show]]
|{{dts|2003|3|30}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania XIX]]</small>
|9:45<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[Safeco Field]]<br /><small>[[Seattle]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]]</small>
|{{small|This was a 2-on-1 [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|handicap match]].}}<ref name="auto1" />
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|12–0
|[[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]]
|{{dts|2004|3|14}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania XX]]</small>
|7:45<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[Madison Square Garden]]<br /><small>[[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]]</small>
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/27/19431406.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141224185142/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/27/19431406.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 24, 2014|title=Again, Kane is not able|last=Van Der Greind|first=Blaine|date=February 27, 2012|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canoe]]|website=slam.canoe.ca/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|13–0
|[[Randy Orton]]
|{{dts|2005|4|3}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania 21]]</small>
|14:14<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[Staples Center]]<br /><small>Los Angeles, California</small>
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/27/19431401.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141224185224/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/02/27/19431401.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 24, 2014|title=The Legend Killer gets Tombstoned|last=Van Der Greind|first=Blaine|date=February 27, 2012|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canoe]]|website=slam.canoe.ca/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|14–0
|[[Mark Henry]]
|{{dts|2006|4|2}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania 22]]</small>
|9:26<br /><small>[[Casket Match|Casket]]</small>
|[[Allstate Arena]]<br /><small>Rosemont, Illinois</small>
|{{small|This was a [[Professional wrestling match types#Casket match|casket match]].}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/03/02/19449951.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141224185203/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/03/02/19449951.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 24, 2014|title=Finishing the World's Strongest Man|last=Van Der Greind|first=Blaine|date=March 2, 2012|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canoe]]|website=slam.canoe.ca/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|15–0
|[[Dave Bautista|Batista]]
|{{dts|2007|4|1}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania 23]]</small>
|15:47<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[Ford Field]]<br /><small>[[Detroit]], [[Michigan]]</small>
|{{small|Won the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]].}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/03/05/19459286.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141224185129/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania28/2012/03/05/19459286.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 24, 2014|title=Undertaker the champ – WrestleMania 23 delivers big time|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|date=April 1, 2007|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canoe]]|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|website=slam.canoe.ca/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|16–0
|[[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]]
|{{dts|2008|3|30}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania XXIV]]</small>
|23:50<br /><small>[[Professional wrestling#Submission|Submission]]</small>
|[[Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium|Citrus Bowl]]<br /><small>[[Orlando, Florida]]</small>
|{{small|Won the World Heavyweight Championship.}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania24/2008/03/31/5148416.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120628224249/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania24/2008/03/31/5148416.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 28, 2012|title=Mayweather, Orton survive Mania; Edge, Flair don't|last=Plummer|first=Dale|date=March 31, 2008|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canoe]]|website=slam.canoe.ca/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|17–0
|[[Shawn Michaels]]
|{{dts|2009|4|5}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania XXV]]</small>
|30:41<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[Reliant Stadium]]<br /><small>Houston, Texas</small>
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/04/06/9019551.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629103158/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/04/06/9019551.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Wrestlemania 25: HBK-Undertaker steals the show|last=Plummer|first=Dale|date=April 6, 2009|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canoe]]|website=slam.canoe.ca/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|18–0
|[[Shawn Michaels]]
|{{dts|2010|3|28}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania XXVI]]</small>
|23:59<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[University of Phoenix Stadium]]<br /><small>[[Glendale, Arizona]]</small>
|{{small|This was a [[Professional wrestling match types#Retirement match|Streak vs. Career match]] contested under [[Professional wrestling match types#No Holds Barred match|No Holds Barred]] rules.}}<ref name="Michaels vs. Taker">{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/03/29/13391691.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714104045/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/03/29/13391691.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Undertaker ends Shawn Michaels' career in thrilling rematch to cap off Wrestlemania XXVI|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|date=March 29, 2010|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canoe]]|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|website=slam.canoe.ca/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|19–0
|[[Triple H]]
|{{dts|2011|4|3}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania XXVII]]</small>
|29:22<br /><small>Submission</small>
|[[Georgia Dome]]<br /><small>[[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]</small>
|{{small|This was a No Holds Barred match.}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/20116/|title=WrestleMania 27 live coverage from the Georgia Dome|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|date=April 3, 2011|access-date=June 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607002659/http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/20116/|archive-date=June 7, 2011|url-status=dead|publisher=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|author-link=Dave Meltzer|website=[[Wayback Machine]]}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|20–0
|[[Triple H]]
|{{dts|2012|4|1}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania XXVIII]]</small>
|30:50<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[Sun Life Stadium]]<br /><small>[[Miami Gardens, Florida]]</small>
|{{small|This was a Hell in a Cell match with Shawn Michaels serving as the [[Referee (professional wrestling)#Special referees|special guest referee]].}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_59831.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE WrestleMania 28 PPV Report|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=April 1, 2012|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|website=www.pwtorch.com/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|21–0
|[[CM Punk]]
|{{dts|2013|4|7}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania 29]]</small>
|22:07<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[MetLife Stadium]]<br /><small>[[East Rutherford, New Jersey]]</small>
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_69832.shtml|title=Taker-Punk result – did Punk break The Streak?|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=April 7, 2013|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|website=www.pwtorch.com/}}</ref>
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|21–1
|[[Brock Lesnar]]
|{{dts|2014|4|6}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania XXX]]</small>
|25:12<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[Mercedes-Benz Superdome]]<br /><small>[[New Orleans]], [[Louisiana]]</small>
|{{small|End of The Undertaker's [[WrestleMania]] win Streak.}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_77523.shtml|title=The Undertaker's Streak is over|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=April 6, 2014|access-date=December 24, 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|website=www.pwtorch.com/}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|22–1
|[[Bray Wyatt]]
|{{dts|2015|3|29}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania 31]]</small>
|15:12<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[Levi's Stadium]]<br /><small>[[Santa Clara, California]]</small>
|<ref>{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/31/the-undertaker-vs-bray-wyatt-27159010|publisher=WWE|access-date=March 10, 2015}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|23–1
|[[Shane McMahon]]
|{{dts|2016|4|3}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania 32]]</small>
|30:05<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[AT&T Stadium]]<br /><small>[[Arlington, Texas]]</small>
|{{small|This was a Hell in a Cell match.}}<ref>{{cite web|last1=Powers|first1=Kevin|title=The Undertaker def. Shane McMahon (Hell in a Cell Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/32/shane-mcmahon-undertaker-hell-cell-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=April 3, 2016}}</ref>
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|23–2
|[[Roman Reigns]]
|{{dts|2017|4|2}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania 33]]</small>
|23:00<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|[[Camping World Stadium]]<br /><small>Orlando, Florida</small>
|{{small|This was a No Holds Barred match.}}<ref name="auto" />
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|24–2
|[[John Cena]]
|{{dts|2018|4|8}}<br /><small>[[WrestleMania 34]]</small>
|2:46<br /><small>Pinfall</small>
|Mercedes-Benz Superdome<br /><small>New Orleans, Louisiana</small>
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-34/the-undertaker-john-cena-results|title=The Undertaker def. John Cena|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|work=WWE|access-date=April 8, 2018}}</ref>
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|25–2
|[[AJ Styles]]
|March 25–26, 2020<br /><small>[[WrestleMania 36]]</small>
|19:18<br /><small>[[Burial]]</small>
|[[WWE Performance Center]]<br /><small>Orlando, Florida</small>
|{{small|The match was taped between March 25 and 26, aired on April 4. This was a [[Professional wrestling match types#Buried Alive match|Boneyard Match]].}}<ref name="auto" />
|}

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Mark Calaway|The Undertaker}}
* [https://archive.org/search?query=undertaker The Undertaker] on the [[Internet Archive]]
* {{Facebook}}
* {{IMDb name|name=Mark Calaway}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

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[[Category:World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010)]]
[[Category:NWA Texas Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Angelina College alumni]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling podcasters]]
[[Category:WWE personnel]]