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A passionate, well-spoken promo can turn a lackluster feud into a riveting battle. The ability to cut a good promo is what separates the average performer from a WWE Legend. Legends like The Rock, Stone Cold and Randy Savage are known for their unconventional promos. Whether a promo is funny, hardcore or unhinged fans clamor to memorize, quote and decipher remarkable promos.
Although The Undertaker is not known for his promos abilities, it his promos that have built the backstory and legend of his character. Whether with Paul Bearer, Kane or by himself The Undertaker rarely failed to deliver. Here are The Undertaker’s top five promos, highlighting one of the Deadman’s underrated skills.
Honorable Mention – October 15, 2018 – Monday Night Raw – A Message for DX
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The Undertaker’s promo with Kane on the October 15, 2018 episode of Monday Night Raw harkens back to The Undertaker’s promos of the 1990s. This promo gave viewers chills as his voice, mannerisms and facial expression demonstrate that he means business at Crown Jewel.
This promo is one of the best promos of The Undertaker’s later career. Some analysts have stated that this promo was silly, however, they forget that it is promos like these that made us fall in love with The Undertaker.
#5 The Two Man Power Trip – Monday Night Raw – May 14, 2001
Here, The Undertaker delivered harsh words for the Two Man Power Trip. A classic line from this promo is “you’re so full of crap your eyes are starting to turn brown.” Many people speak negatively about the American Badass Undertaker; however, this is the real Undertaker (Mark Calloway).
He is a Texan, rides a motorcycle, drinks Whiskey and probably talks a lot of crap when he needs to. These biker Taker promos gave viewers a rare glimpse into who Mark Calloway is, and true Undertaker fans appreciate that.
#4 Silencing The Rock – Monday Night Raw – September 20, 1999
This promo is particularly special because The Undertaker successfully battled The Rock on the microphone just days before their pay-per-view encounter. The Undertaker’s statements were not only catchy and witty, but they were also the truth. The Undertaker mixed his cleverness and the truth to challenge The Great One on the microphone.
The Undertaker was winning WWE Championships when The Rock was in high school and The Undertaker was leading the WWE locker room before The Rock even stepped foot in a WWE ring. Not only did The Undertaker remind The Rock that he was the top dog in WWE he also mocked the silliness of The Rock’s favorite catchphrases.
The Rock is one of the best on the microphone and many wrestlers have fallen victim to the Great One’s sharp tongue. However, The Undertaker stood his ground and silenced The Rock.
#3 Judgment Day for Kamala – Monday Night Raw – November 23, 1992
The Undertaker’s feud with Kamala is often underrated. Although the in-ring match quality was not best, their promos and ring psychology was amazing. This promo by The Undertaker is in anticipation of their Survivor Series Casket Match. This is a stark contrast to the previously mentioned Undertaker promos, but this just demonstrates The Undertaker’s versatility throughout his career.
The funeral parlor in the background and Paul Bearer’s beginning statements set the tone for the match and the conclusion of their feud. The Undertaker closed by conveying to Kamala that his judgment day is looming.
Here, The Undertaker was believable, scary and intense. There is a reason why many argue that no one besides Mark Calloway could have ever successfully been The Undertaker. Although Paul Bearer was often the talker of the duo, Undertaker holds his own and demonstrates that he has the ability to speak for himself.
#2 Worked “Shoot” Promo - Monday Night Raw - June 1, 1998
Here, The Undertaker calls out Vince McMahon for overlooking him. He references McMahon’s obsession with monsters. He also mentions McMahon’s promise of an “opportunity.” The word “opportunity” may seem irrelevant but if you are a wrestling historian and/or journalist you will know that this is the word McMahon used with new talent.
He offered them an “opportunity” in the 1990s. The word “opportunity” is likely the actual word that McMahon said to Taker when he called him in for work back in 1990. Therefore, this is the signal that this is a shoot promo.
Although this promo hints at the true Vince McMahon, that is not what makes this promo groundbreaking. The Undertaker states that McMahon’s handpicked favorites abandoned him and that it was The Undertaker who was the slayer of the dragons. Perhaps, The Undertaker is referencing Kamala, Yokozuna, Giant Gonzalez, Psycho Sid, and Papa Shango as the dragons.
These are the monsters The Undertaker slew throughout his career. The hand chosen favorites that left for greener pastures are likely Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and Lex Luger. All three left WWE for WCW and were pushed as the face of the company over The Undertaker.
Although The Undertaker slips back into kayfabe it is the subtext and subtle hints that let the viewer know that The Undertaker let some things off his chest.
#1 The Undertaker Ascends to the Heavens – Royal Rumble – January 22, 1994
This is by far the greatest Undertaker promo. During the Casket Match between Yokozuna and The Undertaker, The Undertaker proved to be too much for Yokozuna. However, Jim Cornette and Mr. Fuji had a secret plan to have the entire heel locker room attack The Undertaker. The Undertaker fought the entire heel locker room off for minutes until the urn was captured. The Undertaker subsequently succumbed to his attackers and was then placed into the casket. Everyone began to celebrate finally putting an end to the Deadman.
Then, lightning struck! The Undertaker appeared on the TitanTron and delivered a captivating promo. He started the promo with “be not proud” and went on to explain that he will never “rest in peace”.
This is when The Undertaker moved from a character in the WWE to the supernatural of the WWE. The Undertaker for the first time felt like the real supernatural. Yokozuna and company only put a dent in The Undertaker’s story as he ascended to the heavens and returned better than ever.
The Undertaker is often overlooked when it comes to promos. However, these six promos illustrate his ability to tell a story and captivate the audience.
Video courtesy: WWE, YouTube
