#3: THE UNDERTAKER vs. VADER (w/ Paul Bearer).
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Once again, it is the big guy versus big guy trope that has haunted The Undertaker up to this point of his career. However, this match was pretty good.
At one point during this match, The Undertaker leaps off his feet and somehow (rotates and) delivers a leg drop to the back of a standing Vader. I mean, that is some pretty magnificent stuff, even for a leg drop.
Mid-way through this contest, another mini mid-match interview happens, and no, it is not any famous star or a country singer this time around. The interviewer picks a random lady and asks her to narrate how she eventually got here.
The lady reveals that she was saving up all her money through babysitting just to watch The Royal Rumble live, and to remind you, Vader is pounding The Undertaker in the ring whilst this mini-interview is going on. In the words of Gordon Cole from Twin Peaks: The Return— “What the hell?!”
Anyways, The Undertaker even slams Vader mid-air. A lot of back and forth happens, and Vader delivers a quick power-bomb. But The Undertaker, who is impeccable for his timing, sits up in his trademark dead-man fashion, yielding a huge pop from the audience.
Unexpectedly, Paul Bearer comes out with an urn in his hands. The Undertaker choke-slams Vader, but instead of pinning him, he goes after Paul Bearer.
This is really good storytelling— our hero can easily pave his way through victory, but there is a roadblock, or conflict in his way, Paul Bearer.
Towards the climax of this match, Bearer attacks ‘Taker with the urn from behind, outside the ring.
This knocks ‘Taker into a semi-conscious state. Vader seizes the opportunity and quickly delivers a Vader Bomb just as The Undertaker rolls inside.
1,2,3! This is how Vader wins the match. A disgruntled Undertaker gets pissed off after the match and choke-slams the referee for it. The crowd pops.
The match itself was decent and followed post-contest shenanigans just like the previous bout. Not bad, but where does that leave everybody for the upcoming 30-Man Royal Rumble match? Hmmm.
RESULT: Vader wins via pinfall.
Pre-taped shorts show Stone Cold walking backstage where the camera tries to follow him for a comment. As usual, Austin spews a ton of Southern Slang and gives some insight into his ‘no-f*cks-given’ attitude. On the opposite end of this ‘attitude’, we see The British Bulldog entering the arena, being cheered on and adored by the fans.
It is very interesting to see two different eras (and attitudes) clash together and take it out later in the Royal Rumble match. How is it all going to fit together?
