The top 5 Undertaker returns in the last two decades

Since his debut at the Survivor Series in 1990, The Undertaker has become the cornerstone of WWE. His entrance, unique Deadman character and monstrous low-pitched voice send chills down the spine of not only his opponents but his fans as well. Undertaker's returns have always been unique and awe-inspiring. Hence, at the dusk of the second decade of this millennium, let’s look back and celebrate the best returns of the Deadman from the last two decades.

#5 Return on a black chariot – Royal Rumble 2006

The darkness returned with magic powers.

In the main event of Royal Rumble 2006, Kurt Angle defeated Mark Henry to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. However, the celebration for the defending champion was short-lived. The familiar gong hit and the arena was engulfed by darkness, marking the return of The Undertaker. Notably, The Deadman was making his return after he successfully defeated Randy Orton a few weeks prior at Armageddon in a Hell in a Cell match.

The Phenom returned on a black chariot driven by a white horse and was surrounded by the druids carrying flaming torches. He gestured to challenge Kurt Angle for the World Heavyweight Championship and then displayed his magic powers as lighning struck above the ring. He soon directed it to the ring poles with Kurt Angle trapped inside. As a result, the ring collapsed and the World Heavyweight Champion was forced down on his knees while the smoke surrounded the ringside.

The perplexed champion looked at his challenger in disbelief as The Phenom stared back at Angle with his icy cold eyes. The men faced each other in an all-time classic match at the following PPV, No Way Out, in February. To date, many fans and critics believe that the match had the WrestleMania potential in it and should have taken place a month later at WrestleMania 22.

#4 Return atop a motorcycle – Judgment Day 2000

In the main event, The Rock defended the WWF Championship against the Triple H in a grueling 60-minute Iron Man match with Shawn Michaels as the special guest referee. The match was levelled at 5-5 with two minutes remaining on the clock.

Road Dogg and X-Pac interfered and hurled down the champion as the ominous music that had been plaguing the airwaves for weeks on RAW started playing inside the arena. Moments later, the crowd witnessed the return of The Undertaker in a new persona, wearing sunglasses and a bandanna as he rode a motorcycle to the ring. This gimmick became famous as the American Bada**.

The returning Superstar attacked everyone in Triple H’s corner and delivered a Chokeslam followed by a Tombstone Piledriver to The Game as the clock timed out. Due to his attack, the fall (The Rock taking a DQ) and the match were awarded to Triple H. Thus, the championship changed hands due to outside interference by the Undertaker.

#3 Return to challenge Brock Lesnar for WrestleMania - RAW 2/24/2014

On Feb 24th, 2014 episode of Monday Night RAW, Paul Heyman announced that his client, Brock Lesnar, would not be competing at WrestleMania XXX. He wasn’t handed a title shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship becauase that distinction goes annually to the winner of the Royal Rumble. Heyman stated that any match other than one for WWE's top championship wasn’t good enough for his client.

As the men decided to walk out of the ring (and supposedly WWE), The Undertaker’s signature gong hit followed by himself walking to the ring. Heyman was eventually overjoyed by the prospect of his client getting the opportunity to break Undertaker's vaunted undefeated streak at WrestleMania, which at the time stood at 21-0. Brock Lesnar signed the contract and pointed the pen towards The Deadman. Instead of just signing the contract, Undertaker pierced the pen on Lesnar’s hand and chokeslammed him through the table, followed by signing in Lesnar's own lifeblood.

The Undertaker’s undefeated streak was broken that year at WrestleMania XXX by Lesnar, which is still considered possibly the most shocking moment in the history of WWE.

#2 Return interrupted by Triple H - RAW 2/21/2011

For weeks, The Undertaker was advertised to return on 2.21.11 episode of RAW as WWE. The return was built up for weeks and was highly anticipated. Even though WWE never actually confirmed that the videos playing weekly on TV were actually about Undertaker, they made it pretty clear with all of the symbolism and music utilized.

However, the return was abruptly interrupted by the return of Triple H. The Game gestured to challenge the Deadman for a match at WrestleMania 27. While 'Taker initially seemed to refuse, moments later he accepted the match by performing his signature throat-slitting gesture. The Game replied in kind by performing his signature DX-chop.

This confrontation is considered as one of the best of all time as neither Superstar had to utter a single word in the entire segment but completely connected with the audience through their sheer intensity. It set the tone for one of the biggest matches of 2011.

#1 Return from the burning casket - Survivor Series 2005

Randy Orton and Bob Orton faced Undertaker in a Handicap Casket Match at No Mercy 2005. After winning the match, Randy Orton locked The Deadman inside the casket, rolled it up to the top of the entrance area, and set it on fire.

A could of months later, Randy Orton led Team SmackDown to victory in the traditional 5-on-5 Survivor Series Elimination match against Team RAW. As the SmackDown locker room was celebrating their win over the rival brand, the all-too-familiar druids came to the ramp and placed a foreboding upright casket. Soon after, lightning struck the casket and set it ablaze as the puzzled Orton looked at it. Moments later, The Undertaker broke down the casket from the inside and stepped outside surrounded by flames.

This is arguably the best return that The Undertaker has ever made. The visual goes perfectly with his “Deadman Walking” character, as he literally marched through fire as he exited the burning casket.

Please let us know your favourite Undertaker return in the comments section below.

Edited by Nicholas A. Marsico