5 matches which cemented The Undertaker’s Legacy in WWE 

There are few wrestlers in the WWE who command respect like The Undertaker.

The Undertaker has stood the test of time and weathered every storm. By staying relevant and reinventing his character for 30 years, he has displayed unparalleled ability as a professional wrestler.

Be it 'The Phenom', 'The American Bad Ass', or 'The Deadman', The Undertaker has effortlessly pulled off each character. His loyalty towards WWE and Vince McMahon speaks volumes of his sheer commitment, dedication, and hard work.

In this article, we take a walk down memory lane to reminisce five matches that cemented The Undertaker’s legacy in the WWE.

---

#5 Undertaker vs Yokozuna, Casket Match, Survivor Series,1994

The Undertaker had much to prove after he was beaten by Yokozuna at the Royal Rumble Casket Match the same year. As a result, he was locked in the casket and his soul rose from the titantron after which he promised revenge.

The Undertaker returned at SummerSlam 1994 to end the fake Undertaker, and followed that up with a majestic win in the Casket Match at Survivor Series.

The Survivor Series match was particularly entertaining. Despite interference from heels like Irwin R. Schysterher, The Undertaker–with the help of Chuck Norris–put Yokozuna in the casket and cemented his legacy in a match coined by him.

#4 Undertaker vs Mankind, Hell in a Cell Match, King of the Ring,1998

The Hell in a Cell match at the King of the Ring 1998 defined The Undertaker's legacy for being able to perform high flying moves in a lethal structure.

Mankind and The Undertaker's bitter rivalry was well documented throughout 1996. Paul Bearer turned heel and sided with Mankind in the Boiler Room Brawl and Buried Alive Match.

The cell was first introduced when The Undertaker took on Shawn Michaels in which his half-brother Kane made his debut, costing him the match.

The Phenom made his name as he threw Mankind 16 feet below and the hardcore legend went crashing into the announcers' table.

Bruce Prichard, in his podcast Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard, said this about Mankind taking the brutal bumps:

''The same story has been told over and over again, the cage at the top not breaking like it was supposed to and we were told it would. One of the worst bumps was from the top of the cage to the ring, with the chair came in and slid, knocked his teeth out. It was an amazing match and spectacle. But throughout it all, those moments where you are looking at someone like Mick and thinking oh my god, it has gone too far,'' – Bruce Prichard

#3 Undertaker vs Kane, WrestleMania 20, 2004

The Undertaker and Kane's rivalries were epic with the first showdown at WrestleMania 14. They have also been partners as the Brothers of Destruction.

In the build-up to this showdown, The Undertaker was buried alive by Kane in a match where the American Badass locked horns with Vince McMahon.

The Undertaker, in the lead-up to WrestleMania 20, was toying with The Big Red Machine as he played mind-games. He finally came back in a hybrid deadman version and his kayfabe half-brother was struck with fear.

The WWE universe at Madison Square Garden popped at the entry of the Deadman with manager Paul Bearer by his side. After a couple of choke slams and the decisive tombstone, Kane was made to rest in peace.

With the win, The Undertaker's legacy was cemented further at WrestleMania, boasting a 12-0 win record for his envious streak.

#2 Undertaker vs Triple H, Hell in a Cell Match, WrestleMania 28, 2012

In 2012, The Undertaker and Triple H were still in fine form. The Deadman beat the King of Kings the previous year at WrestleMania 2011 but was so exhausted that he could not walk back and was taken out on a stretcher.

Due to this ill-fated occurrence, The Undertaker was very keen to have another go at The Game, and the rivalry culminated in an End of an Era match in the lethal cell structure at WrestleMania 28.

Shawn Michaels was the special guest referee whose career the Phenom had already ended in the Streak v Career match.

The bout was one for the ages, with both wrestlers going at it. Triple H even used his favorite weapon of choice, the sledgehammer, to put The Undertaker down.

The Deadman's resilience was worth every praise as, despite being knocked out by the sledgehammer, he managed to rise up and end the match by making Triple H tap using Hell's Gate

This match was truly the end of an era as, post the contest, the three wrestlers broke characters and hugged on the entrance ramp to show respect.

#1 Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels, Streak v Career Match, WrestleMania 26, 2010

The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, having debuted around the same time in WWE, carved very different paths for themselves.

They did battle against each other in the 90s, but the match which stands out was the Streak v Career.

HBK was out for retribution after losing to the Deadman WrestleMania 2009 and, to make the match worth it, Michael's career was put on the line against Taker's streak.

Both legends had a historic contest as HBK delivered the Sweet Chin Music on a couple of occasions only for The Undertaker to rise up each time.

The Undertaker, after repeated attempts to pin Michaels, finally managed to put The Show Stopper away with a tombstone. Shawn Michaels lost, and his career came to an end. The Undertaker continued his legacy as the streak remained intact.

Truly an epic encounter!