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Undertakers Personas

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Undertaker's WWE Personas

Original Western Undertaker: November 1990 - January 1994
Symbolised by the original western look with a black overcoat, hat, grey leather gloves and grey boot-covers. The birth of this persona was at the Undertaker's debut at the 1990 Survivor Series. Always remaining a quiet character, originally lead by Brother Love, until aligning himself with Paul Bearer during a segment called the Brother Love Show. This was the beginning of a long time partnership that would have many twists and turns in nearly all of Undertaker's facets. The persona itself can be split into two halves in that he was originally a heel from his debut, including his minor feud with Hulk Hogan in late 1991 where he defeated Hogan to win the WWF Title. Rescuing Miss Elizabeth from the hands of Jake "The Snake" Roberts just before WrestleMania VIII in 1992 and then his defeat over Jake at WrestleMania VIII, lead to the Undertaker's babyface turn during which he feuded with Kamala and Giant Gonzalez. We also saw the introduction of the Casket Match which put fear into the hearts of his opponents and was eventually the demise of the Western Undertaker as he "died" and ascended to the heavens as a result of being entombed in a casket at the 1994 Royal Rumble.

Deadman: August 1994 - October 1996
The Undertaker returned from the dead at SummerSlam 1994 with an updated attire, wearing purple leather gloves, purple boot-covers, etc. to take on Ted DiBiase's fake Undertaker. This persona continued through to the Undertaker's revenge on Yokozuna, his feuds with Kama and Mabel, Goldust and Mankind. It was during this era that he wore a grey mask, fought in a Boiler Room Brawl and was betrayed by Paul Bearer. Undertaker participated in the first ever Buried Alive Match against Mankind at In Your House 1996, winning the match but the Executioner interfered afterwards, burying the Undertaker alive signalling the end of this era.

Lord of Darkness: November 1996 - December 1998
The Undertaker was reborn again a month after being buried alive. This time he descended to the ring from the rafters in black leather attire and bat-like wings. The long-term feud with Mankind was temporarily sealed shut, as was a defeat over The Executioner. Into 1997, 'Taker focused his attention on winning the Royal Rumble and The Final Four. Failing in both he was finally granted a shot at the WWF Championship at WrestleMania 13 on Raw. After winning the WWF Championship Undertaker told his Creatures of the Night that this gave birth to the dark days of the WWF. He went on to hold the title for 5 months before losing to Bret "Hit Man" Hart at SummerSlam 1997. This title loss was the birth of a feud with Shawn Michaels, including the first-ever "Hell in a Cell" match and a Casket match. The Phenom also faced the challenge of his brother Kane who set him on fire inside a casket at Royal Rumble 1998, resulting in an historic match at WrestleMania XIV and an Inferno match. The two brothers briefly became allies against Stone Cold Steve Austin at one point, then turned on Vince McMahon and then the Phenom turned on Kane, realigning himself with Paul Bearer.

Ministry: January 1999 - September 1999
Still with Austin and Kane set in his sights, towards the end of 1998, the Undertaker began speaking of a Ministry of evil and the dark days that would soon be taking over the WWF. This was the first sign of the Undertaker becoming more demonic than ever before. Austin was crucified on an Undertaker symbol and almost embalmed in a sacrifice. However, Kane assisted Austin in burying the Undertaker alive at December 1998's PPV. When the Undertaker returned just before the 1999 Royal Rumble, he was draped in a black hooded cloak with a Satan-like beard. The Lord of Darkness began selecting members for his evil Ministry of Darkness. The Undertaker met again with the likes of Austin and The Rock in WWF Championship action. The siding with Shane McMahon and unveiling of the "Higher Power" (Vince McMahon) later led to the formation of the Corporate Ministry, one of the biggest factions in the WWF ever. However, after losing the WWF Championship, the Undertaker took the Big Show under his wing and the two giants forming the Unholy Alliance, along with Paul Bearer and began searching out the Tag Team Titles. In September 1999 when the Undertaker was told by Vince he would have to earn his shot at the WWF Championship, 'Taker expressed his refusal to keep on taking orders from Vince and walked out on the WWF on SmackDown!

American Bad Ass: May 2000 - December 2001
After 8 months time-off due to real life injuries, the Undertaker made his long-awaited return at Judgment Day in May 2000. However, the days of pitch black, blue fog and church organ music entrances were gone. The Undertaker was now an American Bad Ass biker complete with sunglasses, bandana, leather trench coat and motorcycle. The Badass allowed everyone to see a new side to the Undertaker, he was still one of the most dominant forces in the WWF but he appeared more human. He introduced us to his wife Sara, who was being stalked by DDP at the time, but it was soon apparent she could fight her own battles. The Undertaker soon found his way back into WWF Championship action towards the end of 2000. In 2001, the American Bad Ass formed an alliance with Kane. The Brothers of Destruction were on a war path for the Tag Team Titles. After supporting Team WWF at the InVasion 2001 against WCW/ECW's Team Alliance, the Undertaker and Kane seemed to go their separate ways.

Big Evil: December 2001 - November 2003
In probably the most shocking of the Phenom's heel turns Undertaker attacked JR on Raw, fed up of kissing Vince McMahon's ass for all those years, he decided he had, had enough. The Undertaker now had a new shaved haircut, dyed jet black, accompanied by a new kick-ass, take-no-sh*t, brawling attitude, arguably more aggressive than ever before. He had now assumed the Red Devil Big Evil persona, defeating Rob Van Dam for the Hardcore Championship at Vengeance 2001, winning the WWE Championship from Hulk Hogan at Judgment Day 2002 and having a feud with Brock Lesnar towards the end of 2002, culminating in a Hell in a Cell match. Throughout 2003, Big Evil encountered the Big Show and A-Train on numerous occasions. He met with Brock Lesnar again in a Biker Chain match and then finally with the boss himself Vince McMahon in a Buried Alive match. This resulted in the Undertaker being buried under 6 feet of dirt with the help of his psychotic brother Kane.

Hybrid: March 2004 - Present
For 3 years the Undertaker showed a different side to him, a more human side, but after a series of traumatic events resulting in him being buried alive, the Undertaker returned as the Deadman at WrestleMania XX. The Undertaker is now a culmination of all his previous personas, dressed in his Big Evil attire accompanied by a long leather trench coat and hat. Paul Bearer returned by his side but was soon deposed of by 'Taker himself as he was a weakness the Phenom couldn't afford. Feuding with JBL most notably in an attempt to become the 5 time WWE Champion his chances were thwarted by the psychotic Heidenreich.

credit to phenom forever.com