The Undertaker: Last Ride

From Death Valley weighing in at 320 pounds, THE UNDERTAKER…

For 30 years those words have been synonymous with the world of Professional Wrestling. He has been the constant, in an ever-evolving cast of characters sprung from the mind of Vince McMahon. The Undertaker made his debut at the 1990 Survivor Series and from the first time that funeral dirge hit, the wrestling world never looked back. As a child growing up in the 90’s there were times where I was equally in awe and terrified of the man, he was the personification of your worst nightmare come to life, and there was not a man in the ring that didn’t look in fear as he slowly made his way to the ring.

It is only now as an adult that I come to realize that it was not fear with which they gazed, it was respect and admiration for one of the best to ever lace up a pair of wrestling boots. There was always a mystique in everything he did from the way he walked, to the methodical removal of his trademark hat and coat. He gave to the fans everything he had, even in later years when he did not have it to give. He was a person who maintained the idea of Kayfabe, or protecting the secrets of the business, even at a time where the concept was long in the past. No one ever knew the man behind the character, he lived it in all aspects.

The Undertaker was owner of the most historic streak in the history of the business. He remained undefeated at WrestleMania, a perfect 21-0 beginning at WrestleMania VII. The ending of the streak is widely considered the most shocking moment in the history of the wrestling business when at WrestleMania XXX he was defeated by Brock Lesnar. To the fans, this was an act of sacrilege, and yet to him it was a moment where he was able to give back to the business which had given so much to him. It is a feat that had never been accomplished and will likely never be seen again.

Recently the documentary “Undertaker: Last Ride”, gave us a 5-part glimpse deeper into the life of Mark Calaway than anyone outside of the squared circle had ever seen. This documentary was a captivating look at the man behind the veneer that he had shown to the world for the last 3 decades. It showed the heart and soul of a man who has been battered during a career that most could only dream of. He built a legacy for himself in a world where so many try and are unable to catch on. He was able to reinvent himself time and time again, always remaining true to himself, and yet giving the audience a fresh perspective of himself.

The most striking thing to see was that behind eyes that were so confident in the ring stood a man who was desperate to end his career in a way that would be acceptable, not to the fans, not even to Vince McMahon, but to himself. He spent 4 years chasing “the perfect match” only to figure out that what he was really chasing was the ability to turn back time. He could see that he had lost a step but felt the need to redeem himself for several matches with which he was disappointed.  There is no person on earth, who would have considered those matches a disappointment, and yet he had earned the right to go out on his terms.

It was a source of pride for so many to say in latter years that they were at the “Last Match” of the Undertaker. I write this as someone who was proud to say the same after he left his hat, coat, and gloves in the ring after his loss at WrestleMania 33. Ironically, at the end of WrestleMania 36, he rode off into the night after defeating A.J. Styles in a Boneyard Match, which was one of the most unique matches of a storied career, and there was not a fan in attendance.

The Undertaker always seemed superhuman in the ring, so it is bittersweet to write about his retirement. There are so many memorable moments which I have not even touched on including being the innovator of the Hell in a Cell Match. I felt the need to write this though, to honor the 30 years of memories he has given me, and to honor the man who gave everything he had to a business which is always asking for more. He has been loyal to the WWE, loyal to Vince, and loyal to the fans, now it is time that we repay that loyalty, by allowing him to know that we appreciate everything he gave us. At the end of the Last Ride, he said that he needed us more than we needed him. He will never understand that we needed each other equally, he gave us everything he had to give, and in return we give him our undying respect.

Thank you, Taker, from a grateful fan.