WWE's Undertaker Is The Obvious First Choice To Be Inducted Into The WWE Hall Of Fame 2022

The Undertaker

His name is Mark William Calaway, but to the world of professional wrestling, the WWE Universe, and just about everybody on the planet, he is known as The Undertaker. The Deadman, as he's also called, may have ridden off into the sunset but, as Wrestlemania 38 is fast approaching, there may be the chance to see an appearance by the Undertaker as he should be the headliner at this years Hall Of Fame ceremonies. And, as all wrestling fans know, there's always that possibility for that "one more match" in the world of professional wrestling.

The Undertaker first appeared over 30 years ago in the World Wrestling Federation at their November event, The Survivor Series. Since that time Mark Callaway has shown us two contrasting personas of the Undertaker. We were first treated to The Deadman, an undead, occult-like figure with supernatural abilities. There have been many different versions of the deadman over the years as costumes change and his storyline motives evolved.

The Deadman version of the mortician-like character came to an end as the Undertaker became the Satanic Ministry of Darkness leader in September of 1999 during the Attitude Era of professional wrestling. This version of the Undertaker lasted until we were treated to a much different version of the Undertaker when he returned to the ring in May of 2000.

Enter Undertaker, The American Badass

Creepy children on the Titantron, the words judgment day is now, the sound of a Harley motorcycle, and in enters The American Badass, The Undertaker. Clad in a long leather coat the near 7 foot tall American Badass steps off his cycle and takes out the kayfabe heels like they're nothing as the billionaire owner takes off running from his main attraction.

"I may not dress like Satan anymore, but I'm still down with the Devil and I will go medieval on your ass."

--The Undertaker

One of the greatest joys any wrestling fan has ever had is to have seen the Undertaker live. As the Deadman, the entrance of the Undertaker is absolutely chilling. The ominous organ music, the dark lights, the shadowy figure emerging at the top of the ramp, ominously making his way to the ring.

As the American Badass, the entrances were much more adrenaline-fueled. The sounds of the Harley Davidson, the beat of Kid Rocks American Bad Ass playing over the speakers through the arena, and seeing Taker ride his Harley to the ring, speeding around it like a vulture circling his prey. No matter the entrance you got to see, the Undertaker was as much the phenomenon to see as he was advertised.

The Streak Of The Undertaker

One of the most storied things about The Undertaker is his historic run on "The Grandest Stage Of Them All," Wrestlemania. The Undertaker went for 21 straight appearances at Wrestlemania, being put in the ring against the greatest of the greats, without "losing" a match.

Some of the absolute best in professional wrestling have performed/competed with The Undertaker at Wrestlemania over the 21 years he was undefeated.

Whether you're a fan of professional wrestling, professional wrestling is a part of American culture, and its performers and athletes are a part of pop culture. The Undertakers list of vanquished foes is a list of the best there have ever been.

Wrestlemania 7-Jimmy Superfly Snuka

Wrestlemania 8-Jake "The Snake" Roberts

Wrestlemania 9-Giant Gonzalez

Wrestlemania 11-King Kong Bundy

Wrestlemania 12-Diesel (AKA KEVIN NASH)

Wrestlemania 13-SYCHO SID

Wrestlemania 14-Kane

Wrestlemania 15-The Big Boss Man

Wrestlemania 17-Triple H

Wrestlemania 18-Ric Flair

Wrestlemania 19-Big Show and A-Train 2 on 1 Handicap Match

Wrestlemania 20-Kane

Wrestlemania 21-Randy Orton

Wrestlemania 22-Mark Henry

Wrestlemania 23-The Animal Dave Bautista (Before Drax In Guardians Of The Galaxy)

Wrestlemania 24-Edge

Wrestlemania 25-Shawn Michaels

Wrestlemania 26-Shawn Michaels with Michaels career on the line

Wrestlemania 27-HHH in a no holds barred match

Wrestlemania 28-HHH in a Hell In A Cell with Shawn Michaels as Guest Referee

Wrestlemania 29-CM Punk

The End Of The Undertakers Streak

At Wrestlemania 30 the Undertaker stepped into the ring with his 21-0 record against a man some call the greatest combat sports athlete alive. While I question that nickname, Brock Lesnar is an impressive physical specimen and at the time there was simply nobody better, or more believable, than Brock Lesnar when it came to who would break the aging Undertakers streak.

The match was an impressive bout that gave both men the chance to show their dominance at different times. The video above was the subject of memes and gifs within an hour of the match happening. Then, when we least expected it, the ref counted one, two, three and it was the end of an era. The streak was ended, leaving the heel Lesnar with yet another accolade to add to his list of accomplishments.

The Last Ride Match

The Undertaker's last ride match at Wrestlemania 37 was a theatrical match that pitted the Deadman against the Phenomenal One, AJ Styles. Taking place at a farm located in Florida, the match saw AJ Styles show up early in a body wagon and the Undertaker as the Deadman ride in on a Harley.

The theatrics of the match added to the tension between AJ Styles in a well-built-up match. AJ and The Deadman beat one another around the entire farm, the WWE brought out special effects, extras to get beat up, and a soundtrack from Metallica. At the end of the day, it was our hero that stood victorious as the cockier than ever AJ Styles was laid to rest in a grave with his name on it.

Why The Hall Of Fame

Of anyone they could have as the headliner of this year's event, The Undertaker had a storied 30-year career with the WWF/WWE. He fought them all. From Hulk Hogan to the Macho Man. From Dave Bautista to HHH and Shawn Michaels and everyone in between. Undertaker is responsible for perhaps more highlights of the last 30 years in wrestling having been in every crazy, inventive, and barbaric looking match ever conceived.

He also left the WWE as the most respected performer in that industry. The Undertaker was a ring general and a leader in the WWE locker room. Undertaker remained loyal to the company and helped to build it into the business it is today. Perhaps the most respected member of the WWE Universe over the past 30 years, this year the Undertaker deserves to be in the Hall Of Fame.

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