WWE WrestleMania 33: 25 Greatest Moments in WrestleMania History

13. The Deadman Returns (WrestleMania XX)

If I start talking about The Undertaker, I usually assume that most people picture him in his current persona. It’s very similar to the character he was upon his debut in WWE way back in 1990. For those who don’t know exactly what The Deadman is, he’s basically a mortician from the Old West, and possibly a ghost/zombie.

However, in 2000, Taker returned from an injury hiatus with a drastically different character — suddenly, he was a biker. No more funeral themed gear or music, no more looking like he was “undead” — think Sons of Anarchy meets pro wrestling. He would continue with his biker/”Big Evil” character until Survivor Series 2003, when he lost a Buried Alive match to Vince McMahon. The Chairman got some help from Kane, who claimed his brother was now “dead and buried forever.”

Beginning with the Royal Rumble in 2004, Kane started being haunted by video messages and other supernatural distractions. They all seemed to indicate that The Undertaker was returning. Kane didn’t believe it, but challenged his brother to face him at WrestleMania anyway.

When WrestleMania XX arrived, Kane eventually made his way to the ring, still in disbelief as to Taker’s presence. But then Paul Bearer came out, and blue lights filled Madison Square Garden. And Bearer brought with him the urn – believed to be the source of the Deadman’s powers – and a group of druids.

Finally, Taker appeared in his Deadman persona—  trench coat, duster hat, the works. Kane was distraught, and the “match” was short. Undertaker dominated, and finished with a classic Tombstone for the victory.

The return of the Deadman was a classic WrestleMania moment.