The Deadman and Paul Bearer would venture out onto their own, becoming for the first time in Taker's career, a babyface in 1992. Jake Roberts was the advisary, and would prove not able to overpower the intensity that layed inside. This defeat occured at WrestleMania VIII, and the Deadman would go on to face Giant Gonzales at the following WrestleMania. Gonzales was the first opponent that actually towered over 'Taker, and destroyed him every time they met. However, at WrestleMania, the Phenom emerged victorious after the Giant was disqualified, and later went on to defeat the monster by pinfall.
Weighing at several hundred pounds, Yokozuna became the next major opponent for the Undertaker. Their history began at an earlier Survivor Series, when Yokozuna did his Bonzai Drop onto the Undertaker, and continued their brawl onto the outside. Then in January, both men would meet for one of the most classic Casket Matches in the history of the WWE. At the Royal Rumble 1994, the Deadman seemed to almost attain another victory, until Mr. Fuji called down his other clients to destory 'Taker. In a devestating change of pace, he was placed into the casket, and seeled inside. However, just shortly afterwards, the Undertaker appeared on the Titan Tron saying this:
"Be not proud...the spirit of the Undertaker lives within the soul of all mankind. The eternal flame of life that cannot be extinguished. The origin of which cannot be explained. The answer lies in the everlasting spirit. Soon all mankind will witness the rebirth of the Undertaker...I will not, rest...in...peace."
This led to the Undertaker being 'reborn' of sorts, but also taking time off until Survivor Series 1994. With Chuck Norris being the official to keep away outside interferance, the Undertaker laid Yokozuna into the casket, and gained the win.
In 1995, The Undertaker's 'deadman' gimmick was everthing, and the WWF cashed in on a huge following of fans, who had a taste for the darkside. Nevertheless, through a series of failed and outrageous storylines, including an 'Underfaker' fiasco at SummerSlam 1994, his star was fading. The man who saved the Undertaker was Mick Foley. A veteran of ECW and Japan promotions, Foley brought his own brand of violence to the WWF as Mankind. He clearly energized the Undertaker in a feud that lasted over 2 years. They had some unforgettable matches, like the one at King of the Ring '96, when Mankind beat the then-invincible 'Taker. Two months later at SummerSlam, they clashed in a Boiler Room Brawl, which ended when Paul Bearer turned on Undertaker, and sided with Mankind...shocking everyone. In October '96, they rumbled in the first Buried Alive Match, and unprecedented match in Sports Entertainment.
In 1997, the Undertaker would once again attain the top championship, by facing & defeating Sycho Sid at WrestleMania 13. He was once again on the top of the WWF, but an old demon would come back - looking him square in the face...
Paul Bearer announced to the world, that the Undertaker had a brother...and he was still alive! Bearer claimed that 'Taker set the fire himself, killing everyone except his brother...but, Undertaker said that his brother Kane set it himself, and had to be dead. Paul Bearer said Kane was waiting for revenge, and that he will strike the Undertaker down at any moment. Although this took away the Phenom's attention, he still had to defend his championship against the likes of Bret 'The HItman' Hart at SummerSlam 1997. Shawn Michaels was the special guest referee, and accidently cost 'Taker his championship by hitting him with a steel chair instead of his target, Hart. This led to a feud between the two, and climaxed at WWF In Your House: Badd Blood, in 1997. The match would be the first ever Hell In A Cell, and proved to be one of the most brutal matches in WWE History. Also, this marked the debut of the supposed 'dead brother,' Kane. Kane cost the Undertaker the match, and alongside Paul Bearer, challenged the Undertaker countless times. 'Taker would not accept, claiming he would not hurt his own brother...and went on to face Shawn Michaels once again for the WWF Championship at Royal Rumble 1998. The last RAW is WAR before the Rumble, Kane seemed to make an alliance with his brother, and helped him when Degeneration X was beating him. However, this alliance didn't last long, when Kane turned on his brother once again, this time locking him in the casket - hitting it with an axe, and along with Paul Bearer, setting it on fire.
The Undertaker disappeared for weeks afterwards, but reappeared during an episode of Monday Night RAW. Challenging his brother to a match at WrestleMania XIV, the Undertaker finally made peace with the idea of fighting his own flesh and blood. Their encounter would prove to be the most challenging for the Undertaker thus far, having to use 3 tombstone piledrivers to put down the seven foot monster.
Their feud would go on to Unforgiven 1998, in the first ever Inferno Match. The match was where the entire ring would be surrounded by fire, and the winner would be determined as the one to set his opponent on fire. The Undertaker set Kane on fire once again, and tried to end the battle between the brothers. However immediately afterwards, and old battle would wage on, between Mankind. Mankind interfered in a match between the Deadman and Kane, and was ordered to face him at the next pay per view. Then, of course, the Hell In A Cell match at King Of The Ring 1998; an incredible slice of carnage. In the mean time, 'Taker's character and ring attire underwent subtle modifications, keeping it fresh in people's eyes. Towards the end of 1998, then-WWF scriptwriter Vince Russo took the Undertaker in a new and bizarre direction. First Undertaker and his druids crucified Steve Austin at the Dec. 1st RAW taping, then on Jan. 11, 1999 - 'Taker 'sliced' his own wrists and pourded stage blood into Dennis Knight's mouth and carved a symbol into Knight's chest. Undertaker then took Mideon, The Acolytes, Viscera, and the Brood, and made the Ministry of Darkness with Paul Bearer. Over the next few months, the Undertaker continued his feud with Austin, from whom he got his 3rd world title from. Undertaker was having serious problems with injuries and decided to take some time off. Which led to 2000, where plans were being made for a huge Undertaker comeback, but then he suffered a torn pectoral muscle, which put him back to square one! Afterwards, Undertaker adopted a new gimmick...the American Bad Ass debuted at Judgment Day 2000. This gimmick would prove to be the closest to the real life man behind the character the Undertaker, than he ever portrayed. The Undertaker continued on as the A.B.A, then made a minor switch to 'Big Evil' and won another WWE title from Hollywood Hulk Hogan at Judgment Day 2002. Undertaker was once again still a bad guy, or heel, and was a dominate champion, until losing it to the Rock at Vengeance 2002. The Phenom continued on until he was buried alive by his brother Kane at Survivor Series 2003...Returning again at WRESTLEMANIA-XX, with Paul Bearer - as the DEADMAN. Thus, marking the Undertaker as coming full circle. Shortly thereafter the Undertaker "buried" Paul Bearer in cement, and forged into the WWE on his own, once again - marking a path of utter destruction behind him. Soon, 'Taker would go after the gold once again, but never really attained it.
Later on, a self-proclaimed "Legend-Killer" by the name of Randy Orton tried to lay seige of the Phenom's kingdom...he was - like others - unsucessful. Marking the record to 13-0. The war waged on between these two beasts...even dragging on to another famous Pay Per View - SummerSlam 2005. The war still continued, and Orton did the unthinkable - he set a casket that held the Undertaker - on fire. Taker didn't waver though, he returned better than ever at Survivor Series 2005, and announced that he is bringing an old demon back one more time...Hell in a Cell. Taker conquered in Hell, and disappeared until January 29th, 2006, when he made a devestating sign to Kurt Angle that he wants his title...by making the ring collapse. Their match at No Way Out 2006 was raved by fans of all kinds, even though the Undertaker lost. A beast that was dormant was unleashed once again when Mark Henry challenged Taker at WrestleMania 22. The stakes that lay at hand was the Undertaker's undefeated streak, but also revenge since Henry plowed the Deadman through a table weeks before - costing him the World Heavyweight Championship which he almost had. Unsurprisingly, the record of 14-0 was accomplished on April 2nd, 2006, and the Taker seemed to be back in the title hunt at last. That was until a new 7 foot monster arose out of the Great Khali and dominated the Undertaker. They even faced each other at Judgment Day 2006 - with Khali being victorious.
Drastically, the Phenom was missing in action until constantly called out by Daivari and Khali, when Taker let it be known that he was coming for the 7 foot freak. The Great American Bash seemed to be Taker's killing ground, and Taker accepted Khali's challenge to the first ever Punjabi Prison Match...due to unforseen issues, Khali was replaced by the Big Show - and the Undertaker was on top marking another win under his lengthy career. The war ended in Undertaker's favor, when the Phenom was the last man standing during an episode of SmackDown, facing Khali.
One of the fastest rising superstars, Mr. Ken Kennedy, was forced to face the Undertaker next, so that he could possibly be traded to RAW. The two faced, and the Undertaker was powerful against him, but lost due to disqualification when the Deadman snapped. The feud turned into a blood one, when the Brothers of Destruction - Kane and Undertaker - joined forces once more to fight Kennedy and Kane's advisary, MVP, and left them in a pool of destruction. Kennedy faced him again at Survivor Series 2006 in a First Blood Match. The Undertaker should of won since Kennedy was bleeding from his mouth, but the referee did not see it. MVP later came out and hit the Undertaker with a steel chair, and left the Undertaker to bleed, and lose the match. However, after the match was over, the Undertaker absolutely destroyed Kennedy, and left him laying in his own blood. At the next pay per view, WWE Armageddon, both men faced eachother in a Last Ride match - the second ever on WWE Television. The Undertaker overcame the obstacle of laying Kennedy to rest, by winning the match - and ending their feud.
The Royal Rumble 2007's 30th entrant was the Deadman. After Khali cleaned house, the gong roared, and the Demon from Death Valley eliminated the giant. The final moments of the match saw two veterans duking it out to claim a main event spot. Shawn Michaels and 'Taker stole the program, showcasing their talents. It was the Undertaker's night, as he tossed HBK over the top rope, and won the Rumble...for the first time in his lengthy career.
The next nights on WWE television reminded everyone who had the title shot in their hands...as the Undertaker struck fear in the minds of his possible competitors. Finally on an edition of WWE Monday Night RAW, the Undertaker chose Batista to face at the 23rd WrestleMania. Marking this Undertaker's gravest challenge at WrestleMania yet.
The two opponents were forced to team up with eachother against the RAW WrestleMania main event, John Cena and Shawn Michaels - at WWE NO WAY OUT. The Phenom and The Animal seemed to be partnering well, until Batista delivered a spinebuster to 'Taker, and let the RAW stars put him down for the three count.
The Undertaker and Batista then had a fired up feud, that culminated at WrestleMania 23...with the high stake of the World Heavyweight Championship vs. the Undefeated Streak. The Undertaker marched into Ford Field, sending an omen to Batista, of what his fate would become. Batista started out as the agressor...tackling the Deadman and even at a point, sending him through a table. It seemed that the match would finish as Batista delivered his Batista Bomb. However, the Deadman was much to powerful - and kicked out just before the three count.
The Undertaker battled back, but seemed to face an ironic fate, as Batista tried to apply the Tombstone Piledriver. The Deadman reversed, through Batista into the ropes - and sent the Animal to Tombstone City.
1-2-3!
"Your winner, and NNNNEEEEEEWWWWW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION...The UNDERTAKER!" yelled Tony Chimel.
And thus, the Undefeated Streak remained, and there was a new Champion - a Five time champ to boot.
However, all great things are sometimes cut short...as the Phenom suffered an injury - a bicep tear, and faced the looming threat of surgery. The Undertaker dropped his title against new SmackDown! draftee, Edge. The next day he underwent surgery, and marked once again - a short title reign. The Creatures of the Night had to deal with a leave of absence from the ring, as Undertaker was scheduled to return in November 2007.
But, the ever courageous one we know as the Phenom, emerged several months before anticipated on September 16th, 2007, at WWE Unforgiven - against the man that helped destroy him - Mark Henry. The Undertaker looking better than ever once again, trounced the World's Strongest Man, restarting a trail of pain he left off at in May. Who was he to face next? Only one option was in 'Taker's mind: go get back what he deserves: the World Heavyweight Championship.
The current champion was Batista once again, and the Phenom was more than determined to make a WrestleMania repeat. However, the game favored in Batista's court, as with special referee Stone Cold Steve Austin calling the bout, Batista defeated the Undertaker with a three count.
Not to be sidelined, the Undertaker challenged the Animal in another rematch, this time at WWE SURVIVOR SERIES - in his playground - HELL IN A CELL. While the match was heavily anticipated, and seemed to be the end for Batista's reign, a returning Edge decimated the Deadman, allowing Batista to retain his championship. An old wound was reopened, and the Undertaker was set more than ever to get revenge.
Armageddon 07 saw another chance for gold, as the Undertaker battled Edge and Batista together. Of course, 'Taker had his advantages, but the ever cowardice Edge rounded up a couple of helpers, and through confusion stole the championship - becoming once again World Champ. With another swipe taking away that belt he so badly wants, the Undertaker did not waiver in his attempt, marching on to the 2008 Royal Rumble, hoping to be a back to back winner.
The Undertaker entered at a stark contrast of the prior year, at number one. This was not a disadvantage though, as he seemingly was a favorite to be crowned the number one contender...but a swift Sweet Chin Music ended all hopes of that...for that moment. As what happened next, during No Way Out 2008, the Undertaker was one of six men in a SmackDown! Elimination Chamber Match for the number one contendership at WrestleMania XXIV. Battling through all diversity, even being the first man in the chamber, the Undertaker locked up the dream, and clinched the number one contender spot - by finally pinning Batista.
The Undertaker got the chance to face the man that ended his 5th title reign, the man that he rose to fame through his Ministry of Darkness, the man that he has wanted to destroy for several months...
At WrestleMania XXIV The Undertaker vs. Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship occurred, and what led up to it was a hardfelt feud between two powerful superstars.
Walking into WRESTLEMANIA XXIV, the Undertaker was going to seemingly face one of his toughest opponents ever. And the event did not disappoint. The Deadman walked down the aisle in a marvelous spectacle, even in a flashback 'old school' attire. The two men damaged eachother throughout, and Edge had cards up his sleave...having the Edgeheads run ot the ring - trying to end the Undertaker's streak. Edge delivered two devastating spears to the Undertaker, but after the second one, the Undertaker locked in the Triangle Choke, making the champ TAP OUT!
Thus, the Undertaker became the NEW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION -- a six time champ -- and 16-0 at WRESTLEMANIA!!! The Phenom never looked better with the championship proudly on his shoulder.
Still the Deadman, the Undertaker is continuing to march on, beating all odds that face his way...like he always has.