The American Badass version of The Undertaker was extremely underrated. He was a more human version of a character that didnt seem to fit anymore in the Attitude Era. Taker with actual mic skills and less supernatural gimmickry was a welcome change after years of being mostly silent. Still, there was a contingent of fans who wanted the Deadman to return. They got their wish in 2004. At the previous years Survivor Series, Kane helped Vince McMahon bury the American Badass alive. Close to WrestleMania season, Kane started to get haunted by the classic Undertaker theatrics. Sure enough, the undead Undertaker returned at Madison Square Garden, flanked by Paul Bearer, who also made his return after a multi-year absence. It took a while for Deadman Undertaker to be taken seriously again, as 2004 was marred with Concrete Crypt matches and You. Me. Summerslam. decrees.