The Undertaker is WWE's most distinctive character. Clad in his dark attire, he's immediately identifiable as an old western mortician. It is one of the most over the top cartoon gimmicks that Vince McMahon ever produced, but over twenty years since The Undertaker's 1990 debut he is still going strong with the act. The success is down to Mark Calaway's portrayal of the character and his work rate inside the WWE ring. In truth it is a silly gimmick, but the way Taker conducted himself meant that fans took it seriously. He demanded respect. His in-ring performances were excellent, often putting on the match of the night. Throughout his journey to greatness, Calaway always held true to his old school values in the business. He came from an era where kayfabe was king. Despite the millennial shift towards seeing behind the curtain, The Undertaker character hasn't fully been a part of the cultural shift. He remains rooted in protecting his character. It is part of what has made The Undertaker character so intriguing. But there are occasions and incidents where The Undertaker did break character. These remarkable moments range from botches to respectful gestures. Given the rarity of these moments, they are always fascinating to see.
