Led By: The Undertaker & Paul Bearer Prominent Members: The Undertaker, Paul Bearer, Bradshaw, Farooq, Mideon, Viscera, Gangrel, Edge, Christian Date(s): 1999 It seems sort of quaint 15 years on the Undertaker takes a gimmick a bit too seriously, and starts a merry band of vampires and devil worshippers. But at the time, it was terrifying, pearl clutching stuff. The Ministry of Darkness was responsible for some of the more insane, twisted stunts that the WWE pulled during the Monday Night Wars. Like when they tried to sacrifice Stephanie, or force her into marriage with the Undertaker. Or when they crucified Steve Austin. Or when they hanged Big Bossman from the top of the Cell at Wrestlemania. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiWezfThf9U Controversy alone, however, does not make a stable great. The Ministry was entertaining, but there was nothing deeper or relatable going on it was just a massive freakshow, and after awhile, the shock value wore off. They eventually merged with the Corporation to form the Corporate Ministry, and that was the beginning of the end. T hat stable broke up, and the Unholy Alliance broke up as well. Undertaker took close to a year off for a groin injury, and by the time he returned, all the supernatural theatrics were gone. Instead, we got a biker gimmick, and we all tolerated it until the 'real' Undertaker returned at Wrestlemania XX.
Kevin is an AP English Language teacher and freelance writer from Queens, NY. His focus is on American pop culture and American issues. He wrote a weekly column for Complex called "Throwback Thursdays," which spotlighted video games and trends from previous console generations. Kevin has also been published in VIBE, Salon, PopMatters, Joystiq, and Racialicious. Follow him on Twitter to learn more.
