At WrestleMania IX, The Undertaker squared off with the towering Giant Gonzalez. It was one of the show's marquee matches, especially considering Gonzalez was the first Superstar to truly be treated as the Phenom's superior. There was very real doubt that the Deadman would make it past the April 1993 event with his undefeated streak at the Showcase of the Immortals intact. In order to overcome the tremendous size disadvantage, he would have to resort to the same mind games that would eventually help him past Mankind, Kane, Steve Austin, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and numerous other headline talent over the next 20 years. He did just that and in the process, became responsible for one of the most visually striking entrances in WrestleMania history. The sound of the gong exploded over the PA system and the fans inside Caesar's Palace came unglued as the darkest character in Vince McMahon's live action cartoon made his entrance. But unlike every other time they had seen the man in black make his way to the squared circle, he rode a chariot straight out of the Roman epics. By his side was a vulture, creating an image that was etched in the minds of anyone who saw it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHTPONwy6xo Over the years, Undertaker's entrances would get bigger and more elaborate, with special lighting, effects and even fire but it was the simple bit of theatricality involving a live harbinger of death and a chariot that ranks as the most effective of them all.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
