Upon switching up his character in 2000 and shifting into a more realistic persona, The Undertaker portrayed a tough biker who didn't stand for any nonsense. Remember when Chuck Palumbo tried to do the same thing several years ago? Ever wondered why it didn't work out quite so well? Not only is 'Taker obviously a bigger star than Palumbo, which helps, but fans could tell that his tough guy schtick wasn't phony. It's no secret that Undertaker is one of the most respected guys in WWE, perhaps the single most simultaneously feared and admired name the promotion have under contract. Longevity has been key to the man's status in the company, but there's surely more to it than that. The fact is that The Undertaker is viewed as uncompromising, someone with great integrity, but also a man unafraid to stand up for himself. According to many, the guy flat out told Shawn Michaels that if he didn't do the honourable thing and lose to Steve Austin at WrestleMania XIV, he'd be waiting for him backstage. Taping his fists whilst delivering the message, Undertaker was all set to knock HBK's lights out if he reneged on his promise to do the job. Couple that with his incredible ability to work through injuries over the years, and few would deny that The Undertaker is as tough as they come.
