10 Vicious Wrestling Brawls Nobody Talks About

3. The Undertaker Vs. Rob Van Dam (WWF Vengeance 2001)

The Undertaker is rightly praised for making Jeff Hardy look like a star on the 1 July 2002 episode of Monday Night Raw. By allowing his younger peer (who was known for being more of a tag-team star at that point) to shine throughout, the veteran 'Taker was very giving during the Ladder Match.

Even though he did exactly the same thing for relative WWF newcomer Rob Van Dam at Vengeance in December 2001, few talk about that match with the same misty-eyed fondness.

Finish aside (The Undertaker winning the Hardcore Title from a red-hot Van Dam made little sense), this was an exhibition of RVD's talents that proved he could cut it at a top level against the best. Yes, it was the same old Van Dam spot festival ECW fans knew well, but watching Undertaker's willingness to sell and the legend's understanding of how to link between those spots is an educating experience.

Opposing Rob Van Dam in a Hardcore Title bout must be considered one of Undertaker's finest performances in a career full of enhancing others whilst keenly maintaining the aura of his own character.