This entry does not discuss The Undertaker as a gimmick. It focuses instead on the toughness and determination of the man behind the Undertaker. The stories surrounding the Undertakers toughness are legendary. Triple H once mentioned him working with injured ribs and just duct-taped his torso and went out for his match. In his Hell in a Cell match with Brock Lesnar at No Mercy 2002, he wrestled with a broken hand. Finally, at King of the Ring 1996, he faced off against Mankind and famously climbed the cell with a broken foot. This toughness of his is portrayed in his Deadman character, who often sits up rejuvenated and no-sells his opponents offense; and through the mans seemingly endless stamina and endurance. Though Japanese wrestlers are known for their extreme toughness, there is one wrestler who embodies toughness and ability to absorb punishment more than others: Japanese Equivalent: Yoshihiro Takayama Though not a name that most wrestling fans would know, Takayama is probably best known among mixed martial arts fans as that tall Japanese guy who got destroyed by Don Frye at Pride 21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dapfW9AkfsQ Yoshihiro Takayama is bigger than most Japanese wrestlers, standing at 65 and weighing 291 lbs. In Japan, he is known more for his considerable toughness than his wrestling abilities. In fact, much of his move-set is centered on stiff punches and kicks. However, his aforementioned fight with Don Frye really put him on the map. Takayama has been on the receiving end of more backdrops and stiff strikes than arguably any wrestler of the past decade. He has won many championships himself, including being one of only two men to hold all three of Japans top wrestling world titles. The comparison between the Undertaker and Takayama is quite noted. Both men tower over their opponents (Taker is 610 and Takayama at 65 towers over most of his opponents, who range between 511 and 62). Both men are known to be extremely tough and capable of absorbing a lot of punishment, and both men have been influenced by mixed martial arts, though Takayama more so than Taker. Though the Undertaker has enjoyed a more illustrious career than Takayama, both men embody toughness and the ability to absorb punishment. It is for this reason that these two men are counterparts of one another.
Alexander Podgorski is a writer for WhatCulture that has been a fan of professional wrestling since he was 8 years old. He loves all kinds of wrestling, from WWE and sports entertainment, to puroresu in Japan.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University in Political Studies and French, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He speaks English, French, Polish, a bit of German, and knows some odd words and phrases in half a dozen other languages.
