Before SummerSlam 1996, The Undertaker had experienced a less-than-fortuitous run of opponents on the major event. In 1992 he faced Kamala, following that up quickly with a horrendous battle against The Giant Gonzales in 1993. In 1994, Undertaker faced a fake version of himself, awkwardly closing out the show opposite Brian Lee. 1995 then brought Kama in a Casket Match. Exactly zero of these matches were worth watching more than once. The same thing couldn't be said for 'Taker's uniquely interesting 'Boiler Room Brawl' with Mankind in 1996. Going close to 30 minutes, the pair constructed a violent departure from what fans were used to seeing on WWF programming. Mick Foley played a huge part in this, and it was clear Undertaker enjoyed working with him. Instead of the lumbering giants 'Taker had been forced to stumble through bouts with before, Mankind provided a mobile counterpart with which to work magic. Foley - under the guise of Mankind - was still a 'monster', but he was a much more accomplished worker than any of Undertaker's previous SummerSlam rivals. This directly helped change The Undertaker's style.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
