8 Ups & 6 Downs From The Undertaker's WWE Career

1. The 'Dream Match' Era

The most depressing thing about The Undertaker's current run is that the one before it (when he transformed into the biggest special attraction WWE has ever seen) was incredible, and in our view, the most compelling period of his career.

'Taker's unbelievable 'Dream Match' run began with Batista at WrestleMania 23. An age-defying series of classics followed, with the Edge HIAC clash delivering big the following year, then Undertaker's two transcendent bouts with Shawn Michaels at 25 and 26. Separating one from the either requires splitting hairs. For many, those matches remain the peak of WWE's dramatic main event style, and any differences in quality are negligible.

Two certified bangers against Triple H followed, then, finally, the last truly outstanding match of Undertaker's career - versus CM Punk at WrestleMania XXIX. He has worked several decent-go-good clashes since then, but never anything on the same level.

Undertaker was already a surefire Hall Of Fame inductee before all this, but these are the bouts that made his streak legendary. Every year, without fail, you could rely on the big man to deliver at WrestleMania, and while age was always going to catch up with him, the period's end will always be lamentable.