Survivor Series 1990...the event where it all began. For weeks prior to the annual November extravaganza, "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase had hyped a mystery partner for his Survivor Series team. On November 22, he revealed his partner to be a haunting new star that would go on to become the greatest character WWE ever produced. At six-foot-ten, 328-pounds, Undertaker was a gargantuan competitor who was completed invested in the gimmick he had been given. He stalked to the ring with Brother Love by his side as thousands of fans watched in awe. Those fans had seen many a gimmick come through WWE but never had they seen one that captivated them quite the way the newcomer did. There was something about the way he stalked to the ring, the way he carried himself and the overall look and feel of the character that captured and held their attention. The performer behind the gimmick took the act seriously, respected the character and it came across as such. He was incredibly believable and it only helped to legitimize the character. Undertaker dominated the competition and made future Hall of Famer Koko B. Ware the first Superstar to ever fall to the Tombstone. His eagerness to hurt the opposition, however, cost him in the end as he was counted out and eliminated from the match. The loss meant little as he left and indelible mark on the show and became one of the most memorable elements of the night's broadcast. As has been documented earlier in this article, he would enjoy a meteoric rise up the card and the following year's event, would be sporting ten pounds of gold around his waist.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
