https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWbFPrQbwiI The absurdity of the Undertaker vs. Undertaker story that unfolded over the course of the summer of 1994 has been well documented and, though it ultimately resulted in a terrible SummerSlam main event, it's place among the great moments in Undertaker's career is unquestionable. The previous January, Undertaker had lost a casket match to Yokozuna at the Royal Rumble and ascended to the heavens (more on that later). For months, Hollywood celebrity and the star of the Naked Gun film series Leslie Nielsen would search high and low for any sign of the Phenom. He took witness testimonies from the likes of firefighters, waitresses and school children, all who had claimed to have seen the Undertaker. When "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase claimed to have purchased the Undertaker, there was plenty of reason to be skeptic. When he introduced the Deadman to the audience and he was inches shorter than he had previously, that skepticism proved to be warranted. DiBiase swore his Undertaker was the real one and dismissed claims from Paul Bearer that, in fact, the true Undertaker would return at SummerSlam to combat his fake. That is exactly what happened at the August 1994 show as the real Phenom made his return to the ring, clad in brand new purple attire, and soundly defeated the man who would become nicknamed the "Underfaker" by fans. It was an absolutely ludicrous story but its over-the-top nature fit right in with Undertaker's character and made for, at the very least, some entertaining television.
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.