The Undertaker's 24 WrestleMania Matches Ranked - From Worst To Best

9. Vs. Randy Orton - WrestleMania 21

Taker Mania XXX
WWE.com

The Undertaker Vs. Randy Orton possessed perhaps the most intriguing dynamic of any of the Dead Man’s ‘Mania matches: legend versus Legend Killer.

It marked the first time WWE went full-on in the promotion of ‘Taker’s Streak, which was more happenstance than feat of long-term marketing genius. Orton had crafted his transgressive persona so brilliantly that his beating ‘Taker was not out of the question. It felt as though the Streak was acknowledged purely to put Orton’s achievement over, lending the midcard attraction legitimate stakes and heat.

It didn’t start off particularly well - Orton was out of position for Old School, his neck crumpling brutally under ‘Taker’s tricep - but the two men soon found their rhythm. The match escalated into something very suspenseful, with Orton inventively countering his opponent’s offence to dramatic effect. The Chokeslam into an RKO spot drafted the blueprint for Orton’s most exciting moments in ensuing years.

It is remembered as something below Undertaker’s mercurial best, but it should be celebrated for what it was: a quietly excellent midcard bout in a ‘Mania canon curiously light on them - even if Orton’s future tag team partner eventually improved upon its formula.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!