WWE: Ranking Undertaker's 21 WrestleMania Victories Worst To Best

8. Randy Orton, WrestleMania 21

The self-proclaimed Legend Killer, Randy Orton rediscovered his dastardly heel ways following a failed babyface turn late in 2004 and entered WrestleMania 21 with one goal: end Undertaker's undefeated streak and prove himself as the future of professional wrestling. After dropping girlfriend Stacy Keibler with an RKO on a Monday Night Raw prior to the event, Orton was completely focused entering Los Angeles' Staples Center for the show. He would find out, however, that defeating Undertaker at any show, let alone WrestleMania, was easier said than done. Both Superstars started off incredibly aggressive and it became clear that Undertaker was motivated to prove that he could keep up with the younger, faster Orton. After engaging in some leapfrogs and rope running with Orton, Undertaker opted for a more simplistic hard right hand to the face to kill some of his opponent's energy. The match is interesting in that neither man grabs control for very long, meaning fans are left on the edge of their seat wondering who will hit one move next and, most importantly, will it be the move that wins the match. Despite outside interference from Hall of Fame inductee "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Orton was unable to keep his opponent down, even after catching him with an awesome RKO out of a chokeslam attempt. A cocky, arrogant Legend Killer attempted to use Undertaker's own Tombstone finisher against him but his ego proved to be his undoing as the Phenom reversed it and planted Orton for the win. The match solidified Orton as the future of the industry and, more importantly, proved to a roster full of young and talented stars that Undertaker was still a measuring stick for greatness in the professional wrestling industry.
Contributor
Contributor

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.