WWE DVD Review: Undertaker-The Streak

The Undertaker's undefeated streak at Wrestlemania is the biggest and most celebrated accomplishment any WWE superstar has ever achieved.  With all of the lore and hype around each year's matches, to finally have all 20 of them in one set makes this disc quite the collectors item.  But is this four disc set worth the money?  Find out after the jump!




DISC ONE
Documentary


The first disc is a documentary highlighting each match one by one.  It features interviews with many of Undertaker's victims, each providing some insight on what it was like to battle the deadman on the world's grandest stage.  It was quite interesting, however rather short (just over 36 minutes).  Each segment ran about 2-3 minutes and there were no words from Taker himself.  It would have been nice to have each match's significance covered more in depth and it's kind of a waste having a whole disc with just over 30 minutes of content on it.  Maybe even some bonus features or a video tribute could have been a nice addition.  It was good for what it was, but I couldn't help but feel a bit robbed.  My guess is that they are probably waiting for the inevitable 4-6 disc set highlighting Undertaker's entire WWE career.   More of a highlight reel than a true documentary.  This whole disc would have been better suited for Monday Night Raw if they ever do an Undertaker Appreciation Night. 

The argument can be made that one doesn't need a documentary to see that The Phenom's legendary streak is set in stone

DISC TWO
Streak matches 1-9

Wrestlemania VII: The Undertaker vs. Jimmy Snuka

This was a solid, but very brief match.  It was pretty one-sided as well.  Obviously, the intention here was to establish Taker as a true force to be reckoned with by having him make very easy work of an established WWE legend.  I can't really say it was a bad match because even though it only ran roughly 6 minutes, it was a pretty exciting 6 minutes.  You could equate this to a Ryback squash today, only with a much more prominent opponent.  The fact that this match began the greatest streak in sports and entertainment history, only adds to it's historic significance and overall value to Undertaker's career.


Match Rating: 3/5

The deadman's victory over Jimmy Snuka placed him amongst the WWE's elite

Wrestlemania VIII: The Undertaker vs. Jake Roberts

More of the same from the Snuka match, with Taker squaring off against another veteran and superior ring general in Jake Roberts.  Many are unaware of this but Roberts was a big influence on Taker at this point in his career.  Undertaker has gone on record saying Jake pretty much taught him everything he knows about ring psychology and character presentation, two tools that he would use to extend his aura and popularity for another two decades.  Much of that influence can be seen in this match.  It is a master class in storytelling, but when put up against the other matches, it isn't particularly memorable.


Match Rating: 2.5/5

Jake "the Snake" Roberts' venom proved utterly useless against a man with ice in his veins

Wrestlemania IX: The Undertaker vs. Giant Gonzalez

It was hard to watch this match and not mark out for Macho Man Randy Savage on commentary, but I gave it my best shot.  This match is arguably, the worst match in the entire streak from an in-ring perspective.  The fact that it is remembered more for Gonzalez' ridiculous ring attire and Taker's infamous "vulture" entrance, is a testament to that.  Gonzalez is just laughable as a wrestler and in a weird way, a precursor to The Great Khali.  It doesn't help that both men pretty much "no-sell" every move.  At least in Taker's defense, it was part of his gimmick to do so.  As far as Gonzalez is concerned, I'll let you be the judge.


Match Rating: 1/5

It's no wonder this match is rarely mentioned.  I mean seriously.....LOOK at that thing

Wrestlemania XI: The Undertaker vs. King Kong Bundy w/Ted Dibiase

This match was a bit overbooked and anti climatic.  There wasn't any real buildup for this match and that didn't help things much given the fact that you pretty much NEED a top-notch storyline when working a guy like Bundy.  Kama (more famously known as The Godfather) runs in and steals Taker's urn and that bit easily outshines most of the match.   It was cool to see Taker slam Bundy for the finish though.


Match Rating: 1.75/5

One of the more forgettable matches of Undertaker's career

Wrestlemania XII: The Undertaker vs. Diesel

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this match.  This match was in my opinion, the first believable challenge for the deadman.  After four straight squashes, it was nice to see a fully fleshed out match with some good brawling and lots of back and forth action.  Diesel rivaled Taker in size and they both put in an admirable effort in the storytelling department.  The moment Undertaker kicked out of that Jackknife Powerbomb, the WWE Universe really started to realize that when it came to Wrestlemania, The Undertaker becomes something otherworldly.  A very good match and the best of the streak up until this point by far.


Match Rating: 3.75/5

Diesel's clash with The Undertaker in many ways, established the streak's true credibility

Wrestlemania XIII:: No Disqualification match for the WWE Championship: The Undertaker vs. Sycho Sid(c)

Not even the coked out presence of Shawn Michaels on commentary could ruin this classic.  The fact that this is the deadman's first main event and title win at Wrestlemania, only added to it's overall value and importance.  I like to recognize this as his first true title win because his first run with the WWE title only lasted 6 days before being prematurely ended by Hulk Hogan.  After this match, Taker would hold the title for 133 days.  All of these factors make this match a real standout amongst the earlier work of Undertaker's career.


Match Rating: 3.5/5

Undertaker's second WWE Championship was well-deserved and long overdue

Wrestlemania XIV: The Undertaker vs. Kane

This match seemed at the time to be the biggest match ever.  The buildup was far and away the most well done of any match in The Undertaker's streak up until this point.  For the first time, there was some serious doubt as to if Taker would win and that made things even more compelling.  Things become especially memorable when Kane becomes the first opponent to kick out of the Tombstone.  Great psych, solid ring work and unbelievable spectacle.

Match Rating: 3.5/5

The Devil's favorite demons clash to determine who was the stronger

Wrestlemania XV:: Hell in a Cell match: The Undertaker vs. Big Boss Man

The first Hell in a Cell match in the streak.  That alone, gives this match immense significance, but the match itself left a bit to be desired.  Up until this point, Taker had clashed in two of the greatest HIAC matches of all time with Mick Foley and Shawn Michaels.  That gave this match an incredible hype.  Unfortunately, they did not quite deliver.  It's hard to have a forgettable match in a cell, but somehow they accomplished that here.  If it weren't for the ministry gimmick and Bossman being hanged from the cell in the end, I don't think anyone would even remember this one.

Match Rating: 2.5/5

In more ways than one, Bossman was in over his head

Wrestlemania XVII: The Undertaker vs. Triple H

The first true classic in a series of greatly hyped, but often underwhelming matches.  Triple H rarely disappoints in a big match situation, so he was the perfect choice to battle the deadman who was fresh off a Wrestlemania hiatus.  This match also marks Taker's first Wrestlemania in his American Badass gimmick.  The fact that Taker had 16 staples in his head and still survived the sledgehammer counter to the last ride, makes this one even more notable.  Add in the great brawling all over the arena, and this one still holds up as well today as it did at the time.

Match Rating: 4.25/5

Undertaker proved to have mastered The Game

DISC THREE

Streak matches 10-16

Wrestlemania XVIII:: No Disqualification match: The Undertaker vs. Ric Flair

Two of the greatest legends in WWE history waged an emotional war, but like everything else that night, it was greatly overshadowed by the epic clash between Hulk Hogan and The Rock.  Very few men have taken Flair to the physical limit The Undertaker took him to here, but he valiantly fought back against a bully-like deadman all while gushing blood like only the Nature Boy can.  This stands as some of Taker's best heel work and I found myself rooting for Flair every time he attempted to fight back against his brutality.  Credit should go to both men for the masterful storytelling they put in here.  The bumping and selling from Flair was phenomenal and the run-in Spinebuster from Arn Anderson was great if your a mark for the Four Horsemen or a fan since the NWA days.  Top to bottom just a fantastic match and I find it to be a hidden gem among the more praised matches in recent Mania history.  Whether you buy this DVD or not, do yourself a favor and check this one out.

Match Rating: 4.5/5

At Wrestlemania X8, generations would collide in more ways than one

Wrestlemania XIX:: Handicap match: The Undertaker vs. A-Train & Big Show

This is easily the worst and most forgettable match of Taker's streak since the year 2000.  It wasn't a particularly bad match, it wasn't a good match either, it was sort of just there.  At Wrestlemania, you DON'T want your match to just....happen.  I don't know what it was, but this one just never really clicked for me.  It's kind of shitty that they edited Limp Bizkit's performance of Taker's "Rollin" theme out here.  Whether it was because of licensing issues or just because Limp Bizkit makes pretty shitty music (My Way excluded), is up for debate.  A dull match at best.

Match Rating: 2/5

The impact of this maneuver would cause A-Train to forget he was not Japanese

Wrestlemania XX: The Undertaker vs. Kane II

The sheer spectacle of Taker returning from the "dead" with Paul Bearer in tow, was something to behold all in it's own.  The moment Bearer belts out his familiar "ooooohhh yeaaaahhhh", has to be the single strangest moment I've ever gotten the *chills* in my life.  As far as the match is concerned, it wasn't as good as their first encounter, but Taker had much more respect from the audience by this point and the crowd was much more into the gimmick this time around.  Not to say that he wasn't over in the 90s because he was, but it seems that people really appreciated the deadman much more as he entered the latter part of his prime. 

Match Rating: 3/5

In 2004, Undertaker reached a new level of popularity reserved only for truly elite superstars

Wrestlemania XXI: The Undertaker vs. Randy Orton

A great match that really teased the end to Taker's streak, given Randy Orton's success as the Legend Killer.  Orton being so young in his career, also seemed as if he could benefit more than anyone else at the time if he were to be victorious.  I remember rooting for Orton at the time, but looking back, having him lose was the right decision.  He was still a bit green and having seen the result of them putting the world title on him so soon, I fully understand their logic.  That doesn't mean that these two didn't have one hell of a match.  Mania 21 was a stacked card and stands as my personal favorite Wrestlemania other than WM 17, and as a result, there were a slew of other matches that overshadowed this one.  It doesn''t seem to hold up as well over time, but it's still a welcome addition to the set.  Bonus points for the Bob Orton "cast strike" and the Chokeslam to RKO counter.

Match Rating: 3.75/5

Taker proved to be the one legend Randy Orton couldn't kill

Wrestlemania XXII:: Casket match: The Undertaker vs. Mark Henry

This match was passable, but it bothers me endlessly that Henry faced Taker here instead of Kurt Angle.  Angle later revealed that he had been campaigning for a streak match and Taker wanted to face him and that match ended up taking place a No Way out a month prior.  Taker and Angle waged a 30 minute war that would become one of my top five favorite matches ever and I get chills thinking about what could have been if it took the place of this match.  In my mind, it does.  This match however, was pretty much what you'd expect it to be.  Henry is the world's strongest man, Taker is not a mortal man, yadda yadda....sigh.

Match Rating: 2.75/5

Undertaker: "snow angels....I HATE snow angels"

Wrestlemania XXIII:: World Heavyweight Championship match: The Undertaker vs. Batista(c)

This match set the bar for the next series of streak matches.  Considering how well received every match from here on out has been, that's saying a lot.  Batista brought his "A" game here and stepped up to a level that few men will ever reach against the deadman.  The buildup to this match was outstanding with Batista being unafraid of The Undertaker and seemingly a bit overconfident that he would end the streak.  I still make the argument to this day that these two should have closed the show.  They tore the house down and as a HBK mark, it pains me to say that.  The pace that they set here is unbelievable given the size of both men and that powerslam through the announce table was just breathtaking.  This match should be used as an example of how a great big time world title match should be presented and it should be included in any list of either man's best work. 

Match Rating: 4.5/5

The Phenom vs. The Animal was an undeniable show stealer

Wrestlemania XXIV:: World Heavyweight Championship match: The Undertaker vs. Edge

Perhaps realizing their mistake the year before, the powers that be in the WWE rightfully decided to have this match close the show.  Some genius storytelling here with Edge being the ultimate opportunist and trying to throw everything from his bag of tricks at the phenom.  It was also evident that Edge was the first competitor that had outsmarted Undertaker, leaving the question in everyone's mind whether or not the streak was in jeopardy.  It was also built around the fact that Edge was also undefeated at Wrestlemania at the time.  All these implements built the foundation for a hell of a match.

Match Rating: 4.25/5

This match also marked the first victory for Undertaker using the Hell's Gate submission

DISC FOUR

Streak matches 17-20

Wrestlemania XXV: The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels

What more could be said about this match that hasn't already been said.  It's still in my opinion, not only the finest match in Wrestlemania history, but I'd even make the argument for it being the best match ever.  There's so much significance in this match that the story pretty much told itself.  Every second of this classic is brilliantly laid out in a manner that only comes with decades of experience.  The use of two counts and finishers in this match are also the best I've ever seen.  The crowd was left gasping for air from screaming on so many occasions and by the finish of the match, they had reached a fever pitch.  To sum things up, I'll say that if you've seen this one, then you know why I hold it in such high regard and if you haven't, shame on you.

Match Rating: 5/5

Taker/Michaels at WM 25 had everything you could want in a pro wrestling match

Wrestlemania XXVI:: No Countout, No DQ Streak vs. Career match: The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels II

This match is arguably, the most significant match of the entire collection.  With it being a rematch from their critically acclaimed battle the year prior, Shawn Michaels putting his career on the line, the incredible buildup of the match and the fact that it marked the first time the streak main evented over both world titles, I believe it holds a much more important standing than any other match in recent Wrestlemania history.  They did not quite live up to the standard they had set the year before in terms of action, but they far surpassed their first encounter in terms of storytelling.  For once in his fabled career, Taker had felt compassion for one of his victims, but Michaels would not have it.  As a result, the finishing sequence of the match was gut-wrenching. Thrown together with the first one, it really makes for one hell of a viewing experience.

Match Rating: 5/5

Shawn Michaels' career would become the phenom's greatest trophy

Wrestlemania XXVII:: No Holds Barred match: The Undertaker vs. Triple H II

Following HBK's retirement I had this whole scenario in my mind of triple H returning from injury pissed at the deadman for ending his best friend's career.  Fortunately for me, this dream came true.  Little did I know the level these two gladiators would take things to.  This match had the impossible task of following two of the best matches of all time, but they gave a more than admirable effort.  This match was completely different from every single match before it.  For once, Undertaker seemed outmatched.  Triple H's reputation for scouting his opponents is legendary and there are very few better displays of his ring genius than this match.  It was brutal.  So brutal that Taker could not leave the arena on his own will.  He earned the victory, but it was by a thread.  Even Taker had to admit that for the first time in his career, perhaps he earned a victory through....luck.  A classic brawl that left the phenom doubting himself, brilliantly setting the stage for an inevitable rematch.

Match Rating: 4.75/5

The Undertaker's streak was never before in this level of jeopardy

Wrestlemania XXVIII:: End of an Era Hell in a Cell match: The Undertaker vs. Triple H III w/special referee Shawn Michaels

This match was the culmination of Taker/HHH, but in many ways, the culmination of Taker/Michaels as well.  The two men who proved to be the deadman's biggest challenges would lock themselves inside the structure he made famous.  It's ironic that both Taker and HHH are the two men primarily associated with HIAC, but have never crossed paths inside one before.  It's also interesting to note that Undertaker defeated Shawn Michaels in the first ever HIAC match.  Throw in the fact that the men involved are the sole survivors of their era, and you've got a hype that will be hard to replicate.  With all this pressure, there was still no question in my mind if they could deliver.  To date, this is still the best match of 2012 and it's got to be mentioned in the argument for best match in both men's careers.  The last four matches of the streak blend so beautifully together to create this terrific screenplay of pride, ego and vengeance that rivals anything in Hollywood as of late.  A true benchmark for pro wrestling.  This match almost over delivers.  It's exhausting to watch and one hell of an emotional rollercoaster.  Just a beautiful piece of work. 

Match Rating: 5/5

If this is the end, it was a hell of an exit

FINAL THOUGHTS

A great set that really shows the tremendous evolution of Undertaker's character.  You really see his growth and adaptability to the ever changing WWE scene.  The documentary holds it back from earning a perfect score, but it's still worth the price for the fourth disc alone.

Overall DVD Score: 8.5/10

Best Match: Wrestlemania XXV: The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels

Best Disc: Disc Four