From The Vault Review: The Story of the Undertaker – Chapter 1 (The Mortician Years, 1990-92)

WWE Vault has been a goldmine of unseen matches and favorites from the past, but it has also done a great job at collecting moments. One thing they do is their “The Story Of” series, which looks at the complete build of various stories.

The Undertaker is in the midst of a multi-part series looking at the moments from the various stages of his career. This seems like an interesting thing to cover, so today I’m looking at the first edition, covering what they call The Mortician Years (1990-92).

Survivor Series 1990 – We start where it all started. Ted DiBiase introduces his mystery partner, accompanied by Brother Love. Roddy Piper on commentary talks about the size of that hamhock. Gorilla and Piper do a great job selling how impressive he is. Taker starts with Bret Hart, kicking him, whipping him into the ropes and catching him with a chokeslam. Bret tags in Jim Neidhart, who runs off the ropes attempting to knock Taker over. Taker catches him and slams him, Anvil running to tag Koko B. Ware. Koko is picked up and receives the first official Tombstone, which Gorilla calls by name. Koko is eliminated.

Wrestling Challenge (Dec. 8, 1990) – Undertaker vs Rick Sampson, joined in progress. Taker goes up for what would eventually be named Old School. The crowd murmurs as he decimates Sampson, hitting a Tombstone for the pin. Brother Love offers Undertaker the corsage off his jacket, which Taker snatches and rips up over Sampson.

Superstars (Dec. 15, 1990) – Taker vs Mario Mancini. We join in with Taker going for Old School. Tombstone and another three count. The Tombstone hadn’t quite changed to where one leg is on each side of Taker’s head yet. Finkel announces the winner as “Kane the Undertaker.”

Wrestling Challenge (Dec. 23, 1990) – It’s a stage interview with Mean Gene, Brother Love and Taker. Brother Love says that we haven’t seen anything yet. Gene assumes he is talking about the Royal Rumble, and Love talks about Taker not having friends and not needing them to win. Taker promises to buy 29 men, describing their rotting faces and bluing flesh. He also threatens to steal the gold from their teeth. K.

Superstars (Dec. 29, 1990) – Taker vs Terry Davis. We join Taker hitting Terry with a running elbow. Brother Love yells, “Punish him!” as Taker chokes Davis on the mat. Taker whips Davis in and hits a good dropkick. Another whip and Taker lands a running clothesline. Old School. Tombstone. Three count. He again crushes Love’s rose and throws the petals on Davis.

Wrestling Challenge (Jan. 6, 1991) – Taker vs Randy Hunter – Taker chokes Hunter in the corner. Taker grabs Hunter up and drops him in some sort of mix between a Razor’s Edge and a shoulder breaker before flying in with a clothesline. Old School. Tombstone. Three count. Rose petals.

Superstars (Jan. 12, 1991) – Taker vs Ray Hammer. Taker was just everywhere early on. We join as he body slams Hammer, then drops an elbow to his back. Dropkick. Old School. Tombstone, this time with the legs spread variation. Rose petals.

Royal Rumble 1991 – We join with Taker entering the match. Taker headbutts Bret, picking him up and throwing him out by his neck. He throws out a Bushwhaker. Texas Tornado goes after Taker, but gets tossed mid-discus punch. Then we cut to…

Superstars (Feb. 2, 1991) – Taker vs William Ford. Old School. Tombstone. Petals. Vince McMahon questions if Taker can do that to Tugboat.

Wrestling Challenge (Feb. 10, 1991) – Taker vs Allan Reynolds. Taker leapfrogs a running Reynolds and chokeslams him. It’s incredible the things early Taker could do. He takes him down with the flying clothesline, then we are going Old School, Tombstone, pin.

Superstars (Feb. 16, 1991) – We join the Brother Love Show, with Love telling us he is too busy with his show to manage the Taker week to week. He presents to us the man he has found to guide Taker’s career, Brother Bearer. Paul Bearer, a little less animated than he would be in the future, comes out and shakes Love’s hand. Brother Bearer tells Love that his first name is Paul – Paul Bearer. Love has a vision, telling us he sees Randy Savage defeating the Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania and Brother Undertaker there as the casket lowers into the ground. Bearer: “Ultimate Warrior, may you rest in peace.”

Superstars (Feb. 23, 1991) – Taker vs Tommy Angel. Taker nods approvingly as Taker chokes Angel. Running clothesline, Old School, Tombstone. It’s the same stuff repeatedly, but it’s impressive. This is definitely Bearer 1.0, much quieter and subdued. Taker pulls a bag out of his pocket, and Taker scoops a handful out. It’s dirt, which Taker drops onto Angel’s body.

Wrestling Challenge (Mar. 3, 1991) – Taker vs David Isley. David was the lesser known of the Isley Brothers. Running clothesline as Gorilla talks about Jimmy Snuka presenting a problem for Taker. Old School, Tombstone as Heenan says the services for Mr. Snuka will be at WrestleMania. Taker drops some dirt on Isley. This is the second time in a row they’ve made sure to say that it is Georgia red dirt.

Prime Time Wrestling (Mar. 11, 1991) – Taker vs Jim Powers. Well now Taker is facing the big names. Power runs into a boot. Taker thrusts his hand into Powers’ throat. Powers runs at Taker with a series of clotheslines that don’t move the big man, who slams Powers down on his third attempt. He picks him up for the Tombstone and the pin. Bearer provides the Georgia red dirt. Sean Mooney assumes the dirt is from his home cemetery.

Superstars (March 16, 1991) – Taker vs Pat Armstrong. We start at the point of the Old School, Taker lingering on the top rope for a good fifteen seconds. Tombstone. Dirt, but artistically dropped on top of the camera lens..

Superstars & Stripes Forever (March 17, 1991) – Taker vs Tugboat. Taker drops a leg on Tugboat as Bearer laughs, becoming more vocal ringside. McMahon can’t believe Taker is handling Tugboat like this. Taker drops a running elbow but misses, Tugboat throws Undertaker in for a running powerslam. Taker stands right back up and Tugboat throws him into the corner, splashing him. He tries the opposite corner but Taker leaps over the top rope (!), running to the top and dropping an elbow for a three count. McMahon says the bell could toll for Superfly at WrestleMania. Dirt!

WrestleMania VII – Taker vs Jimmy Snuka. Snuka runs into a boot, which sends him falling to the arena floor. Taker grabs Snuka from the ring and suplexes him in with a beautiful suplex. Taker misses the running elbow, Snuka striking Taker with headbutts and drops to try to phase Taker. Taker misses a clothesline but Superfly misses a running splash, dropping to the arena floor instead. Snuka headbutts Taker and slingshots in, Taker catching him. Taker picks him up for the Tombstone and that’s a three count. Taker becomes 1-0 at WrestleMania, something that didn’t seem important at the time.

WrestleMania VII – Regis Philbin is backstage and welcomes Undertaker and Paul Bearer. Bearer hands Undertaker a measuring tape, and Taker starts measuring Regis.

Superstars (April 6, 1991) – The debut of the Funeral Parlor. Paul is in full high-pitched mode, welcoming us into his Parlor. He says it is human nature to be afraid of death. He says everyone is scared and he’s inviting the entire roster to visit the Parlor, but so far everyone has declined. He welcomes the one man that dares to enter his Parlor, Undertaker. Bearer says the Ultimate Warrior is scared to enter his Parlor and that Undertaker has been preparing a special casket for Warrior. Taker tells the Warrior there is no need to fear the Parlor, as everyone must enter it. He says Warrior is supposed to be the most courageous of all, but he will bury him with all the souls of his little Warriors, both living and dead.

Superstars (April 13, 1991) – The Warrior has entered said Parlor, and Bearer asks him how he likes the special casket on display adorned with Warrior symbols. Warrior touches the casket, growling as Bearer tells him they’ve made it a XXL for his massive physique. Warrior beats his chest as Paul says he is scared of death and entering the ring with the Undertaker. Warrior grabs Bearer’s coat and says the look in his eyes has been misinterpreted. Bearer says he will be scared as Taker pops out of an adjacent casket and attacks Warrior from behind.

He knocks Warrior over the head with an urn repeatedly. Bearer opens the Warrior casket and Taker hits Warrior with THE urn. He picks up Warrior and puts him in the casket, Randy Savage on commentary yelling for him to put Warrior in there (“I remember WrestleMania VII!”). With the doors closed, Taker turns the crank and locks the casket. Commentary starts freaking out that he is locked in as Taker and Bearer leave. Tony Garea runs up and can’t open it as even Savage starts saying he’s been in there too long. More help comes as they struggle to open it. A Hebner brings a crowbar as Piper yells that he’s been locked in there for a minute. Somebody brings a chisel and they’re working hard now. Somebody has a drill but needs an extension cord. They can’t penetrate the casket with the drill as another whacks at the casket with the crowbar. Savage talks about his personal claustrophobia as Piper yells about the six stooges trying to open the casket. They finally get it and Warrior is passed out. CPR is administered and Warrior finally starts to cough, returning to life. This was a really good segment that scared the hell out of me as a kid.

Prime Time Wrestling (April 23, 1991) – Undertaker is facing Stephen DeLeon, hitting the Old School and Tombstone. Video quality is noticeably worse here. For the first time on TV, Paul Bearer pulls out a bodybag to the shock of Sean Mooney. Taker puts DeLeon in the body bag.

Saturday Night’s Main Event (April 27, 1991) – Ultimate Warrior is facing Sgt. Slaughter as we see Paul Bearer pushing the Warrior casket to the ring very quickly. Warrior sees it and breaks the bearhug he has on Slaughter, walking slowly to it. Slaugther tries to attack from behind, but Warrior hits the running clotheslines and bodypress. Undertaker sits up from the casket, and Warrior stops in his tracks, a look of shock on his face. Slaughter attacks Warrior from behind as Adnan, Mustafa and Taker all join in to beat Warrior. Hulk Hogan runs out for the save, hitting Taker with the WWF Title. Taker shakes it off and Hulk looks in shock. Hulk runs after Slaughter and Taker misses an elbow on Warrior. Warrior runs at Taker with clotheslines, unable to move Taker. He hits a running shoulder on Taker, which causes Taker to fall over the top rope and land on his feet, still staring at Warrior.

Rampage 1991 – Taker vs Warrior. Taker with a flying clothesline that Warrior no-sells, or tries before falling to the mat in pain. Warrior shakes the ropes as he gets up, kicking Taker and body slamming him. Taker stands up and is clotheslined, up and clotheslined, and up again to thrust his gloved uppercut into Warrior’s chin. Taker sets up the Tombstone and hits it, but makes hand gestures ten seconds before making a pinfall attempt. The pin gets a two, probably because he wasted ten seconds gesturing. Taker hits Warrior with the urn for a DQ and calls for the body bag. Taker stomps Warrior as Bearer lays out the bag. Taker works to put Warrior in the bag, zipping it as Warrior’s hands begin to shake. Warrior breaks free and clotheslines Taker out of the ring, who lands on his feet again. Bearer grabs Taker’s hair and pulls him back, walking him away from the ring with the urn.

Wrestling Challenge (June 30, 1991) – Taker vs Terry Zeller. As Gorilla and Bobby mention they’ve never seen anyone take Taker down, Taker sets up the Tombstone and get the easy three count. Another body bag and Zeller is zipped up.

Madison Square Garden (July 1, 1991) – Taker vs Warrior, Body Bag Match. Taker runs into a Warrior boot, and Warrior hits a piledriver on Taker. Taker sits right back up and Warrior punches and gives a second piledriver to Taker. Taker sits up again and Warrior goes for a third. Taker tries to sit up but can’t. Warrior runs and goes for the splash, but Taker hits him. Taker sets up the Tombstone and Warrior is down. Taker lays out the body bag and starts zipping Warrior in, Warrior gets zipped in to the shoulders, but fights out. Kicking out of the bag, Warrior trades blows with Taker before knocking Taker down with repeated running clotheslines. He grabs the urn and clonks Taker on the head with it. Warrior sets up the bag and successfully zips the Taker in for the win. As Warrior walks down the aisle, Taker sits up in the body bag and Bearer begins to zip him out.

Wrestling Challenge (July 14, 1991) – Taker vs Jim Gorman. We join in progress as Old School hits. Tombstone, pin, body bag. Taker drops a running elbow on the zipped bag just for fun.

Prime Time Wrestling (August 12, 1991) – We’re back in the Funeral Parlor as Bearer talks about Jake Roberts doing his training work with Warrior, digging graves and getting back into the casket. Bearer says that Roberts is threatening to reveal Undertaker’s final secrets to the Warrior, and Taker says Roberts knows little of their dark side. Taker says the darker it becomes, there’s no way out.

Superstars (August 17, 1991) – We join Jake and Warrior on their last training session. Jake walks Warrior to a coffin which supposedly contains Lucifier himself with the last piece of the puzzle. Warrior says he has no fear and to let him in. Warrior goes in and Roberts closes the door, barricading it from the outside. Snake turns on the light and Warrior screams, snakes everywhere. Warrior kicks the snakes, which doesn’t seem great. Warrior walks to the center of the room at the advice of Roberts, walking to a small wooden coffin. Warrior opens the coffin and out pops a very fake Cobra, which bites Warrior on the face. Roberts talks about the venom racing through Warrior’s body as Roberts mocks him, Warrior fading and dropping to the floor. Taker walks in and Roberts calls him the man in black as Warrior falls through the door. Warrior reaches out and grabs a boot as the Undertaker’s bell starts tolling. Roberts tells Warrior to never trust a snake as Warrior’s vision and the camera get fuzzy.

Live Event (August 19, 1991) – Taker vs Warrior, Casket Match. This is our second WWF casket match ever, the first being between these two men a month early at the WrestleFest 1991 event (which is not the same as the content on the WrestleFest 91 Coliseum Video just added to the Vault, though I understand the confusion). This was a dark match at a Superstars taping. We join with Bearer opening the casket and Undertaker rolling Warrior towards it, choking him and rolling him in. Taker goes to close it, but takes forever and Warrior starts shaking. Warrior fights out, grabbing the urn and clocking Taker with it. Taker is down and Bearer is yelling in anguish. Warrior rolls the knocked out Taker in and slams the lid, winning the match. Taker cries, head on casket, then lifts the lid with Taker standing back up as Warrior celebrates.

SummerSlam 1991 – We’re at the Savage/Elizabeth wedding reception. Liz opens a box and a real cobra pops out. Taker runs and hits Savage over the head with the urn amidst the panic, with Roberts picking up the box and taunting Liz with the cobra. Sid Justice runs in wearing a red shirt and threatens Roberts with a chair.

Superstars (September 14, 1991) – In a backstage interview, Roberts says that it goes downhill after you say the vows. He’s not wrong. He tells Sid Justice they have something for him too.

Superstars (September 14, 1991) – Taker vs Bill Pierce. Taker picks up Pierce over his shoulder and runs him into the turnbuckle. Taker chokes Pierce, who is tied upside down in the tree of woe position. Taker hits the flying clothesline, sets up the Tombstone and gets the three count.

Superstars (October 12, 1991) – Backstage interview. Paul Bearer asks Hulk Hogan if he knows what he is getting himself into. Hulk never knows, brother. Taker notes there are no immortals on the darkside and Hogan will learn Hulkamania is dead.

Prime Time Wrestling (October 14, 1991) – Taker vs Greg Valentine. Taker chokes Valentine in the corner, rolling his own eyes back in his head for the first time on camera. Valentine shakes in the corner as Taker again chokes the Hammer. Taker lands the Tombstone on Valentine and that’s your three count.

Superstars (October 19, 1991) – Backstage, Paul Bearer says the future of Hulkamania is at stake. Undertaker says the size of the grave is big enough for Hulk and the Hulkamaniacs will be left untouched so they can suffer the rest of eternity. That’s fair, you deserve that as a Hulkamaniaca at this point.

Superstars (October 19, 1991) – With a sweaty Sid in the ring, Taker and Paul Bearer make their way to the ring with a briefcase. El Diablo, the masked opponent of Sid, takes the briefcase in exchange for Taker getting his spot in the ring. Taker walks into the ring and goes face to face with Sid. Taker chokes Sid, who does the same back to Taker. Diablo runs back to the ring with the briefcase, ripping his mask off and revealing himself to be Jake Roberts. Roberts chokes Justice with the belt from his outfit, Undertaker continuing the choke with his own hand. Bearer rolls out a new casket as Roberts DDTs Sid. The men tie Justice’s arms in the ropes, Roberts slapping him. Bearer opens the briefcase to reveal a glove and a bag, the bag containing a king cobra. Hacksaw Jim Duggan runs down, flips the casket, and runs around to release Sid. This was a hot segment.

Superstars (October 26, 1991) – Backstage again, Bearer says when you cut the head off Hulkamania, the rest of it will be dead too as we see the Hulk-adorned casket. Taker says hiding behind 20 million Hulkamaniacs sounds like someone scared, and Hulk should be.

Superstars (October 26, 1991) – Taker vs Dwayne Gill. I don’t like ol’ Gill’s chances. Old School with an extended pause on the ropes. Savage in commentary talks about how hard it is to watch Taker and Roberts. Tombstone and pin followed by the body bag.

Superstars (November 2, 1991) – We’re in the Funeral Parlor as Paul Bearer shows off the special Hulkamania casket. Bearer says he will make Hogan look great after the Survivor Series, covering all the scars. Undertaker sits up in the casket, Bearer saying this is Hogan’s gravest challenge. Hey, that’s a good tagline! Undertaker says he will take Hogan’s WWF Title and what is most dear to all of mankind, Hulk Hogan’s soul. That seems like more of a Dwayne Johnson thing, but I don’t think Hogan’s soul has been present for a while.

Wrestling Challenge (November 10, 1991) – Taker vs Texas Tornado. Taker chokes Tornado, Tornado hitting Taker with big right hands. Tornado chases Bearer around the ring, grabbing the body bag and throwing it down the aisle. Taker grabs Tornado and throws him in the ring, landing the flying clothesline. Tombstone and that’s it.

Superstars (November 16, 1991) – Hogan joins Bearer on the set of the Funeral Parlor, looking cautiously at the casket. Bearer tells Hulk how beautiful the casket is, saying there is nothing inside. Hulk opens it anyway and finds a poster of himself. Hulk eyes the standing casket behind him and wants to inspect it, but Ric Flair walks up from the entrance. Flair has the mic, saying he’s been waiting for this moment and he’s heard the name Hulk Hogan for too long. Flair has his title (not blurred) and tells Hogan to compare the two belts. “What are you gonna do, Hulk Hogan, when Ric Flair runs wild on you?” Hogan rips the shirt, says “let me tell you something brother,” and the casket behind opens with Taker creeping out. Taker grabs the urn and the two stomp at Hogan. Flair holds both belts in the air as Taker chokes Taker. Savage and Piper run from the broadcast booth with chairs, hitting Taker to no effect. Taker grabs Hogan’s cross necklace and rips it off, dropping it on Hogan.

Superstars (November 23, 1991) – Bearer talks about the sands in the hourglass going quickly, this being the gravest challenge. Taker says the time is at hand, there is no place to run, no place to hide, no heroes with chairs, and no crucifixes… just the Undertaker’s purgatory.

Survivor Series 1991 – Taker vs Hogan, of course. Taker hits Hogan with a flying clothesline. Taker Tombstones Hogan but Hogan gets right back up, Hulking up. Hogan strikes with fists, knocking Taker down to one knee. Hogan rakes the eyes and bodyslams Taker. Flair walks out as Hogan assaults Bearer. Hulk strikes Piper and goes back to fight Taker. Big boot. Hulk runs for the leg drop but Bearer grabs his leg. Taker sets up the Tombstone, Flair sticks a chair in the ring and the Tombstone lands on the chair. One, two, three. We have a new WWF Champion, The Undertaker.

Survivor Series 1991 – Our greatest President, Jack Tunney, says the referee’s decision is final. He orders a rematch This Tuesday in Texas. Tunney promises to be at ringside.

Survivor Series 1991 – Gene is back with Taker and Bearer in a smoky room. Bearer says not even Hulkamania is immortal and died tonight. He says you hold the services immediately when something dies, but there is time between now and Tuesday. Undertaker politely calls Gene “Mr. Okerlund” and shows Gene inside of the casket, Gene making a disgusted face at the camera inside the casket. Taker says Tuesday will be the burial.

Live Event (November 30, 1991) – Taker vs British Bulldog. Taker falls on Bulldog during a slam attempt. Taker chokes Bulldog into the corner, Bearer getting on the rope to distract the referee. Bulldog grabs Taker and runs him into the opposite turnbuckles, but Taker bounces out with a punch. Bulldog suplexes Taker, holding him in the air for about seven seconds, but can only get a two count before Taker sits up. Taker runs into the Bulldog’s running powerslam, which again gets a two. Bulldog tries to grab the urn from Bearer, but Taker strikes him with it himself for the three count. Taker tries for the body bag, but Bulldog clotheslines him out of the ring.

Wrestling Challenge (December 1, 1991) – Bearer says that Hulkamania died at the Survivor Series, but they’ll hold the body for burial at This Tuesday in Texas. In a nice touch, Bearer says “for the death of me” instead of “for the life of me” when questioning why Tunney ordered a rematch. Taker wants the soul of the Immortal. He does not gently caress Hogan’s face.

This Tuesday in Texas 1991 – Taker vs Hogan. Taker goes after Flair who is at ringside with a chair, even though Flair didn’t do anything. Tunney goes down with Flair. In the ring, Hogan takes Taker down with chops as Heenan notes Hogan attacked Flair for no reason. Flair is back up but Tunney is down. Flair pops up with a chair in the corner, but Hogan pushes Taker into the chair and clotheslines Flair to the floor. Big boot. Taker chops Hogan and holds his body for Bearer, who swings the urn and hits Taker. Hogan grabs ashes out of the urn because he’s a horrible person, throws them in Undertaker’s face, and rolls him up for a pin and the title. Hulk Hogan is a terrible person.

Wrestling Challenge (December 15, 1991) – Taker vs some poor man. This would be Scott Bazo. An inset promo has Taker saying he is coming for Tunney. Old School. Taker sees Jamison sitting at ringside and eyes him, Heenan suggests using a Hefty Bag. Tombstone and pin.

Royal Rumble 1992 – In the backstage promo, Bearer says it will be a busy afternoon as 29 hearses and bodies will come through his Funeral Parlor. Taker promises that the mass carnage will lead to him again being crowned champion.

Royal Rumble 1992 – The Rumble match. We join with Hogan attacking Taker and Flair. Several men try to help, notably the Bezerker and IRS who would have their own Undertaker issues. Hogan runs and clotheslines Taker out of the match.

Madison Square Garden (January 31, 1992) – Taker vs Bret Hart. Taker goes for Old School but Bret pulls him down to the mat. Taker is up first, but Bret hits an inverted atomic drop. Bret with the neckbreaker and only a two count for the pin attempt. Bret suplexes Taker for a two count and Taker throws him across the ring. Bret does the backbreaker and goes to the corner, but Taker sits up. Bret still hits his flying clothesline, then goes for Paul Bearer on the apron. Undertaker knocks Bret, but Bret sweeps the leg and sets up the Sharpshooter. Bearer has the referee’s arm so he can’t ask for submission. Bret goes to push Bearer away, while Undertaker knocks Bret with the urn. Taker sets up the pin and gets it. What we saw of this was a lot of fun.

Superstars (February 1, 1992) – Taker vs Mickey Jay. Jay would go on to become a referee shortly after this match. He is a better referee as he falls to a Tombstone.

Saturday Night’s Main Event (February 8, 1992) – Taker & Flair vs Hogan & Justice. Flair tries to chop Hogan but Hogan shakes them off. Taker comes in and attacks Hogan from behind, the two men double teaming Hogan in the corner. Hogan takes both men down with a double clothesline and reaches for the tag. Hogan jumps for the tag and Sid jumps to the floor, walking off. Brutus Beefcake almost gets punched in the face trying to confront Sid. Taker and Flair continue to attack Hogan in the corner. Flair throws a Hebner out of the ring and the bell rings in DQ. Beefcake runs in to help and distracts the men long enough for Hogan to clothesline them both. Hogan runs Flair into Taker who tumbles out of the ring, then throws Flair in for a Flair Flop and a clothesline.

Saturday Night’s Main Event (February 8, 1992) – As Randy Savage and Elizabeth leave the ringside area, we see Jake Roberts peering behind the apron. Roberts says he’s hitting whichever comes through the curtain first with a chair. He swings but Taker grabs the chair from behind.

Superstars (February 29, 1992) – Funeral Parlor. Roberts asks Undertaker who the hell he thinks he is and whose side he is on. Taker grabs the urn and says, “NOT YOURS.” Roberts smiles, grabs the urn, and throws the urn into the casket. Taker grabs it and Roberts slams the casket on Taker’s hand. Roberts DDTs Bearer as Taker has to watch, hand stuck in the casket. Roberts grabs a chair and takes it to Undertaker’s back, Taker unable to fight back. Back on the mic, Roberts begins to talk but Taker rises back. Roberts again with the chair, attacking Taker’s ribs. Taker gets up again, dragging the casket behind him. Roberts calls him a freak and again attacks with the chair. Taker continues to drag the casket behind, continuing to take chair shots.

Wrestling Challenge (March 15, 1992) – Taker vs Scotty Williams. In an in-set interview, Taker says Roberts will rest in peace at Mania. Taker does the usual here. Tombstone!

Prime Time Wrestling (March 16, 1992) – Taker vs Col. Mustafa. Mustafa takes one swing at Taker, who counters it into a Tombstone and a very quick pin.

Wrestling Challenge (April 5, 1992) – Taker vs Brooklyn Brawler. Brawler swings and keeps hitting Taker, but is pushed into the corner with a choke. Old School, Tombstone, pin.

WrestleMania VIII – Taker vs Roberts. Taker tries to slam Roberts, who reverses into a DDT. Taker sits up as Roberts taunts him. Taker chokes Roberts, who grabs Taker’s arm for a clothesline. Taker sits up again and feels a second DDT. Roberts goes outside after Bearer. Taker follows, grabbing Roberts and Tombstoning him on the mat outside the ring. He rolls Roberts in for the easy three.

And with that, we end part one. It was fun to see the early stuff of Taker, as repetitive as some of it was. Now we move into the monsters era with Kamala and friends. That might not be as fun. If you’d like some fun while you wait, make sure you check out KatStack, home of the archives of my Vault reviews and numerous Vault reviews that haven’t been on Blog of Doom.