HeadLocker — Jay Shannon
OWW Wrestler of the Week: The Undertaker
Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, profiles the Phenom. Undertaker had possibly his greatest Wrestlemania match on Sunday, against Shawn Michaels. After more twists than a dozen roller coasters, Undertaker took out Mr. Wrestlemania. Undertaker cemented his legacy with his close fought win.
When it comes to Wrestlemania, there are a few names that come to mind: Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Steve Austin and Triple H. The one name that eclipses them all is The Undertaker. The Dead Man moved to 17-0 with his win over Shawn Michaels. The match will almost certainly rank as the 2009 Match of the Year. While both men deserve a Wrestler of the Week award for the amazing match, I’m giving it to the winner and most dominant man in Wrestlemania history…The Undertaker!
Training and identity adjustments
Mark Calaway was a huge man who was born near Houston, Texas. Mark began his wrestling career in Dallas. Calaway was trained by Don Jardine, the original Spoiler. The rope-walk attack that Undertaker utilizes as Old School is a tribute to the man who trained him. Calaway also received additional training from both Chris Adams and Skandor Akbar. Most of Calaway’s early career saw him battle under a mask. He was the classic heel that battled Adams, Bruiser Brody and the Von Erichs.