Retro Wednesday: The Biggest Blemish Of The Undertaker's WrestleMania Streak

After a feud with Kamala that culminated in a Casket Match at Survivor Series in 1992, manager Harvey Whippleman was bound to derail the momentum of the Undertaker. So in the beginning of 1993, Whippleman brings in a colossal giant that was later revealed as Giant Gonzalez. Dressed in his faux-fur, faux-muscle body suit, he towered over Undertaker and gained some intimidation points that helped satisfy Whippleman's mission. The stage was set for WrestleMania for the Undertaker to continue his short winning streak, but with a "tough" task of overcoming the giant.

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The match at WrestleMania 9 was quite slow and lethargic. Not due to the ability of Undertaker, but to the frequent miscues and awkwardness of Giant Gonzalez. What made matters worse was that the finish of the match resulted in Undertaker winning by disqualification due to Gonzalez using chloroform. To this date, the match at WrestleMania 9 has been the only disqualification victory of Taker's 21-win streak.

Back in the old WWE days, larger-than-life gimmicks were one of the biggest selling points of the company. Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant and "Macho Man" Randy Savage were the leaders of getting over because of strong gimmicks. However, with the advent of the Monday Night Wars, gimmicks still existed, but the emphasis was more on giving the fans memorable matches.

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Undertaker and Giant Gonzalez shows how two people with over-the-top gimmicks can go two totally opposite ways. Undertaker is one of the most successful superstars in WWE history. Giant Gonzalez, on the other hand – gimmick gone wrong. Totally wrong. I figured he would have learned from El Gigante.

Was WrestleMania 9 the worst in WWE history? Sound off below.

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