Is Undertaker vs Kane the WWE’s biggest-ever rivalry?
After joining the WWF with the Undertaker already as a huge superstar, Kane went on to have a fearsome rivalry with his brother.
In 1997, the World Wrestling Federation introduced Kane, the younger brother of the Undertaker. The two would go on to embark on one of the longest and greatest rivalries in professional wrestling history. From their first encounter, where Kane ripped open the Hell in a Cell door, to their most recent clashes, Kane has continuously been a thorn in the side of the Undertaker, constantly vying to step out from his older brother’s shadow. The following article looks at some of the best highlights from arguably the biggest rivalry in WWE history.
Undertaker vs Kane brings to life everything the WWE is about
The storyline began when the Undertaker’s father and former manager Paul Bearer revealed the impending arrival of Kane. Previously believed to be dead, the Undertaker disclosed one of his darkest secrets to his fans: as a child, he accidentally started a fire that claimed the lives of his parents and his brother Kane.
However, Bearer repeatedly warned of Kane’s imminent arrival. After weeks of anticipation, Kane finally made his debut at WWF In Your House: Badd Blood in 1997. The Undertaker was embroiled in a fierce battle with the legendary Shawn Michaels in the first-ever Hell in a Cell match. Michaels lay bloodied and battered, with the Undertaker poised to secure victory, when the lights abruptly went out. A fiery explosion and an eerie red light engulfed the arena as Kane made his dramatic entrance. He tore the door off the cell and delivered a devastating tombstone piledriver to the Undertaker, costing him the match and igniting the rivalry between the brothers.
Over the next few months, Kane showcased his physical dominance. Despite taunting and tormenting the Undertaker, including the disturbing act of bringing the bodies of their deceased parents on stage and burning them, Kane’s older brother initially refused to fight him. Regardless of the torment inflicted by Kane and Paul Bearer, the Undertaker resisted engaging in a physical confrontation with his own flesh and blood.
Kane finally clashed with his older brother at WrestleMania. It took three tombstone piledrivers, but the Undertaker emerged victorious, extending his legendary undefeated streak. The siblings engaged in multiple rematches, including the first-ever Inferno Match. Eventually, they temporarily joined forces to assist Vince McMahon in his battle against WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin. However, Austin would drive a wedge between them, leading to a championship feud.
Since then, the sibling rivalry between the Undertaker and Kane has produced numerous unforgettable matches and moments that will forever be etched in the memories of WWE fans. Spanning over 13 years, this on-and-off feud solidifies its claim as the greatest rivalry of all time. The constant struggle for dominance and the complex dynamics between the brothers have captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on professional wrestling history.