The Undertaker not being at WrestleMania 35 isn’t the worst thing

Even though The Undertaker is currently not scheduled to appear at WrestleMania 35, his legacy at The Showcase of the Immortals is still untouchable.

With such a packed card for this year’s WrestleMania, not having The Undertaker scheduled for a match isn’t the worst thing. The Dead Man has decades of history on the Grandest Stage, in some of the most high profile matches of all time, so he’s more than earned the right to sit this one out. Whether he’s going to show up as a surprise remains to be seen this Sunday, April 7 at WrestleMania 35. In the meantime, here’s a look back at some of The Undertaker’s classic moments at WrestleMania.

WrestleMania debut

The match against the legendary Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka was The Undertaker’s first appearance at a WrestleMania. Undertaker just made his debut in WWE at Survivor Series a few months prior, in November. Snuka, known for delivering his own memorable WrestleMania moments, was chosen to highlight the mystique of The Undertaker’s character. Snuka’s veteran status going against the newcomer would help give the match some depth and would raise ‘Taker’s status when Snuka ultimately put him over.

The match itself was short, giving Undertaker the opportunity to get his feet wet on The Grandest Stage of Them All without being overwhelmed in the process. In his early matches Undertaker moved at a slow, methodical pace to emphasize his Dead Man gimmick. Strikes to the face and throat of Snuka would dictate the pace, while his trademark flying clothesline highlighted the agility of the big man.

For Snuka’s part, he relied on his arsenal of headbutts and chops but mounted little offense otherwise. The finish saw Snuka attempt a springboard crossbody from the outside only to be caught by The Undertaker and lifted into the Tombstone for the win. This match marked the beginning of The Undertaker’s lengthy winning streak at WrestleMania. It was also one of the first times to see Paul Bearer accompany Undertaker to further develop his character.