Better Champion: Undertaker (1997) vs. Undertaker (2009) | Wrestling With Wregret

The Undertaker is the kind of wrestler who never NEEDED a championship. but what happened when he DID have one? I compare the two longest WWE/World Title reigns of The Undertaker in an all-new BETTER CHAMPION!
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[@thekidfromiowa]

Undertaker retring at 55 Terry Funk: Hahaha! Amateur! I'd retired 20 times by that age. I'll retire once and for all five years after I die.

[@Sliver64]

Cue to Mil Máscaras asks to hold him his Tecate.

[@enigmaskull3495]

FOREVER! FOREVER! FOREVER!

[@thepatbackexperience4573]

Terry is gonna be in his casket still working matches

[@alastair852]

If there was any wrestler to come back from the dead for one more match it’d be Terry Funk

[@Mr.BeastFacts]

Funk will be wrestling for life +10 years.

[@tinotica]

When talking about they lost their title, I’m surprised Zane didn’t mention that Taker wrestled the Elimination Chamber all while recovering from being engulfed in fire

[@AWAREDIAGRAM680]

Holy crap that was the year he got engulfed in flames.

[@Nicky66D]

Manek Iridius And if memory serves me right, the guy who engulfed Taker in fire... was fired. Right?

[@patrickbower267]

@@Nicky66D he was fired at the orders of Vince, tbh Idk if Taker had any input in his firing

[@ayoung198568]

That was crazy I was there that night

[@chozahfearless7524]

Manek Iridius and get cussed the production guy out backstage for it to I can’t blame him at all I would have done the same thing I might have punched him lol

[@theoregonguy]

The Undertaker was above needing a belt almost his entire career. Beating him clean solo was a bigger deal at some points in his career, than winning the title.

[@yupthatsme5257]

yes, that's what Bryan says as well. The Undertaker character never needed the top title, as you could argue he was greater/ bigger than being the top guy.

[@chrispodesta8105]

Yeah, there was a good reason people wanted him and not the champion at WrestleMania for a lot of years.

[@Tony26971]

@@chrispodesta8105 whenever he had the title, the title felt more important than it would've been on anyone else

[@riazuddin4920]

This is a bit of an overstatement. Taker is great but he was never THE draw in the 90s, so he did not have the belt for that reason. By the time the streak became a thing, around early 00s-mid 00s, I agree, his streak was defining of Mania and Taker himself, throughout the year, was bigger than necessarily needing any belt.

[@chrispodesta8105]

@@Tony26971 I kind of feel like Zane's video just showed why that's not really the case. Maybe in 97, but the other times he was more important as The a Undertaker than as the WWF/E/world heavyweight champion.

[@KegOfMeat]

While the Winged Eagle is a nice belt the WHC is absolutely gorgeous and looked great on Taker

[@timbartschwolfman]

The world heavyweight title suited The phenom

[@thealjohnsonshow2188]

+Dillon Haggett Agreed.

[@thealjohnsonshow2188]

@@timbartschwolfman #FACT

[@theothesir]

Exactly.

[@rosshassall5965]

Do you think the undertaker could make the wwe spinner belt work?😄

[@roxasvanitas1]

2008 Chris Jericho vs 2019 Le Champion Chris Jericho.

[@Phan211]

roxasvanitas1 2008 wins by a landslide. That Shawn feud is perfect.

[@darriongray2013]

2008 Jericho Will Forever Be The Best Version Of Jericho

[@jeruhenderson3950]

2008 Jericho was a monster heel, you really hated him and want to see him lose a lot. It was honestly the he run were you really couldn't like him but it was great tho

[@RheemQ]

@Kevi Shaff Eddie by a landslide Benoit might've had better matches but he was not as entertaining as Eddie as champion

[@madamefeast4824]

2008 of course lol

[@nabinkhadka788]

Undertaker didn't need title to prove his legacy in professional wrestling.

[@WrestleManiacUK]

at all! HE WAS ENOUGH. His title should have just been the streak

[@Dmobley9901]

"A champion should always wear the title around his waist, it's a part of him...but the Undertaker, he always carries it in his hand, because he doesn't care for worldly possessions, it's always just optional to him, a means to an end." ~Mark Calloway. The Undertaker himself didn't need to be champion, because he was already a prize in of his own right. Because no matter how many champions or faces come and go and return again, the Undertaker was always the one setting his own bar and his own standard, and it was higher than anything that could be "earned", because it was a one of a kind that was built over decades of time and development. And in my opinion, that's what really separated WWE from every other wrestling promotion, people were always drawn in by the flashier and more marketable faces, but honestly, a good majority of us stuck around just for him- I know I did-

[@Sicsta]

but undertaker did wear the belt around his waist sometimes.lol

[@ericbrewster6407]

Well said

[@Dmobley9901]

@@Sicsta Sometimes yes, but when he did it took away from his mystique a bit, and it also made him feel more human.

[@JhoRPG]

^ all of that yes

[@caliimade3769]

That 2007 World title run was underrated imo, rarely gets talked about. Yes it was short but he gave some badass matches with Batista!

[@EssexAggiegrad2011]

Not to mention the way he lost was it's self amazing

[@caliimade3769]

Bobby Lawson yea! That Edge cash in was unpredictable. Seeing as he was on RAW that cash in was lit tbh.

[@olschoolTonyCarter]

I forgot about that run

[@Thecallmemisterajp]

Yeah, I was a little surprised he went with 09 instead of 07. When I think of Taker as champion, I generally think of the programs with Edge and Batista before I think of 09 or even the 97/99 stuff.

[@adamdavis1737]

I basically stopped watching wrestling after he won the title at WrestleMania in 07 lol It was just like a dream come true for me to see it as a 90s kid who's fav6was always taker I didn't want to see the short reign that would probably follow lol It was a great match I'll have to catch up sometime now that I'm reliving all the attitude and ruthless aggression era stuff on wwe network

[@JChung407]

The one statement that showed me that Undertaker was above winning the belt was when Teddy Long tried to persuade Batista to join Smackdown. After listing everything he said at the end He would have a chance to fight against the Undertaker.

[@WrestleManiacUK]

very good point! Teddy Long loved The Undertaker lol

[@ericsmusic5927]

@@WrestleManiacUK Who doesn't love The Undertaker?

[@aaronhurst4379]

Undertaker: *Exists* Shawn Michaels: I'm gonna end this guy's world title reign.

[@WCWThunderRosa]

It’s really weird how mythical The Undertaker character is but when he had a world title it actually brought him down

[@michaelkeha]

It's comes down to the fact Taker's at his best in long slow burn feuds ending in a big match the Title scene tends to be the opposite of that

[@nahte123456]

Makes me think about something mark Calloway said about the character, a Wrestler should always wear the belt to make it a part of there character, but the Undertaker never did because he was beyond earthly things. So the entire thought of going after a championship was kind of against his character.

[@unknowngrave6814]

Nigga what?

[@elvispresley2214]

He was fine with the title. The WWE was just bad booking

[@lcruz4223]

Its because undertaker's character is a anti-hero larger than life character. The only goal or victory he needs is to prove everyone else that he is not jusy some freak, darkness or evil etc. That he can develop more into his character. He is kinda like the leader of the underdogs the burnouts or the outsider cause thats his character unlike cena or triple h or the rock that has a star in them since the beginning. Undertakers character has a star in it too but in a unique way. Just like in school there is jocks and outsiders and taker is an outsider an out of the box character thats why he dont need the wwe champion to look more good cause he is more than the champion. Its like digging deeper and a championship win is too shallow for him to meet his real destiny. I hope I make sense lmao

[@flashgordon4339]

07-08-09 Taker was my favourite. In the best shape of his life and having the best matches with the likes of Batista, Edge and Michaels. Honorable Mention goes to the American Badass and maybe Big Evil. (I will go medieval on your ass!)

[@drmgiverdrmgiver5335]

Biker Taker SUCKED, END OF.

[@Sicsta]

ministry was one of the. best for body shape, storyline and matches

[@Njbear7453]

Undertaker’s career renaissance began at the royal rumble 2007! #1 and #2 entrants I believe were Shawn Michaels and the undertaker ! Taker wins, beats Batista at mania 23 and his career changes.

[@theothesir]

While both of these reigns are cool, I liked his Undisputed Title Reign in 02 the best.

[@zeeshanshaikh8714]

Same here

[@adaptivegaming5794]

Good reign. But his matches with Hogan and HHH at Judgment Day and KOTR respectively were both pretty bad.

[@theothesir]

@@adaptivegaming5794 I'll give you that. The Hogan match had mad interference and the HHH match I don't remember much of.

[@martingamer5591]

He won it at a landmark PPV that was Hogan's last night as world champ and lost it without actually getting pinned, those points alone make it pretty damn good.

[@zeeshanshaikh8714]

I am huge fan of his 2002 heel run in general that's why I fondly remember that title reign. Plus he had that ladder match with Jeff Hardy on raw as champion

[@MikeOTR]

I love Mankind's table bump at revenge of the taker. Dude fell head first through the table. It was awesome

[@GhostBoytv]

You need a psychologist

[@morty215fightclubbringyour7]

Yeah it was nice and Dangerous just for Entertainment

[@MikeOTR]

@@GhostBoytv These are professionals they know what they are doing. A normal person would've seriously hurt themselves. Mick knows how dangerous his spots were but he did them to entertain the fans. So relax.

[@MrTheMighty]

Totally with you! It's one of those iconic moments of the era to me, right up there with his two Cell match bumps, Edge spearing Jeff Hardy from the ladder, and The Rock holding the camera while taking the Stunner on the announce table.

[@GhostBoytv]

@@MikeOTR boy you really don't know what unprotected head bumps do or you straight ignorant

[@journeytotheotherside]

Stopped watching for a few months, now Brian has a beard

[@BadDayLp]

lol

[@stewartmcrae8007]

Yes Cornette blocked him on Twitter so Schiavone is his new daddy

[@DMofPuppets]

This would be a huge and serious undertaking, pun intended, but I would love to see a comparison of Ric Flair and John Cena's respective 16 World Title reigns.

[@badbooking3221]

Fun fact: Undertaker got his knee scoped days before the Mysterio match at the Rumble! That's one tough bastard!

[@drmgiverdrmgiver5335]

There is no real recovery for a knee scope. You walk out feeling better than before.

[@Njbear7453]

You walk the day of when you get your meniscus taken out lol, a scope is basically a cleanup.

[@mcj88]

To me the Undertaker title reign I remember most is his 63-day reign as Undisputed Champion in 2002, simply because that was the time when the default champions in _WWE Smackdown: Shut Your Mouth_ were finalised, especially since they would always reset back to default whenever you completed story mode, so Bikertaker as _the_ champ is drilled into my head as a result.

[@pewgun7832]

WWE: Undertaker retired Meanwhile in 2026: GUESS WHOS BACK,BACK, BACK AGAIN!

[@MylesPhantom]

Takers Back, Back, Tell a Friend!

[@Emporkommling]

2 casket match urns displayed at ringside

[@r3tr0_r3dux_2]

Taker said on the final episode of The Last Ride that if Vince needed him he would think about it, obviously he needs to put his family and his health above everything now, but it's hard taking the dog away from the doghouse if you get my meaning.

[@jolleyrancher75]

It's the Summerslam 94 of wrestling with wregret

[@robbyburns]

11:52, Brian we all feel the same way.

[@rickyrosay33977]

Yeah 😑 that wrestlemania 26 match was the perfect final match why did he had to come out of retirement

[@andrewcozzini8259]

This was a good one! I would, personally, go with the '09 reign, as I disagree with Zane on the "How They Lost It" section. While the Bret Hart match may have been more focused, the climax to the elimination chamber seems more important in that Shawn MEANT to cost the Undertaker the title, even though it handed it to his long, bitter rival Chris Jericho. While he did also help bitter enemy Bret Hart in '97, he didn't think he was, as he meant to hit Hart with the chair shot. Thereby, my verdict would be 2-3, '09 'Taker's reign.

[@jasonyoung1542]

I was a freshman in High School when Taker made his mark in the (Then) WWF. He has always had a mystique about him and I love every minute of journey. Rest easy Legend, You deserve every bit of your retirement.

[@owl509]

Love this series! Thanks for the new upload Z-Man

[@gavinjohnbatman5320]

When you've been one of the best wrestlers of every Era from the Hogan WWF to the now New Era you are the best wrestler. Deadman walking.

[@hassamali8887]

He made every championship look legit. Even hardcore title in 2001/02

[@Hilversumborn]

Undertaker: I wouldn't have been champion for a longer time if it wasn't for that pesky HBK.

[@Sicsta]

I always wondered why they pushed diesel so hard as champ in 95 and why not have taker run that champ too

[@toptenguy1]

Wow, it never dawned on me that HBK was directly responsible for both of those title losses! Both times with him not actually being his opponent!

[@wstine79]

No love for "Booger Red?" He'll make you famous.

[@theothesir]

You mean, Big Evil/American Badass/Deadman Inc? That's my favorite incarnation.

[@wstine79]

@@theothesir yes

[@monkeyman5866]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say Undertaker was a better Champion

[@timbartschwolfman]

No matter what era and Version of Undertaker there was he is and always will be a better Champion

[@dhsports5364]

HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT?! UNDERTAKER WAS WAY BETTER THAN UNDERTAKER

[@monkeyman5866]

@@dhsports5364 You kidding? Undertaker would kick Undertaker's ass?

[@QueenNagaJacie]

On a faithful night, You can hear Sid going “WRESTLEMANIA”, his Car was destroyed and going like “GOLDBERG!!!”

[@themarriedgamers2248]

It’s kind of funny that Undertaker and Sting share this parallel too. Both have a fair number of reigns but almost always seem to be planting the seeds for someone else to ultimately go over. Neither man ever held the belt for very long, but also made for great opponents for whoever the current champion was. If someone was defending the title against Undertaker or Sting you would almost always hear: “How are they gonna get out of this one?” As Sting and Taker were always portrayed as the most deadly of threats.

[@leez2647]

Great series idea, Brian. Can’t wait to see more of these

[@Xehanort10]

One thing I remember about the feud with Punk is a promo where Taker basically said "I'm gonna beat you so bad you'll crave alcohol and drugs" since at the time Punk was a self righteous heel who thought being straight edge made him better than everyone else.

[@WarhawkBeyond2040]

I enjoyed both Undertaker title reigns for different reasons but my personal favourite was his world title reign in 1997, he won it for the first time in almost six years and did it in the main event of Wrestlemania in his original attire which made the moment even more special. There was no one more deserving in the business to hold the title than The Undertaker, he truly earned it. His best opponent during this reign was his match against Bret Hart in the Summerslam main event, it was absolutely fantastic and really showcased both guys at their best plus it helped set up the epic rivalry of Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. I'm just pleased that Undertaker got to have a nice long title reign in the 90s

[@berto44]

The text makes the Undertaker on the right look like he's wearing War Paint and it makes him look 10x as badass

[@Real_B_RyanLuckman]

As always great video Brian keep up the solid work

[@christopherstead1203]

No matter the era or what incarnation you like, The Undertaker will forever be a legend in our minds and our hearts

[@nbalegacypodcast9160]

The fact that in 1997 there was one one champion is a big point in that reign's favor.

[@brettt141]

Isnt him standing next to Sid also a shot we see of their match at WM?

[@hersheybarber1424]

Very comprehensive stuff. Good job

[@sodokami6347]

I laugh every time when Jericho tries to hit big show with the code breaker but then show just throws him off 😂

[@skullnbonez6808]

The best Undertaker champion was 1991 when he beat Hulk Hogan. Yeah he lost it 6 days later but was still a good achievement. After he first won it, it he did not win it again for like 6 years. He fell away for many years. Man it took him 16 years to finally win the royal rumble!!!! He should have won the rumble back in the 90s I felt. Mistreated lol

[@Njbear7453]

I watch the ‘07 royal rumble more than any rumble match / pay per view

[@mattdarga5198]

I'd like to see a comparison between Austin's first title reign and Rocks first.

[@MarioUcomics]

Taker was never the face of the company Imo since he worked best as the final boss of the roster. The big bad who the face needed to defeat.

[@harleybuffington7493]

I’m not sure how many people agree with me but the second Undertaker is my favorite version of him by far

[@carlosmontesinos1544]

You mean Brian Lee?

[@_nolan_nolan]

Carlos Montesinos no he means the “Deadman” era of the undertaker. So basically he had purple gloves and boots from 1994-96. Just look up any undertaker video from 94-96 and that’s the version he means.

[@spj187]

Agree by far specialy with hairs covering is face

[@KaylaORiley1996]

You should compare Cena’s first title reign vs his last. Or Batista. That’d be interesting.

[@kit-3]

Kayla O' Riley Cena’s first one was better because of all the guys he faced and the fact that he lost it to the first MITB cash in. Cena didn’t do much with his run in 2017

[@phili4600]

His 2017 one was only 14 days long

[@TheAlan136]

“I’m from Winnipeg, you idiot!” You just made the list!

[@dogquin1001]

I would like to see more of these videos comparing the same wrestlers time as champion in different points in time

[@DavidPeoplesTV]

I died when you pushed Crown Jewel away and said “no”

[@RomaroBrandon]

Better/Worst Champion 2002: Worst Champion between The Big Show (WWE) & Shawn Michaels (World). 2004: Better Champion between Eddie Guerrero (WWE) & Chris Benoit (World); Worst Champion between JBL (WWE) & Triple H (World). 2006: Better Champion between Edge (WWE) & Kurt Angle (World). 2007: Better Champion between John Cena (WWE) & The Undertaker (World), John Cena (WWE) & The Great Khali (World) 2010: Worst Champion between Sheamus (WWE) & Kane (World). 2011: Better Champion between, CM Punk (WWE) & Christian (World), John Cena (WWE) & Mark Henry (World), CM Punk (WWE) & Daniel Bryan (World). 2012 Worst Champion between CM Punk (WWE) & Sheamus (World). 2013 Worst Champion between John Cena (WWE) & Alberto Del Rio (World), Randy Orton (WWE) & John Cena (World). 2017: Worst Champion between Jinder Mahal (WWE) & Brock Lesnar (Universal). 2018: Better Champion between The New Daniel Bryan (WWE) & Brock Lesnar (Universal); Worst Champion between Alexa Bliss (Raw Women's) & Carmella (SmackDown Women's), AJ Styles (WWE) & Brock Lesnar (Universal). 2019: Better Champion between Ronda Rousey (Raw Women's) & Charlotte Flair (SmackDown Women's); Worst Champion between Kofi Kingston (WWE) & Seth Rollins (Universal). Better/Worst Title Reign AJ Styles 1st WWE Champion reign from 2016-2017 vs AJ Styles 2nd WWE Champion reign from 2017-2018. Seth Rollins 1st WWE Championship reign from WrestleMania 31 to November 10th, 2015 vs Seth Rollins 1st Universal Championship reign from WrestleMania 35 to Extreme Rules 2019.

[@RaulSHermano]

Some good examples

[@savagelogic8674]

Ehem...where is ECW, that was technically a world title too lol.

[@RheemQ]

Kurt shouldn't really count he only held the belt for like three months while edge held it for like five

[@RomaroBrandon]

Gordon Ball yeah but last time he did a better/worst champion it was on John Cena and Batista in 2005 and that was once apart of a WhatCulture Wrestling Top 10 Best Champions, hence why I have one less on Best than Worst.

[@RomaroBrandon]

Savage Logic I'll consider ECW when he does a Divas Championship or Women's Championship from 1984-2010.

[@redgringrumboldt8983]

I am totally shocked at howlittle attention gets paid to his 2002 heel championship run. He was a nasty heel! There has never been a time where I ever booed him, but it is hilarious watching crowd reactions to him as a heel. They didn't know whether to cheer or boo him. Pretty exciting to look back at that time. Especially that Ladder Match for the title he had with Jeff Hardy.

[@jonathanalvarez2909]

Wished Taker had a intercontinental title run. I know he didn't need it, but still it would have been cool.

[@Dreamerland101]

Why?

[@Scorprock102]

@@Dreamerland101 only championship he challenged for and never won

[@SkeeterMcMeatBeater]

@Evan Scabetta Goldust

[@rubendelgado6811]

Never thought about it lol but ya at least one wouldn’t have hurt

[@ChrisDarnell001]

Scorprock Taker also challenged for the US title in 2001 but lost

[@gst013]

That bit at 11:51 with Michaels' last match was the hardest I've ever laughed watching your channel. Gold, Brian. Gold.

[@mikeabel7577]

97 Taker was SO F*CKING OVER. What a great time to be a teenager.

[@williamwolfxrivera2418]

Awesome Video and it's on my Birthday 😊😊

[@Andrew.J.Markle]

God damn zayne, your beard is outfuckingstanding! Massive improvement. I hope you keep it going forward

[@michaelreppenhagen736]

Great breakdown. I think it would have been hard for me to believe the more recent run was valid, but you argued for it well and made me feel like that late 2000s era was better than I remember it.

[@joshzumstien6289]

Is this a new series? Either way, nice work Brian.

[@John_Smith77]

Diesel’s 1995 WWF Title run vs Eddie Guerrero’s 2004 WWE Title run.

[@SerenitySpiderMonkey]

I give it to 2009. Plus, that Chamber match where he lost it to Jericho was one of my favorite

[@holdenwynn2195]

I’ve always been skeptical of putting titles on supernatural characters, seems like they should just have different motives than all the “mortal” wrestlers

[@the_frozen_tortoise]

It was always the issue with his character. Why would an immortal zombie wizard care about a gold encrusted leather belt. With talented writing you can make it work, but only so many times. I would have preferred fewer but longer title reigns with good storytelling.

[@Thecallmemisterajp]

Re: 09 creative, as much as I love 97 (my favorite year in wrestling), Smackdown in 09 was REALLY good with heel Punk, Batista’s turn, Jerishow, among other things. Also, while it’s interesting to see that the often overlooked 97 is more comparable to 09, are those ratings accounting for the difference between USA in 97 and Smackdown on Network TV (which always tended to be a bit lower based on how it was calculated)? To me, I prefer 97 as a year, but Taker always seemed second fiddle to the Bret/Austin stuff, and didn’t really feel like the man until after he lost the belt. By 09, even though I was starting to feel that Father Time was catching up to him, by this point Taker was unquestionably iconic, such that he felt like a big deal even if he wasn’t always the focal point. I didn’t like him squashing Punk, but given how the reign played out, 09 Taker felt like the better of the two.

[@righttackle52]

I feel like the only way you justified the 97 reign being better was because wrestling overall was better in 1997.

[@TJFreeq]

Love that WWF Warzone theme at the end.

[@johntitor2761]

I saw my very first wrestling match on tv back in 91 when i was 3 years old and the Undertaker was the first wrestler that i saw pop up on my screen and i was enthralled. I was obsessed with him that i drew a picture of him on his knee with flames surrounding the ring free hand with crayon in 2nd grade. Fast forward 2012 after my mother died, i came home from Wichita after my last baseball season ended and she had it framed in a box full of pictures of me and my siblings as babies up to the point we all went our separate ways after the Penguins won the Cup in 2009. Anyway... the Undertaker is my favorite wrestler of all time above Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho.

[@backup368]

That video package fired you up too

[@kingofaces9870]

When I want to watch a movie all I have to do is watch one of your vids lmao

[@robjfont1]

This was a fun exercise, hope to see more!

[@chaospoet]

"THAT'S GOTTA BE KANE!" That never gets old. I also never heard that Sid shat himself (allegedly). If true then that match was more of a stinker than I realized.

[@Vicsongwriter]

I like the match against Farooq at KOTR, you forgot to mention his match with Vader at Canadian Stampede, that was good to

[@franciscothegreat9173]

0:55 “they never hold the gold for very long” tell that to Bruno Samartinos grave or to fabulous moulah

[@jonbourgoin182]

Wait, is this series always going to be comparing title reigns of the same wrestler from different years? If so, you should do Austin’s 98 title reign to his heel title reign in 2001.

[@Aaron-zs7cf]

This is so far the only one in the better champion series to compare one wrestler with 2 different reigns. The other two in the series have been between JBL and Jinder, then Batista vs Cena

[@23JonhBoy]

Hi Brian loved the video I would love to see you tackle who was the better champion between Austin and the rock

[@chozahfearless7524]

8:12 reflects the buy rates of the of takers title reigns its crazy to think the buy rates were so high when people like myself and others were streaming the shows online for free(pre wwe network)

[@andrewmelville4570]

97 Undertaker for me, one of the only WWE wrestlers who didn’t need the title to get over

[@WizardOfSmoke81]

Long time KZbin subscriber. 1st time patreon. I was a patreon of another but they brought politics into their gimmick. Ty for being the same dude for years. You got my support.

[@mydogsnameislucy768]

Might I ask who that was?

[@MarieThePlushie]

OK

[@madamefeast4824]

@@MarieThePlushie Is it though?! Is it!

[@WizardOfSmoke81]

@@mydogsnameislucy768 you may ask but I won't give out any names, friendo.

[@duckydarrick7460]

When Taker lost the belt to Austin on RAW in 99 that was an exciting moment

[@GorditoCrunch343]

Highest rating in RAW history too: 9.5 meaning over 10 million viewers

[@riazuddin4920]

I think Taker's first reign happened at a time when the world title still meant something about the ability to draw. Titles in WWE, WCW and other orgs were still (mostly) put on THE guy. The belt being around Hogan, Hart, HBK, Austin and finally Rock meant something (I know Diesel didn't quite cut it), that they drew more money than their contemporaries and belts on guys like Taker, Yokozuna and co were used as springboards for other stars/rivalries/revenge. Post 2000 or maybe 2001, the belts have lost meaning, apart from Lesnar and Cena being "draws", whatever that means in the modern world. Yet the title has been hot potatoed around with the likes the Ziggler, Sheamus, urgh etc. So by the time Taker had his belt in 2009, he was actually almost the biggest draw around apart from possibly Cena, but again, a draw then was not equivalent to a draw in the 90s.

[@TakerKaneanite619]

Also, Michaels was directly involved with Undertaker losing both of these titles. Guest Ref at Summerslam 97, and superkicked him to cost him at the 2010 Elimination Chamber. Just got to the part where Brian brings this up, a few minutes later.

[@RileyScarletSpiderGirl]

Taker is bigger than the title and bigger than the top guy in many ways which is probably the greatest honour any wrestler can achieve his legacy is like no other.

[@randalica92]

Beating the streak was the biggest accolade a wrestler could achieve, way above any title.

[@nicholaschristie8699]

John Cena's first title reign vs Roman Reign's wwe title reign.

[@goddammitnappa1617]

Wait, wasn't Roman's first title reign the one where he lost to sheamus 5 minutes after he lost it or am I missing something?

[@spencer2745]

You are correct Roman only had the title for a few minutes then won the belt again in December then lost it again at the Royal Rumble

[@HandlebarOrionX]

Surprised you didn't pit these two reigns against his Undisputed title reign during the Big Evil run.

[@thealjohnsonshow2188]

+Orion Ake Agreed.

[@joshuabarnes7543]

Orion Ake ikr

[@navnavnav2255]

I'd like to see a tag title reign comparison. Maybe you can compare the New Day and Demolition's longest title reigns.

[@user-gs5re1lr4c]

I`d say That in terms of losing the championship it was more like Draw - cause in 1997 Taker`s loss lead up for feud with HBK, 5-star-classic first ever Hell in Cell match with HBK, Debut of Kane and eventually the Montreal ScrewJob, all while Taker was felt like a Third weel in Michaels-Hart saga with the spotlight eathier on HBK or Hart, while in 2009 Taker was in the spotlight with Michaels in their 2009-2010 Legendary saga with 2 all-time Wrestlemania Classics and HBK`s retirement story in Which Taker was felt definetly not like "just some Guy" in the mix of Michaels-Hart infamous on-screen\off-screen rivalry

[@burnthetrolls5971]

Imagine Taker watching this and reacting to what Brian Zane was saying about him as champion now that he's retired that be hilarious

[@wbcwinnipegbeltcollector]

Better 1 Day Champions Kane vs Rey Vs Taker vs Bret and a few others Basically rating the strength of their win, the build up to the championship match, the rematch and what they did after the loss I think that's compelling cause there's alot of variables

[@belgiquenba]

It's kinda amazing two of his championship losses led to some of the greatest storylines in WWE history. Booking at his finest.

[@damn9201]

Brian zane:"the Undertaker,the greatest transitional champion ever." Me: "Vacant would like a word with you."

[@TheHylianBatman]

Man... only 100-something days? Crazy. The Undertaker is the dedicated tough guy to beat. The Worf. He's wonderful and I miss him.

[@dylanogg347]

I think it's fair to say that this Undertaker Vs. Undertaker match overtook the 1994 original by a country mile.

[@heisensaul5538]

This video was really cool. I am way more familiar with 97 Taker than the 09 version. I feel like 97 had more historical significance than 09 did imo. If I could make a request for a future episode why not a New Generation edition: Sid vs Diesel? or we can settle the debate once and for all, not even about who was a better champ, but a better King of the Ring: Mabel vs Bill Gunn.

[@HKWWrestling]

Please dona side by side of 80s era Hulk Hogan in WWF vs 90s era Hollywood Hogan in WCW

[@kinga.k3187]

What that instrumental called at the beginning of the video?

[@austintucker1586]

I haven't seen much of his matches from his title run from WrestleMania 13 to SummerSlam 1997 but I seen all his matches from his world heavyweight title run From Hell in a Cell 2009 to elimination chamber 2010 so I say the 2009 run would be my favorite

[@thattimestampguy]

1:03 Barely had 1 month as Champion 1:50 How did he win it? WrestleMania 13, unbeloved by influencers ❌ Hell In A Cell Punk ✅ 3:48 Quality Matches throughout reign Mankind. Austin, Farooq, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels ❌ 2009 CM Punk Batista Rey Mysterio, Jericho Big Show 5:51/6:24 ✅ 6:45 RATINGS 1997: 2.26 -> 2.75 ✅ 2009: 1.85 -> 2.01 ❌ 8:11 But buy rates in 2009 are higher 8:48 How did Undertaker lose? 1997 SummerSlam Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart ✅ 2009 Shawn Michaels Elimination Championship ❌ 10:33 After Champion Days Ended 1997 KANE, SCREWJOB, ✅ 2009 WM26, ❌ ‘12:20 Unimportant Champion Attraction no matter what

[@ITM95]

These videos are so interesting!

[@coreykaunfer6167]

Hey Brian can you do a corporate rock 98-99 reign vs a baby face rock 2000-01 reign. They both have some hiccups between with foley triple h and angle so it actually makes sense. Plus heel vs face dynamic as well.

[@LukerYT]

I'm still partial to his 2007 & 2008 reigns following his Wrestlemania wins against Batista and Edge respectively. The story against La Familia is one of my favourite storylines growing up, but his brief stint in beating Batista and being cashed in on by Edge is superb.

[@williamhowe1]

I have a hard one for you Z man. Mitsuharu Misawa's first AJPW triple crown championship reign vs Kenta Kobashi's only GHC heavyweight championship reign.