Jim Cornette Reviews A&E's WWE Rivals: The Undertaker vs. Mankind

From Episode 283 of the Jim Cornette's Drive Thru
Artwork by Travis Heckel!
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[@JimCornetteIsMyDad]

The image of Undertaker still being on top of the cage when they were lifting it up was such an amazing sight. Him just standing there looking at Foley.

[@bluntforcetrauma2141]

His lookof unbelief of what just happened. He had to save face, but you can see it in his eyes.

[@daviddoyle8956]

Reminded me of the Predator for some reason.

[@SamsarasArt]

Yeah. Undertaker believed that Mick Foley was killed from that fall.

[@MilMaska]

"Good God Almighty. Good God Almighty. That kil led him. As God is my witness. He is broken in half" - Jim Ross

[@dynamiteecp6314]

"that's it he's dead.." Jerry "the King" Lawler

[@terminallumbago6465]

I loved Undertaker’s soundbite about how during the Hell In A Cell Match, after the massive bumps Mick had taken, he wasn’t going to even remotely mention his ankle injury.

[@TJDious]

I miss Taker in the ring more than anything but I love hearing stuff like this from him.

[@jamesroot4958]

Loved hearing Cornette talk about George the Rat. Hope that little guy got a bonus amount of feed, even if he was too polite to ask for it.

[@williammitchell4417]

Bruce and Conrad both teased about George

[@tobiasfarragut292]

@@williammitchell4417those Bruce mocking Cornette moments were pretty funny and the only time I listened to Bruce and Conrad’s show

[@azapro911]

It can be strongly argued that Mankind was the Undertaker's first ever great rival, after all those years of Phenom mystique carrying random matches and brief feuds.

[@CarloisBuriedAlive]

The Yokozuna feud and casket matches were great. Seems like the first few years of Undertaker was him feuding with managers who would gather bigger monsters for him to battle, but Yokozuna was the first standout, then I’d say Mankind

[@anthonyharper4791]

I do have to mention one thing, while it is true that the HIAC may be Mick's Citizen Kane, but his Laurence or Arabia is the Street Fight at Royal Rumble, it is a master class in how you do a Street Fight

[@deannadempsey9269]

I was at Buried Alive ringside. This was during WWE's lean years, but those 2 still put on one hell of a match

[@Billinois78]

One of the things that stood out to me when Mick did the Mankind interviews was the way he would shake. He had a crazy rattle to him when he'd yell or talk intensely. You'd see his hair shaking like he was always about to explode.

[@Eloh_Dragons]

Do you like when he shakes. Jiggle Wiggle shake shake rattle bbrbbrrbbrbrbbrb

[@maxxdahl6062]

I absolutely loved the first version of Mankind, I probably got to see one of his absolute best promos back in april of 1997 live at a raw I remember that his back was faced towards us and I remember paul bearer there with him, etc.

[@Billinois78]

@@Eloh_Dragons Have a Nice Shaaaake!!!!

[@bilklein]

I think my favorite Mick promo was when he said to Chyna "I realize that there is a lot of sexual tension between us..." Totally cracked me up.

[@electricebb3337]

I guess it's why he's so good against taker who was generally cold, calculating, pretty much emotionless in his promos at this point

[@paulellington1505]

The Mankind and Undertaker rivalry helped bring Taker into the Attitude Era environment. I loved The Ministry of Darkness Undertaker and his matches with Austin and the Rock. And a lot of that came from the early stuff with Mick.

[@Kas58223]

The ministry of darkness undertaker has to be my one of favourite versions

[@justin3415]

Yes totally agree with both comments. That 1996 to mid late 99 was a great taker run

[@TakeNoteOfThat]

Mankind’s pre-HIAC promo on Raw, where he talked about a photo of Civil War veterans meeting again on the battlefields of Gettysburg, and how he always thought he and Taker would one day be able to reconcile the same way…so underrated.

[@Dylangreen2122]

Pittsburgh is so proud that the HIAC match took place right here in the Steel City. Both guys will always be held in high regard in my city for that night

[@messey12]

Mick did a 20th anniversary spoken word show at Mr. Smalls that I was fortunate to have made. At times he was outright hypnotic in his delivery. I'm glad to say I was at KoTR 98 and got to see that match live and proud that Pittsburgh has this distinction (RIP The Igloo)

[@cowboybuzz5533]

I agree Mik Foley was so much more than just extreme he elevated others like The Rock and HHH Edge and so many more

[@Kas58223]

Foley did the same for Randy Orton in their vicious hardcore match were Orton was bringing out a different side

[@zaodedong9935]

Mick Foley should definitely be in the conversation as one of the greatest of all time.

[@realninjaent544]

Maybe top 15

[@desisdosis473]

Definetly. Foley matches were always a spectacle (TNA doesn't count).

[@CarloisBuriedAlive]

Undertaker and Foley don’t get mentioned enough when discussing the Attitude Era simply because their greatness extends beyond it. The major names of that period were big in that era and that’s it - a cup of coffee compared to their legacy, Taker in particular who started his character facing Snuka and Dusty Rhodes and ended it facing McIntyre and AJ Styles lol

[@jovanss2361]

I just watched the casket match when his hand coming out at the end a couple years ago for the first time. One of the greatest finishes ever

[@drobinson-uo7ic]

Foley's first book is my favorite wrestling biography ever. Dude is so down to earth but he's done some wild stuff all over the world and rubbed shoulders with so many great performers.

[@foleynj86]

I probably read the first book in five days. I couldn't stop reading. Foley is Good is also pretty great.

[@tobiasfarragut292]

Read that book within a day..started 10 pm Saturday night stayed up snacking and reading finished by the afternoon in time for the 15 years of Wrestlemania recap special leading up to Wrestlemania 2000 with guess who in the main event..😏

[@zachg4113]

We need a Mankind watch along

[@sonicplys64]

One of the most hard hitting feuds in wrestling history. I love it when these two clash because they made it seem like they absolutely hated each other and did everything they can to destroy one another.

[@williammitchell4417]

The only exception with Mick and Terry Funk ( My horse is sick)

[@markcampbell2702]

YES…I agree 100%….as a kid, the rivalry felt so brutal that both sides were put over but the victor got that cherry on top of the cake. I can look back now and say those two went to hell and back to make the audience believe in the feud.

[@psychobluesfxt]

For me Mankind worked because it acknowledged the past of both Mick and Cactus Jack as catalysts to how he lost his mind.

[@Rjensen2]

Not until years later

[@guardian08527]

Taker: All I kept thinking was........look at the size of that BOOGER!🤔 Mick: Hahahahaha!!!😆

[@thedangerdave7167]

This rivalry elevated both wrestlers but it elevated taker most. It was the first time we saw taker free to wreak havoc by himself free of Paul. Like that one promo where he said “Paul I taught you everything you know about the darkness….but I didn’t teach you everything I know.” It was in this rivalry where I believe he wore a leather trench coat for the first time. We really saw taker transform for horror movie taker to the demon of Death Valley a cold remorseless undertaker hell bent on revenge and destroying everyone in his path.

[@JobberJerry]

I'm so glad they showed so much behind the scene stuff with that boiler room brawl I was like 13 when it happened and up until that episode I never knew it was pre taped and finding out all that now is why I've been a life long wrestling fan

[@williamthomas5215]

That boiler room brawl was so far ahead of its time in terms of shooting, angles, and making use of an arena.

[@RocketsBlastoise]

I painted Mick Foleys' childhood home on long Island. His mom was so nice

[@Sky_Blaze]

Awesome

[@RocketsBlastoise]

@Sky Blaze yea it was a fun job. She showed me a bunch of family photos and wrestling stuff she got from him. Pretty surreal

[@Sky_Blaze]

@@RocketsBlastoise that's Wild man glad you got to experience that. I'm sure she was very proud and kind.

[@On_da_Swivel.BarbershopTalk]

I love hearing the story behind the story. I enjoyed watching this, now hearing Corny I get some more layers on the situation.

[@TheMadvillainy]

I know a lot of listeners love Jim's takes on modern wrestling, but segments like this is the best of the best. Even though he's spoken about Foley, Taker, and these situations plenty of times before. This little travel back in storytelling had me hooked as if I was hearing about it for the first time. Jim talking about any time in wrestling he was involved in is perfection.

[@WSK9002]

Mick Foley has stated on his Podcast after the first Buried Alive Match, after taking forever to fill the grave, this is why Buried Alive Matches have Construction Pay Loaders filled with dirt following the initial Buried Alive Match.

[@11nytram11]

The WWE would like us to rank Shawn Micheals, Brock Lesnar or Triple H ahead of him but, for my money, Mick Foley was the Undertaker's greatest rival. They might not have had matches that were technically as good as the others but nobody took the Undertaker further in more variety of matches than Foley.

[@zachg4113]

We need more stories about the sketchy special effects man

[@WSK9002]

Oh Posner, apparently according to Swoggle he was a Magician, recall Goldust's Cinema Ushers the one that would send gifts to his rivals, that was Posner.

[@AhtoNajeebRashied]

No.

[@JohnDoe__404]

​@@AhtoNajeebRashied yes!

[@chriswilgus4752]

It's unbelievable they would fall fro that high up. It was ridiculous,and deadly.

[@bradvestby]

They actually had a short run together in 1997 as well... In Your House: Revenge of the Taker' - Undertaker v Mankind for the WWF championship, one month after WM13.

[@CarloisBuriedAlive]

The fireball to the face freaked me out as a kid lol

[@agsconnolly]

The method Jim describes as to how Undertaker reached his hand up through the soil is very much like how the Buried Alive magic trick is done. The magician is covered with a small amount of dirt, then disappears into a specially made side space. They then climb a small ladder to the top where they get covered with a few inches more of soil before they emerge as if they had tunnelled through six feet of dirt. Houdini didn't like it - he said rising through even a few inches of dirt was extremely hard and did not feel safe. Another magician was killed doing it as he had concrete poured on top of the dirt, which was insane.

[@justin3415]

People forget taker won the buried alive match,but he still got buried and had that iconic lightning bolt and had. Man goosebumps! Also jim, you forgot the 1997 title match in between the 96 program and hell in a cell.It was when taker was burned a few weeks before the match,then Paul got burned,the match was great,but the fire gag was botched.Great time for taker fans 96 to early 99.

[@marlondaniels7912]

I remember that, when Foley couldn't light the flash paper, and Undertaker kept throwing Paul Bearer in the way. Vince's flustered commentary was fun.

[@justin3415]

@@marlondaniels7912 YES! it was a great match over all,but the lighter flash paper spot botch makes it a little less great,but it was funny Vince was getting mad,Taker finally grabbed the lighter and hit Paul b.That was a good title run,taker beat mankind,vader,even beat stone cold at a ppv.

[@tobiasfarragut292]

@@marlondaniels7912Jimmy it won’t Estrike! It won’t Estrike!!

[@hbkslazyeye8865]

I know most people hate Bruce Prichard but his telling of George the rat dying is some of the funniest shit ever said on a wrestling podcast

[@KR1736]

The STWW podcast on Cornette is some of the funniest shit I've ever heard, And I hate bruce

[@EricPatno]

I was super invested in / loved taker as a kid. I was soooo irate when Paul Bearer turned. I learned to love Mick overtime, but boy that boiler room brawl took me for a ride. 😂 Don’t remember being that mad for taker til the time Ken Kennedy was getting his push and pounding him with a microphone. “I’m Paul Bearer and you’re not!”

[@toddbarts9916]

The Undertaker and mankind had one of the best feuds of all time, not only did they have their first feud in 96, but they also feuded over the world title in 1997, which led to a pay-per-view called in your house revenge of the Taker where we saw the Undertaker throw a fireball in pall bearers face, then of course their feud continued in 1998 which had several tag team matches involving Kane and Steve Austin and eventually we got the famous hell in the cell, but even after that they continued on and off in particular when the Undertaker was teaming up with the Big show taking on Mankind and The Rock, so pretty much the last 4 years of the 90s they feuded in some way shape or form.

[@metalrulezv4856]

Yup I remember that "" & if I'm not mistaken it was in retaliation from N episode of shot gun Saturday night when Mankind Threw a 🔥 in Takers face ..

[@ShredderLivesOn]

It wasn't quite two years between their Buried Alive match and the Hell in a Cell. Mankind and Taker went one on one at the 96 Survivor Series. They had a couple of matches on RAW in late 96/early 97, including a couple of tag matches. And Mankind was Undertaker's first defence of the WWF Title in April 97 at In Your House: Revenge of the Taker. it was shortly after that Mankind turned babyface with that sit-down interview with Jim Ross, that Mick started working as Dude Love and then Cactus Jack in the WWF. So it didn't make sense to have him and Taker as opponents, until Mick turned heel again in 98 just after WrestleMania.

[@chrisbutler1668]

You forgot their very first match at Good Friends, Better Enemies, and the Boiler Room Brawl at Summerslam 1996. Although short, it was full of great moments and memorable matches.

[@ShredderLivesOn]

@@chrisbutler1668 I didn't forget those. I was simply talking about matches after the Buried Alive match in 96, which was the one Corny said was their last match before Hell in a Cell at King of the Ring 98. But you're right that the matches between Mick and Taker were largely memorable, and full of great moments. I still remember the fireball that Mankind hit Taker with in the run-up to Revenge of the Taker, and even attacking him with a blowtorch during a match against Triple H.

[@chrisbutler1668]

@@ShredderLivesOn My apologies, I didn't mean to say "forgot", I initially wrote "missed". But Jim must have forgot that their Survivor Series 1996 match was after the Buried Alive match, so you remembered more than him despite him working in for the company at the time. Those two took it to the next level in violence in a relatively short period of time, considering they started when the company was still in the "New Generation" era.

[@jonpike9502]

The stories like this and about the 70s 80s are why this in my opinion is the best podcast going at the moment. It stands alone. 🙌 Jim Cornette

[@williammitchell4417]

Corny's a reason why you will find "Stick to Wrestling" or why the 6:05 Super Podcast are so good... The MOTHER SHIP!!!

[@smac919]

It makes sense that the locker room would empty to help bury the Under Taker.

[@yusufgazi7]

Mick Foley, Shane McMahon and of course Jeff Hardy had the best bumps

[@JohnDoe__404]

Aye, Shane McMahon vs Kurt Angle at King of the ring 2001 springs to mind.

[@SamsarasArt]

I had no idea Jim had a pet rat, nor that his name is George Cornette lol

[@screamingsheik2264]

Undertaker vs Mankind was the pro wrestling equivalent of Batman vs The Joker.

[@CarloisBuriedAlive]

Very fitting comparison

[@stu9856]

Who is the Harley Quinn in this scenario?

[@MrCamp]

I’ve been watching Raw and the subsequent PPVs on Peacock since it’s founding so I can watch with adult eyes. I also want to remember the exact moment it jumped the shark for me. But once again, this rivalry is, in my opinion, one of the best of all time. They interacted so many times and it never got stale or old. Everything moved forward. They were great.

[@wiscounter]

I would like tho point out that shopping carts, frying pans, cookie sheets etc made sense for wrestling shows at the ECW arena in Philly, because there was a dollar store right next to the arena. Fans used to buy weapons before the show to hold out for their favorite wrestler to use.

[@insupportofjunhado]

Wrestlers are crazy. They see an unplanned bump that knocks a guy's tooth out and think "I wanna do that!" They take such a bump and say "we still need the thumbtacks!"

[@sansthedrummer]

Whats amazing about Mick is that despite all the bumps he's taken, he's still maintained his intelligence and still very articulate and well spoken. He was super chill when I got to meet him

[@claytonjones8358]

All of those matches Corny mentioned were classics. I got to see raw tapings when they were going at it the nine six and in 98..those matches were very good as well

[@UziBlancoOfficial]

I got to see all those live bro!! Well not live as in I was there but I was a kid growing up an was a huge fan watching along on edge of my seat every week!!

[@davesmith4839]

I was at the buried alive match in Indy, was so cool to be there for that match

[@bradphelps8892]

I was at the Buried Alive match Indianapolis @ Market Square Arena. Back when stone cold was the first match lol!!

[@MrFoxxx47]

Jim's forgetting that they also worked with each other in 97 after Taker won the belt. So really, they feuded for 3 years in a row. They had tons of matches against each other overall, wasn't quite as short as Jim makes it sound lol.

[@williammitchell4417]

When Jim didn't know if it were in the budget... "We're making Major motion pictures and Sitcoms Baby!!!"

[@Stevenirons]

Corny forgot about April of 97, revenge of the taker. They had a classic match

[@KingOfWinter]

I know Jim was joking about the rat but as a kid it really added to the spooky ness of the mankind promos and was one of the reasons I like mankind and thought he was a good guy. Bat shit crazy but a good guy lol

[@noahhaonsmith6963]

And when you throw Kane and Paul Bearer in the mix it was even better. They tried hard to make Vader get involved too but Shawn Michaels ruined that

[@Loadzxinxdisxbitch]

I love how much Jim loved George lol rip to that little legend he has been immortalized

[@raydiabolico]

I remember when Mankind fell trough the ping pong tables and when he was trying to stand up he cut his hand with glass that was shattered on the ground.

[@louissmith4218]

Nobody tells stories as good as jimmy

[@walterclark3198]

The undertaker vs mankind is a great rival. But my favorite feud was Jake the snake Roberts vs Ravishing Rick Rude.

[@plonkersbro]

Most like the only time someone got away with having a wrestling rat in the same building Vince was in

[@vanzammerz]

Jim has mentioned where he ate after this 96 SummerSlam a few other times. Must be good eats in Cleveland.

[@aaronleggett]

“I brought him a rat…” means something completely different in this context.

[@garyhen2028]

This entire feud is the greatest of all time!

[@lesweenmachine]

I’m getting a George cornette tattoo.

[@Cobast92]

They forget all about the survivor series 96 match where undertaker comes back has a bat flying

[@TriplomatX]

I sit back and think, Mankind seriously made careers being the alternative, even down to Randy Orton as a serious competitor, iconic hardcore match they had.

[@fredos4323]

Infinitum, I learn a new word from Corny every time very eloquent speaker...

[@inaprizeentertainment9347]

HITC between those two is still the best one ever, and one of the top 5 cage matches of all time

[@marqryan5218]

I guess my question at this point would be, was this match designed to turn Mick babyface? I don't see what other result you can expect, especially after Jim revealing that his dramatic return was planned.

[@alexanderwagner4587]

They forgot about Taker and Mankind's Survivor Series 96 match and when Taker defended the WWF Championship against Mankind at the Revenge of the Taker IYH ppv following Wrestlemania 13

[@zachg4113]

If I had to break down the Attitude Era, I think I would go with 1996-1998 as being the best. That time frame is what grabbed everyone's attention with the perfect combination of realism and entertainment.

[@pleaseshutup7053]

96 was new generation

[@Eloh_Dragons]

Don’t break down the Attitude Era, it had been built up so well

[@zachg4113]

@@pleaseshutup7053 I use Austin 3:16 as the birth date of attitude era jesus. it was the first sign of change taking place

[@Sky_Blaze]

@@Eloh_Dragons "break the walls dooooown!"

[@makaveli4205]

WWE went down the shitter. Girls took over modern wrestling to much. They aren't good enough to have their own show.

[@AndyGrazianoNYC]

watching that just showed me that the hardcore thing today is so over and done with. can't outdo that, though lots have tried to diminishing returns

[@carter3369]

Taker fractured his ankle on the Raw before KOTR during the segment where he attacks Paul Bearer.

[@EvilOttoDetroit]

I miss Buffalo Wild Wings 25 cent wing Tuesdays from back then…

[@alazkaalazka6087]

God damn that’s a deal

[@anthonycampos8057]

To this day, Mick still refers to Vince as "Mr. Mcmahon." He shows nothing but respect.

[@DARC-87]

In regards to BW3's (Buffalo Wild Wings), yeah their portions have gotten smaller, prices have gotten higher and service has gone down a tad. Still an awesome place to go though! -Proud Cleveland Native

[@davidcampbell4308]

I miss when wild wings was good.Jim s assement of them now is spot on

[@Queenlunaloveswolfking]

I watched this nd it brought back good memories ❤

[@joe_higachi]

Buffalo Wild Wings used to be the place to go to watch UFC PPVS in the early 2000s ✌️

[@ultimatejoshiewoshieness]

wait a damn minute, if Mankind lived in the bowls of the building then one would think that he would permanently stay in the "bowls" of the venue he debuted in. unless he travels with everyone else just to set up shop in the next arena's bowls again. dafuq?

[@Mambaman7771]

Jim's missing that they had a feud in 1997 for the belt. Watching as I type comment, will edit if it's caught.

[@john-paulkesseler4180]

I had no idea the rat was Conette's,. What a lovely little tidbit.

[@pleaseshutup7053]

I remember mankind vs Kane hell in a cell on raw shortly after king of the ring. And a 4 corners tag match on raw between outlaws. Kane n Foley. Taker and stone cold. Rock b Dlo

[@stevengrvp]

It was great which lead to the Kane rivalry

[@jonmacintyre9905]

Duuuuddde. Don’t tell us how the magic is done!!!!

[@AHalevonEric]

BDubs is good and I'll have you know they now have their name on an arena. In Troy, Mich., the Sports Arena there is officially the Buffalo Wild Wings Arena due to a restaurant on the premises.

[@joegreezy]

Corny I’m glad you enjoyed Buffalo Wild Wings I’m Cleveland 😂. Next time try Quaker Steak and Lube

[@josephstewart6836]

Wasn't it Mason the mutilator not Mankind the mutilator?

[@Rjensen2]

Both.

[@uc95nu51]

When rasslin was still rasslin

[@chuck7514]

Any1 else tryna go catch some bullfrogs down at the pond?

[@jessebarr9852]

Austin, rock, mankind all debuting in 1996.

[@pleaseshutup7053]

Ultimate warrior return

[@desisdosis473]

​@@pleaseshutup7053 Warrior in 96 was super-entertaining imo.

[@pleaseshutup7053]

@@desisdosis473 I wish we could of gotten hbk vs warrior or Bret vs warrior we saw the magic warrior had with savage

[@NelsonRodriguez_]

ice cream UFO unidentified frozen objects are the best I agree with Mick Foley all the way.

[@KTKZon58]

"Well, that's FUBU. I wouldn't associate them with WWE" "That's right. WWE was associated with FUBAR" 🤣🤣🤣

[@sakuraba86]

There's not a better wrestler in history than Mick Foley. Many were more successful inside the ring, and many were more successful outside the ring. But nobody was better. He was never supposed to be this successful. He just rose to the occasion every time he was given a shot.

[@krich301]

Was hoping George Cornette would have made Travis’ artwork on this one 🐀

[@joshowen4801]

The only Undertaker matches I care to ever watch again!

[@Sky_Blaze]

That's just ludacris. But I do agree that vince booked alot of crappy matches with taker and giants it made me feel really bad for mark.

[@joshowen4801]

I will amend, his Shawn Michaels matches were pretty spectacular.

[@DillyDilly13]

Let me guess, you’re a dumbfuck democrat who can’t get over other peoples views. Right?

[@StrongStyleNinja]

So the rat was Cornette’s pet after all?! Wow

[@mcdonaldjames446]

Will we get Jim talking Chyna ep

[@alextorres4415]

Terry got chokeslammed out of his shoes ......literally

[@codysanford1825]

4:50-5:03 is why CM Punk was so successful in WWE🤣

[@slamrobot6584]

Bret Hart had fantastic matches with Taker.

[@CarloisBuriedAlive]

They complimented each other really well

[@EwanCumia]

Bret Hart had good matches with everybody.

[@colbycheese]

I want more about George Cornette