The Jeff Hardy & "Big Evil" Undertaker Rivalry

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When the Undertaker won the WWE Undisputed Championship in 2002, he was one of the company's biggest heels. "Big Evil" dominated superstars on both Raw and Smackdown with the champ dealing with Triple H on the blue brand, over on Monday Nights he had his hands full with an unlikely opponent in Jeff Hardy.
Jeff told his brother Matt that the Hardy Boyz used to live in the moment and it felt like that way of life had recently escaped Team Xtreme. Jeff wanted to prove a point and show that The Hardy Boys were still risk takers, so he decided to target the Undpisuted Champ. Jeff blindsided The Undertaker during 'Taker's match with Tommy Dreamer, and so a feud started between Jeff and the WWE's most feared superstar. After getting dominated by Taker on Raw, Jeff challenged Big Evil to one more match; A Ladder Match. Wanting to prove he had Ruthless Aggression and wanting to show everyone he had what it took to beat The Undertaker, the Ladder match went ahead on Raw and the outcome surprised a lot of people.
#WWE #WRESTLING

[@constantincebuc229]

"Climb the ladder kid, make yourself famous" That match proved Jeff Hardy can be a main-eventer

[@flaps805]

It's all about consistency

[@filipjphry3282]

One of the most iconic lines from JR. I legit jumped when Jeff touched the title.

[@theitfactorjameswheezer2852]

I mean he was in tna

[@Suge8263]

JR at his best

[@coryshannon3815]

When people say a guy is being buried by losing a match, I like to go back to this ladder match to show that a guy can lose and still look as strong as if he had won.

[@Mjwara]

In wrestling, like in life, sometimes one gains more from losing.

[@KemeticKingAsar]

Yeah, Jeff Hardy vs Undertaker is a prime example of elevating your opponent while beating them. Now look at its opposite ie Triple H vs Randy Orton at Unforgiven 2004 where there's a ref bump, Coach runs out (with no explanation) to referee the match, all of Evolution interfere (Randy fights them all off) then turns around into a Triple H chair shot + Pedigree on the same chair, 1, 2, 3, and it's over. Baby face Randy Orton wasn't buried due to losing one match. It's “how“ Randy lost, which is why it's considered a burial.

[@jarretc110]

it's not a match, it's many matches. hardy was over and didn't need to win to stay over because he was so unique at the time.

[@jonjohnson1978.]

Thats fair however, these two are clearly in different positions...taker was a main eventer and hardy a young tag/up n comer

[@jonjohnson1978.]

@@KemeticKingAsar same with HHH and booker T

[@aznpikachu215]

There were so many quotes from Jim Ross. "Good god almighty, a knockout shot!" "Go for it, Jeff! Climb your ass off!" "Climb the ladder, kid! Make yourself famous!" "He's inches away from immortality!"

[@dr.loomis4221]

I don't think he said "kidd"

[@elchomper.1063]

​@@dr.loomis4221literally just watched the match yeah he did it's the emotional height of the match

[@ChiseledAdonis]

Jim Ross did a hell of a job during this match!

[@justafanofnerdculture7602]

That show of respect from 'Taker was everything. Ironically, whenever I see Jeff Hardy, I think about this ladder match. That's saying a lot considering everything that Jeff has accomplished in his career.

[@SteRDLK]

How is that ironic?

[@matchavez8530]

Really???? I think of Victory Road. It's a better example of who he is.

[@TheCre88tor]

This was an example of paying it forward because 6 years later to help Hardy's solo career on the way to the WWE Title, Undertaker let Jeff beat him in an Extreme Rules match on SmackDown, he did the same for Randy Orton in his rookie year, too.

[@usamazahid3882]

Incredible.

[@YusukeKnight]

20 years later and I still love this match

[@constablekennedy7705]

You and me both Fella

[@finessewrld23]

Crazy to think it’s been 20 years already 😭

[@TheRustedShackleford]

This match proves how important good commentary is to the overall experience of a match. JR screaming is just as iconic and ingrained in my mind as the match itself. WWE at its best.

[@nsj1979]

There's a point in this match where Jeff is climbing the ladder, and the dialogue between JR and King is just awesome. JR: Come on, Jeff-climb your ass off! King: Come on, Undertaker-get your ass up!

[@AdamWest1290]

I miss when wwe had small random rivalry matches like this on raw and smackdown while the champions already had a ppv set up for them

[@timbartschwolfman]

One of the earliest moments of the Ruthless Aggression Era

[@xenaires]

Jeff Hardy is such a talented wrestler. I hope he can overcome his demons. I've been there. My love and prayers go out to Jeff.

[@brandonperkins176]

20 years and this match is a classic

[@DJDoubleCee]

When I watched the ladder match between those two for the first time, I was almost convinced that Jeff Hardy was gonna walk away with the undisputed title. You can tell Jeff was gonna make it in the WWE by the way The Undertaker showed his respect for him in the end.

[@Bale4Bond]

It's almost as if the guys having the Match knew what they were doing

[@TheEman590]

So did I. I was on the edge of my seat!

[@maodijong3661]

Jeff had already made it lol

[@jamesduckery]

People tend to forget HHH put him over to win the IC Title in 01. This was another major push for Jeff solo wise but they felt like he wasn't ready. Right after this match he beat William Regal for the European Title.

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@jamesduckery but in the career of Jeff Hardy was significant

[@benrichardson8099]

When I saw this match I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and when Jeff started to walk up the ladder and taker wasn't moving..oh man I thought he was gonna win...what a match at the time hats off to both...

[@UfodexENMD]

After he helped Taker spoke to Raven and said "Thanks Raven"

[@g-dub5272]

Loved Big Evil Taker...legit ass kicker

[@peteryoung08]

Thank you wrestlingbios for covering this match. I still remember watching this match vividly on raw. Every week on Monday watched raw, sitting on my living row excited to watch 2 of my favorite wrestlers. Of course Jeff was my favorite, I've always loved watching high flyers and risk takes. I was expecting a good match and at the end turned out to be a legendary match. The toughness of Jeff willing to go through anything and still get up. Than Taker lifts Jeff hand as a sign of respect I will never forget that.

[@leftovergaming9529]

Jeff was and still is my favorite wrestler of all time. Just everything from his moveset, to his attire, his character, and his willingness to take insane bumps. I always marked out hard to Jeff Hardy and he will go down as one of those guys that kept me watching week end and week out.

[@ChaostheClown]

Yeah I turned 10 years old a few weeks after this match, just turned 30 the other night lol I have extremely vivid memories of this match, and this era of WWE in general. The TNN logo on the RAW set, the WWF logo on the belt despite everything else rebranded to WWE, the smackdown fist, motorcycle Taker. Great video and a trip down memory lane of one of the best TV matches of it's time!

[@Brando-Lee3725]

Yes ! Vividly is the word i would use as well . I only watched this match once as it happened live . And i could still see in my mind what Jeff was wearing and several spots that occurred !

[@xenaires]

Taker is and always will be the Phenom!!!!

[@TheEman590]

Yes! I loved this match. Undertaker showing his respect to Jeff at the end was great 👍

[@benespinosa6725]

This Feud is very very Underrated the ladder match on Raw is one of my favorite Matches in Monday Night Raw History along with Lita Vs Trish Stratus Raw December 6th 2004 and Shawn michaels vs John Cena Raw in 2007

[@adrianpadilla1825]

That chair shot that Jeff Hardy gave to the undertaker was so hard I was like damn !

[@thomasmeyer6407]

When I was a younger teen watching this live I really thought and was like touched by the taker coming back down and raising Jeff's hand it was a genuinely like feel-good moment that was earned through the storytelling and it couldn't have ended any other better way!

[@rockajabroni5975]

One of the most underrated storytelling matches of all time, and personally, my favorite RAW match ever.👏

[@SirDankleberry]

Even though it took years later for Jeff to win the world championship it was magical when it finally happened. Would love to see it covered one day.

[@juggaajlp]

I really do like the ladder match between Jeff Hardy & Undertaker, as well as their last man stading match in 2008/2009.

[@xhaos3522]

They never had a last man standing match.

[@orlandosimpson9437]

Yeah. I remembered the rivalry between the Charismatic Enigma Jeff Hardy and Big Evil The Undertaker while he was the Undisputed WWE Champion at the time when I was twelve years old in 2002 including the Ladder match between them during the Ruthless Aggression Era and I watched the whole thing on TV.

[@realmeancomix]

wrestling bios is one of the only youtube things i make time for. it's like reading the library of Alexandria, but wrestling.

[@chamberofprogress5025]

Jeff Hardy had some great rivalries with Edge and CM Punk, as well. The 2009 Summerslam Ladder Match really elevated CM Punk to the next level, and Jeff Hardy helped bring out the best in Punk. It wasn't until the Hardy-Punk rivalry that I even thought CM Punk had any kind of Hardcore talent.

[@TheEman590]

You missed out on CM Punk in Ring of Honor I take it? In 2003 he was having a feud with Raven that included hardcore matches, cage matches, a dog collar chain match, etc. The Hardy match would be the first time he showed Hardcore to a wider audience, for sure.

[@TheEman590]

@@yagami817 Ah, the memories of him teaming with Colt Cobana and playing the straight man. I remember the time limit draws Punk had with Samoa Joe. I couldn't believe these indy guys were basically doing an NWA style match but with 2004 wrestling. Reminded me why I loved it.

[@gqthaKonqueror]

Probably one of the most underrated ladder matches of all time.

[@Racinrasslinfan36]

“IM STILL STANDING WITH ROPES BUT IM STILL STANDING”

[@McGomezAddams]

My favorite match in Raw history. Watched it again last week.

[@elliotelectricity]

You know it's a good day when this guy has a new video uploaded :)

[@NxFxKW]

Of all the hundreds of episodes of raw I watched as a kid none stuck with me like this one… I can literally picture myself at my grandparents house watching this 20 years later.

[@Bryguy10201]

What a moment this was.. Taker turns face and the great sportsmanship shown after the match

[@no_one01-5]

When Taker raised Jeff's hand, I was jumping of joy. It was so perfect. Even after 20 years, I still remember it, like it was a Wrestlemania moment that was shown on RAW.

[@Wandering_Nowhere]

Jeff's look around this time with the glow paint was always something I looked forward to each week. He looked unique every time.

[@WarhawkBeyond2040]

Even though the Jeff Hardy Undertaker rivalry was very short, their ladder match was one of the best ever and did a great job in helping to establish the next main event star. It a true underdog scenario and it was one of those special moments where the loser of the match came out of it looking like a much bigger winner than the guy who won. Undertaker made Jeff Hardy look really good and I remember watching this match with my friend, we all thought that Jeff was going to win the title especially as Big Evil had never competed in a ladder match before, so we definitely thought that gave Jeff the edge in terms of experience. JR saying "climb the ladder kid, make yourself famous" is such an iconic line and on a couple of occasions, it looked like Jeff was going to become the new champion. Jeff Hardy may have lost the match but gained something even bigger, he earned the respect of The Undertaker.

[@chuck7514]

Back in the 90s never would have thought to see undertaker and Jeff hardy in a title match with Jeff winning. The hardy boys tlc matches will always be some of the most memorable times in wwf history

[@At0micPunk90]

I'll happily put "CLIMB THE LADDER, KID, MAKE YOURSELF FAMOUS!" alongside "STONE COLD! STONE COLD! STONE COLD!" and "GOD AS MY WITNESS, HE IS BROKEN IN HALF!" as one of my favorite JR calls. In that moment, he makes you believe that Jeff might actually do it, before 'Taker crushes everyone's dreams. It's a testament how commentary can elevate a match and a moment.

[@jamesbaker6006]

I remember watching this match as it happened, the crowd was electric for the entire this the hope spot were simply amazing, everything about that match is why I am a wrestling fan. No amount of haphazard booking or broken story lines will ever turn me off of wrestling because of matches and moments like this one, a true classic. Thank you Bio-Man for covering this one top notch work as always sir.

[@irighterotica]

This was quite close to around the time I stopped watching. I remember it pretty well. My brothers and I were sick with excitement-probably caught it from the crowd and Good Ol' J.R.-when Jeff's hand touched the belt. We really thought he was going to pull it off, if only for a second. What a great memory, and a fantastic match.

[@xenaires]

You absolutely make my day. Going through a death in the family. I put this on and it made my day. Thanks for making such an informative and witty show.

[@duncandisorderly9445]

The way Dreamer was buried after puking his guts out. You can practically smell Vince giggling to himself as he buried another ECW legend. So glad that he doesn’t book shows anymore.

[@kbhalacy]

Undertaker breaking his heel persona to pat Jeff on the back was epic Also JR commantary....LEGENDARY

[@chadkennedy7855]

It's beat the 2002 MLB All-Star Game, which ended in a tied. Joe: "The fans aren't very happy."

[@LITHPALESTINE]

This is actually legendary

[@ReelBigFudge]

My favorite match of all time

[@213chewy]

You gotta do Eddie Guerrero vs edge on smack down, I forgot the date but it was a hardcore match and it was amazing

[@emearg191]

That the one where edge broke his neck?

[@213chewy]

@@emearg191 no, he didn’t break neck, edge win that match and they both walked out in their own, when the match was over Eddie was standing in the middle of the ring and got a standing ovation, at that time Eddie was a heel

[@CoralCopperHead]

Back when you could honestly expect PPV-quality matches from the weekly shows. Now you're lucky to get that on a legit PPV.

[@Noobsaibot21]

You might get the odd PPV grade match on AEW dynamite (the recent Garcia/Bryan match being a good example of a breakout moment for someone) but yeah, it's very rare. And just never happens in WWE anymore

[@toptenguy1]

That was a fun mini-feud. But Jeff just wasn't ready yet. He definitely ended up being around 2007-2008.

[@lexkanyima2195]

It is a test to join with the big dogs

[@_ginock_]

I have never been the biggest fan of The Undertaker but this story makes me respect him a hell of a lot more not just professionally but personally. To take someone who at that point by all rights no-one would think to pair with and work the program shows a massive level of professionalism for Undertaker but not only that a time when WWE were willing to take risks. Hopefully we might see more of this coming back.

[@Flickydicky]

Loved how you braught up the fact Undertaker had diffrent storylines on raw and smackdown, i always loved that part!!

[@garylshawiii483]

Loved this mini angle. I wasn't really watching a lot of wrestling at the time but I did pay attention this. One of the best of the best feuds not based on wins or losses or even characters but respect, heart, and well booked matches. A chefs kiss for all involved

[@chadkennedy7855]

20 years... time sure does fly.

[@grammysworld5449]

This is why I liked Biker Taker.. In his 2 title runs he helped Hardy, John Cena , and Orlando Jordan.. Stuff like this leading to the Cena Vengance match where Taker has to teach another kid respect in a different way.. Can't wait until you cover that one.. Cenas promo work was masterful in that feud

[@louisvelez40]

That ladder match between these two for the Undisputed title did better than I thought it was going to be. Jeff was so good that he earned Takers respect and mine. He showed me he could be a main eventer down the line. Great storytelling and it was the RAW main event

[@badbabybear1]

Underrated storyline that started to make Jeff a true star and helped turn Taker face again. Also, Big Evil was such an awesome run.

[@lucasguinn3597]

Wrestling Bios, Jeff Hardy was and still is my favorite superstar, thanks for uploading this video.

[@KeganStucki]

This is one of the last matches I watched before I quit watching wrestling regularly. What an amazing story they told!

[@constablekennedy7705]

Agreed Bro 💯

[@mehulrathod7739]

Hey hi key gun can I ask you why you quit watching wrestling? Because I just started Watching wrestling in 2002 I mean around may 2002.

[@Noobsaibot21]

I too would like to see what the switch off point was for you

[@KeganStucki]

@@mehulrathod7739 I was a little Stinger, and became very disappointed in how he started being booked after 97. Held on during the Invasion, which I REALLY hated, and just lost interest after that. I would tune in every now and again, but life has a way of ruining the things you love lol While I don't tune in to regular programming anymore, analysis channels such as Wrestling Bios (in my opinion, easily the best in this space) has definitely revitalized my love for wrestling!

[@Noobsaibot21]

@@KeganStucki fair enough. There is a lot of gold between 2001 and 2005 though. My cut off points are the firing of Muhammad Hassan and the death of Eddie Guerrero. The Benoit incident kind of ruined it for me further and then the PG era sealed the coffin. Aside from the very odd cool moment or two, I've pretty much stayed away until AEW showed up. As for who to watch, I recommend wrestling bios, OSW review in particular and sometimes Wrestling with Wregret. I try to stay away from the others as they seem more interested in simply pumping content daily than actually entertaining or informing.

[@donkeyshlong5727]

I remember watching this live and realizing after I had just witnessed one of those special moments in WWE.

[@kamaucaldwell6408]

This was my favorite match when I was younger. I watched this over and over. I studied this match

[@RKStrikerJK5]

I was there for that ladder match between Jeff and 'Taker. Only the second live event I've been to. I was on the edge of my seat during it, and thought Jeff _might've_ won. Just absolutely awesome.

[@All5Horizons]

I always thought it was interesting that Jeff became so identified with being a “ladder specialist,” because he lost way more matches involving ladders than he won.

[@mrs6968]

Awesome detailed retelling thank you so much

[@TheAutistWhisperer]

I really enjoyed that feud.

[@clarkhellwig792]

🔥🔥🔥🔥 great narration keep it coming

[@peterdickinson4599]

Nice work. One of my all-time favourite mini-feuds.

[@thumper3662]

I still remember watching this match. After that “knockout shot”, I was literally jumping up and down on my couch. I was mad hyped

[@D_McGeezacks]

One of my favorites! Thank you, Imma grab a snack and enjoy this one fully :D

[@mrsalmon1984]

I seriously love this channel! Nonstop comfort and nostalgia.

[@wrathofnerds]

Great video! This small 1-2 month focus video really rocks.

[@lja8187]

That ladder match I've never forgotten about.

[@scienceman2024]

Love this match... and love that Undertaker music remix. Great job.

[@bobbygermain9635]

Love the content keep up the good work wrestling bios!! One of my favorite wrestling content channels on youtube.

[@taylormademyself89]

This is my fav match as a kid I remember being 12 yrs old watching this match with sum friends who I was trying to get into wrestling for months but after this match and seeing how exciting we got watching it , they instantly became wrestling fans like me 😎🤟

[@djhanley1952]

Been watching the content for a while. First wrestling show ever in person. What a gem this main event was (I was 7 years old and knew it) rest of the show was golden too. Glad you made a video on it

[@ratedmgamer9819]

I love that you covered this mini feud. Their ladder match is a classic and one of my favorite matches of all time. The storytelling was old school but so good and JR going wild on commentary made it even better. Love that match...

[@crowdofone222]

I stopped watching wrestling before Big Evil and started back sometime after. I didn't know Big Evil was a thing until much later. Not sure where I would place him In favorite Undertaker gimmicks.

[@dtcarpediem]

Man this match brings back memories and told such a great story. It’s sometimes difficult to really sell a storyline thats completely one sided and have you believe that maybe just maybe the underdog just might actually win. Great commentary helps to sell it as well, cause JR hyped up Jeff so much especially during the final minutes.

[@donaldmcclurejr.494]

🔥🔥🔥 one of the best matches. I've ever seen!

[@jasonsierchio1167]

I know I'm in the minority on this , but this is my favorite Undertaker

[@andysanchez1215]

Big Evil was my favorite version of the undertaker! 😈

[@danielocean3699]

Great work on the editing as always!!

[@adamgeorge1799]

I remember watching this as a kid haha thanks for covering this

[@TheScaryOne845]

I was there in Manchester, NH to see that match. Being a part of two great wrestling moments - the other being the formation of the Rock n' Sock Connection in Boston - is pretty awesome.

[@RolfWrenWalsh]

This match and the Shelton vs HBK match in Spring 2005 are the two matches I think of most when you mention significant matches like these. The Shelton/HBK match is so legendary (nevermind the ending) that WWE even put it in it's entirety on the 15th Anniversary DVD. The other one I think of is Waltman vs Bret July 1994, though I didn't see it live (I became a wrestling fan on January 1, 1996), but saw it when I was working my way through all of 1994 back in 2013. Also, I have always been curious as to how Taker felt about this match, and I got my answer. Well done, and thanks again Ryan for everything you do.

[@aowwii]

I remember seeing it live on TV. I was maybe 4 years old. Jeff had been my favorite ever since I was a lil ol' guy. I had the TLC VHS and some other VHS that had the different commentaries on their ladder match vs Edge and Christian at No Mercy, I believe. I even had a Three Faces of Foley VHS that I recall had Matt and Jeff talking in it for a little bit. So, for me, seeing Jeff in this match was absolutely everything for me. As a grown man now, obviously, Jeff wouldn't win it. But, as a kid, seeing my favorite wrestler get so close meant so much to me. I still show this match to friends and family. If good wrestling matches come up, I point to this one.

[@martynodonnell8467]

Another awesome upload from the wrestling channel with the most jam on the planet!

[@kingofkings69ner]

WWE loved those ladder matches for Monday Night Raw in 2002

[@mickeygaines007]

This was just one of those things where everything was done right. The prior booking was great, the lead up, then the story the guys told in the ring. It wouldn’t have been the same on TV without Jim Ross. And the action in the ring was exciting. The talent today can’t pull this kind of stuff off. And huge credit to Taker for challenging himself to go out of his wheelhouse to let another guy shine. Not the first and not the last time he did that kind of thing. You got both guys coming out of it looking like gold.

[@SentinelPrimal]

Jeff Hardy winning Undertaker’s respect that night was championship in and of itself.

[@astro-aaron]

Love your mashup openings man

[@adamrenfrow]

This rivalry put Jeff Hardy in the main even status.

[@warmachine68]

What a fantastic review. Well done

[@MetropolisKid]

i clearly remember this whole storyline along wit big evils storyline over in smackdown bcuz my dad would always tell me to go to sleep on monday nites bcuz of school. that ladder match had me jumping for jeff. who’s the reason i kept watching pro wrestling in general. good times and memories.

[@wolfmerc11]

This was one of the first matches I watched before I even got into pro-wrestling. I've forgotten most of the details, but I can see now why it's so iconic!

[@georgelea4297]

Just a great match made even more epic by JR's commentary

[@arrisbaldwin6498]

Six Years later on November 14, 2008 Edition of SmackDown! the two would meet again in an Extreme Rules Match. Hardy would finally become victorious over the Deadman in his yard with his rules Tables, Ladder and Chairs. Earning his way and rise to the Main Event as a both WWE Champion [1×] & World Heavyweight Champion [2×] to a livin legend and someday future Hall of Fame. Forever the G.O.A.T forever in my childhood 🙌🙌🙌

[@dominiquejones3805]

That's the match when Jeff had on the face paint right!!!!

[@spartanq7781]

The Undertaker: "I'll make your ass famous." By God did he ever.

[@jdfromnyisgod1789]

Thank you bios !!!!!!!

[@modestpoet4777]

As usual GREAT GREAT JOB!!