WWE chose a rather bizarre storyline back in the 1990’s where a heel continued to dominate a babyface. This is the story of Mankind and The Undertaker, and their brutal feud. Talking about this rivalry, Jim Ross clarified why WWE chose to put Mankind over Taker.

During his conversation with Conrad Thompson, Jim Ross revealed that The Undertaker and Mankind did not have an issue with the situation. Moreover, because nobody thought that Mankind as heel would win over Taker who was babyface, the match became all kinds of success.

“It was actually the right thing to do. You want to do a program with Taker and Mankind, with Mick. So, how do you? Is the way to start the program having the antagonist lose? I don’t think so. Taker had no issue with it. I believe it was the right thing to do.

“It was not predictable… I think it was the right thing to do and everybody involved had no issues with it.”

Furthermore, Jim Ross explained that by defeating The Undertaker, Mankind put himself over and launched a program that would help put his character and the feud that would follow on the map.

An insight into The Undertaker and Mankind’s feud

It started after Mankind attacked Taker during the latter’s match against Justin Bradshaw. After that, Mankind continued to attack The Deadman several times backstage.

Now, the feud reached the next level when Mankind locked Taker in a casket during Taker’s match against Goldlust for the Intercontinental Championship. It cost Taker the title, and they clashed at King of the Ring 1996.

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Mankind won this match, and WWE booked a second one for SummerSlam 1996, a Boiler Room match. During the buildup, they had several backstage brawls which helped hype up the match.

At SummerSlam 1996, Paul Bearer turned against Taker and attacked him with the urn before giving it to Mankind.

“Our Chemistry Was just Perfect”- The Iconic Undertaker-Paul Bearer Story

Their third match was at In Your House 11: Buried Alive (1996). This match was exceptionally brutal.

Taker dominated the match and started burying Mankind. Unfortunately, The Executioner attacked, and The Phenom was buried instead by The Executioner, Paul Bearer, Mankind, Goldlust, Triple H, and Justin Bradshaw.

Just when everyone thought Taker was gone for good, a lightning hit, and The Deadman returned from the grave.

Watch This Story: Deadliest Finishers in WWE History

Their fourth match was at Survivor Series 1996. This time, Paul Bearer was suspended from a steel cage to prevent interference. Taker won, but The Executioner attacked him. However, he was able to fend him off too.

The Undertaker won the WWF title at WrestleMania XIII from Sycho Sid, but Mankind put his eyes on the title and again attacked Taker.

This led to a fifth match at In Your House 14: Revenge of the Taker (1997). This was a brutal match, but Taker defeated Mankind which marked the end of this feud.

Mankind revived the feud later, and they battled at King of the Ring 1998. The Phenom dropped Mankind from the roof off the steel cage, marking the end once and for all.