STW #86: The Undertaker in the WWE 1995-1997
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- On this episode: "Ohhhhhh yessssss!" we've got everything you could ever want to know about the Phenom, the Undertaker from 1995, 1996, and 1997! "REST IN PEACE" that we cover why the "druids" were with Undertaker, how Undertaker handled autograph signings in the mid 90s, how the WWF almost did Baywatch, an incredible never-before-heard story about what Vince wanted to do to create controversy at NAPTE in 95, how Vince tried to piggyback the Super Bowl, why King Kong Bundy was chosen for Taker at 11, whether or not Ventura almost came back and why it didn't happen, Steve McMichael almost wrestling here rather than WCW, why Vince didn't sign the Fridge, the most random SMW tag match ever, an incredible story about Doot Doot Doot getting hired in the WWF, what Missy was considered for during this era and why it didn't happen, who was offered to crown the King of the Ring and you won't believe it, who Vince wanted to do a guest spot on In Your House is maybe the craziest story of the week, Undertaker's first pinfall loss since Hogan years prior being to MABEL, the television rights deal with USA with specific numbers discussed will shock you, who Vince tried to leverage USA against for more money, more about the WWF blimp, whether or not the NBA actually blocked the WWF coming back to NBC, shooting the opening for RAW upsetting the locals in Stamford, ESPN working with the WWF back in 95, why Tatanka was fired will shock you, why the WWF ran a poll for whether or not OJ was guilty on TV (yes, that happened!), Bill Watts and his brief run in the WWF, a story even Bruce doesn't want to tell about JJ Dillon, so much good stuff about Lisa Wolf, the heat on Mabel for hurting guys, how Taker handled the broken orbital bone, why Brother Love was back in 95, the ECW talent was heavily considered in 95 is not the name you expect, revisit the feuds with Diesel, Goldust, and Mankind, how chokeslamming Sable came about, Bruce's thought's on Live Wire, why Undertaker started doing planchas and what he called them, more details than you ever imagined on a Buried Alive match, how Gordy was brought in and why it didn't last, the 1996 Hall of Fame banquet, how Bruce describes Undertaker's look at Survivor Series, why Cornette thought Bruce was ribbing him in an Undertaker skit, the great Final Four match, the 1996 Slammys, why Vince looked to the Undertaker for Mania 13, did shit Sid himself, the first fireball in WWF TV history, why New Jersey got TV and PPV again in 1997, how Taker handled the Vader incident in Kuwait, why Meltzer thought Papa Shango was coming back, John Tesh's crazy contract rider, Yokozuna's weight loss, Sid collapsing backstage, why Taker needed to lose the belt at SummerSlam, the crazy chair shots in August, was Kane supposed to debut in September, why the company decided to stop doing One Night Only type shows, where does Bruce rank the first Hell in a Cell, why Taker wasn't on Survivor Series 1997, blood pressure issues, the BSK, grey to purple gloves, the dangers of the tombstone, Undertaker's tattoos, the Curtain Call, Wrestler's Court, why body bags went away, and much more in one of our longest episodes ever!
Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard is an audio podcast that discusses topics, events, wrestlers and memorable moments through the lens of former WWE executive Bruce Prichard co-hosted by Conrad Thompson.
The show was launched in August 2016 on MLW Radio. The episodes typically range from 2 hours to 4 hours in length, and include discussions about previous WWE pay-per-views and former WWE wrestlers.
Wake up with the Morning Deuce with Bruce: www.Facebook.com/SomethingToWrestle
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6:51 start
Thank you
Thanks man
You’re the man brother !
Thanks. That intro and all those plugs is rediculous
Thank you 🙏🏽
I am literally in tears at the fact that you guys played “ get money “ by junior mafia in the background of a credit card ad lmfaooooooooo I love this podcast
Brother Bruce and Brother Conrad, a few poll suggestions..
LEGENDS:
1.Andre stories (25 yr anniversary)
2.Flair ( 01-08 )
3. Jim Ross
4. Pat Patterson
FAMILY and FACTIONS:
1.Samoan Dynasty
2.Evolution
3.LOD
4. The Von Erichs
MANAGERS
1. Paul Bearer
2. Jimmy Hart
3. Chyna
4. Sable
MISC
1. Agent stories
2. Cutting room floor (ideas that didn't quite make it)
3. Hall of Fame
4. Behind the Gorilla Position (The Man and The Mayhem)
Dan Beauchesne..... NOBODY CARES ABOUT THE VON ERICHS (EXCEPT KEVIN & DAVID) THE REST WERE TRAGIC FUCK UPS
Fuck off Keith. I care about them.
Who's Sable?
Would love to see an episode about the Samoans 🇼🇸
Include the Islanders as well. Haku, Barbarian, Fatu, Samu, Afa, Sika… there’s some rich history there!
The only good opponents the Steiners had were the Headshrinkers, in terms of match quality and being believable threats to them. The Beverlys were good at taking a beating and the Heavenly Bodies gave them decent matches but neither were true rivals.
When I was little, I though Paul Bearer and Brother Love were played by the same guy. Lol.
Was that last year??
I can see that as a little guy.
IT WILL ALWAYS BE WWF TO ME!!!
DAMMIT!!!
Red white and blue ring ropes forever!!!
You both are right!!!
Original WWF Logo!!! With Vinnie Mac on commentary rocking his WWF blazer!!!
@@johnhanna3026 - what a maneuver!
Bruce "I Wasn't There" Prichard 😄
Bruce "I don't know" Prichard
I wasn’t even there, it was Owen
Conrad "I act like I was there and one of the boys even though I was 12" Thompson
Terminatorfan 189 AND... Eric “I Don’t Recall” Bischoff. ☹️☹️☹️😂😂😂😅😅😅
No that's Tony Bruce actually says stuff Tony didn't even no the wrestlers he called there matches for if ye listened to whw
The undertaker is one of the reasons why WWF survived late 96 and 97 when WCW was winning the Monday night wars
Yeah, when nash and hall left Bret took time off the wwe really were left thread bare taker and shawn were the only stars and they both carried that company at times.
House shows
@@mrrickson3571 Hart left in April of 96 and had already been feuding with Austin and HHH after losing the belt to Michaels at WM 12. Nash and Hall left in May of 96 and Austin won the King of the Ring the following month. Most people tuned in to watch him call out Bret over the next few months and the Austin vs Hart match is what everyone was hoping to see each week. Taker and Shawn were obviously huge draws, but Austin, HHH, Mankind, Sid, Vader, Ahmed Johnson, Bulldog, Owen, Goldust, The Rock, Farooq, Yokozuna, Marc Mero, and plenty of others made for a much more interesting and fresh product than abunch of ex-WWF guys in their 40s acting like gangstas (nWo). Once Bret returned at the end of 96, him and Austin were just as big as Shawn and Taker, and arguably bigger. A lot of the younger guys mentioned earlier really started to blow up in 97 and then the roster got even better with the additions of guys like Kane, Shamrock, The Patriot, Pillman, L.O.D., etc. There were plenty of reasons to tune in to WWF in 96 and 97, and tons of people did. WCW just got better ratings because of the nWo, who ironically hardly ever wrestled and when they did they put on some of the worst matches in WCW history.
We need a taker 99-01 episode & hear about the transition from Deadman to Badass
could do 98 to 00 and cover the ministry/corporate ministry and then the transition to American badass. That would be better.
Deadass
Undertaker is the reason I became a fan of WWE.
You are the reason i became a fan of UA-cam.
Jeremy Boehm greatest of all tyme
Same here
FUCK METALLICA
David Miller stop crying like mustaine
I laughed my ass off when Conrad asked about the squeaky chair cuz when Bruce called me I heard that damn squeaky chair! Lol
Cool story bro. Tell it again.
When did he talk about it?
3:01:33
@@HereIsWisdom1318 thanks
@@slaction remember 4 years ago when you were an idiot? How’s that working out for u now
"He's alive Undertaker! Kane's alive! Oh yes! I saw him!" Me and my friends would go around college saying that all the time. Love that shit.
Bored Now Ohh Yes! Indeed (Paul Bearer) voice lol 😄. Those are some of my favorite times from the attitude era
I would remove my hat whenever I took it off and roll my eyes back like Taker.
I'd say u and ur friends were stuffed in lockers and stuff then if u did that here is b beaten to a pulp
@@jasonswift1608 I dont think so, man. They’d probably Tombstone your ass! Straight to hell!!
Tell me you didn’t get laid in college without telling me you didn’t get laid in college lmao
Starts at 6:58
that Michael Hayes story is the type of story I listen to this podcast for. awesome
When does that happen?
Thank you for listening and coming to Nashville. I will be getting my tickets ASAP. See you there.
I was at the In Your House:Buried Alive...marked like a wildman when Taker's hand came up. My friend at the time bought the pay per view and after we saw it live, we saw it on DVR to hear the commentary and see what we missed! Kudos to Bruce and all involved for the show. Was well worth the money!
I usually skip to the start of the podcast but that Paul Bearer impersonation was spot on lmao
You guys need to do that Lisa Wolf show.
Sounds like it would be such an interesting one, going by Bruce's synopsis.
Ditto. I'm intrigued.
Can’t wait to check out this video on UA-cam...wait....
Quality show. Look forward to listening to more. These were the DAYS. Being born in 90 to a family that lived and breathed WWF wrestling since the 70s or 80s idk I wasn't born. How can you not watch Monday night raw?
The Phanton of the Opera wished he could look as dope as Taker in that mask. That was a gnarly piece of art yo!
the boiler room match was as creepy as hell with the tv static and micks grunting something different for sure.
Like ur picture then 😂😂
I love you guys just subscribed and I'll be honest i don't usually listen to podcast or anything of the sort but you guys put out short clips and they just got me hooked brother random question bruce do you know a tony roy ??
In the mid 90s Beulah was the most Roll Tide of all Roll Tide broads in wrestling.
Thank you guys so much for doing these podcast! I've always wanted to know the backstage dirt that goes on behind the scenes during the greatest time in wrestling history.
That Paul Bearer Mr Fuji commercial was HILARIOUSLY AWESOME!!!! 😝
To bad Paul isn't around. He would have an awesome podcast. All the stuff he was involved with. He had a cool voice too.
the show starts at 6:58
MY HANG DANG ENDS AT MY KNEE CAP
Undertaker 95-97, yet the picture on the right is Taker '99
Joe FromTomsRiver
TAKER 99' WAS THE BADASS
Keith Crockett pretty sure that was 2000
1999 he was the Lord Of Darkness, 2000 he became the American Bad Ass, 2004 he returned to being The Deadman.
The other is 1994 as well
Who gives a shit.
I would've liked to see the Undertaker break out the neck tie, the purple glove's and boot cover's 1 more time before he retired.
SkinCarver me too. Hopefully at this years wrestle mania we see it.
SkinCarver same here. I hope he does also. I liked the grey gloves and the grey boot guards
Same here.. purple or gray gloves & boot covers..
Gay.
SkinCarver that sounds cool and all, but I can’t help but feel that he would look really stupid wearing his gear from the most hokey era in wrestling history lol
One off the most watched shows on youtube goat
The McMichael and Godfather brawl was awesome. Watching it back when that episode first appeared on the Network, I thought, holy crap, they could've had something there.
Watching Undertaker lose to Mable was gut wrenching
Summerslam 97 was my first wwe ppv...it was explosive...i was hooked..
Wrestlemania V was my first ppv.
These 3 years that they covered on The Undertaker were 3 of the craziest years that Undertaker had. To me his 1995 really sucked. I couldn't remember one thing that he did in that year. However, it picked up in 1996. I loved the Boiler Room Brawl vs Mankind. I agree with Bruce, I wished there was some LIVE commentary as it happened. It was so obvious that it was pre-taped. You live and your learn as Bruce would said. I loved his Hell in the Celll match with Shawn Micheals. Even though that version of the cell was the smallest it would be they did a good job of working their way through it and told a damn good story to set up the Introduction of Kane.
To me the "sit up" was the undertakers version of Hogan "hulking out". So have always thought it should always be used. But not too much. Rarely over once a match.
Undertaker from 1990-2004 and from 2005-present are the two best runs of any big man between the heights of 6'9 to 7'2 to debut and reincarnate himself over those two runs in my humble opinion.
I just love these years!
I did too.
My 3 fav years of Taker’s run during the 90’s would be 1996-1998. Epic time.
In 1996, he finally was able to show us that he could really go and hang with the guys that ppl held as the generals, such a Bret. His feud with Foley was the best that year, imo. Produced some great content.
In 1997, he would go on to have another great year and have his longest title reign of his career. A underrated reign, if you ask me. The rivalry with HBK, who happens to be one of his top rivals of all time. If you want MAGIC, a INSTANT CLASSIC, a TIMELESS GEM.. put Taker & Shawn together.. and BAM! The arrival of Kane 🙌
In 1998, the rivalries with Austin & Kane are just epic and some of the best during the Attitude Era. The final brawl with Foley in the legendary HIAC match at KOTR. He became much more unapologetic during this time, which is so badass considering the direction he was going with character.
'God damn pal' this was a great episode
Y’all whine and complain too damn much. So what if they didn’t exclusively talk about the undertaker for the whole 5hrs. It was a great episode.
Well just like when people go to see a movie, they expect to see the film that's on the poster, not another film people who tune into a podcast called Undertaker 95-97 expect to hear about the Undertaker, Not Richard Glover.
Exactly, MARKS
Dante Goodman Fuck that. Im not cool with the fact that I was lied too.
Tony Cannida wtf. Why are you being so weird about this? The podcast, that you didn’t pay for, is a fluid conversation about a topic that often goes in different directions depending on the answers Bruce gives. If Conrad didn’t follow up on interesting answers Bruce gave you guys would be upset about that.
You were lied to? Only case you would have of being lied to is if the podcast promised to talk about the undertaker and no one else. Who complains about getting more than they asked for? It’s like if you went to a restaurant and they said “btw dessert comes free with the burgers you ordered”, and you started crying that you were lied to
Dante Goodman lol I'm just saying that it said Undertaker in the title so they should be talking about Undertaker but instead I got all this other shit that I don't want to hear about at the moment and guess what that does? Makes me forget about that shit because I was too busy thinking "where's the Taker stories? Fuck all this filler!" Basically I feel like I'm at the resturaunt and they dropped these cheeseburgers down in front of me and I'm saying to the dumbass waiter "Motherfucker I'm lactose intolerant! Get this shit out of my face and bring me The shit that I came for!"
When are we gonna get more undertaker
33:39 Larry Eugene Young from Dixon,Illinois was the MLB umpire
One thing to note about Melter being wrong about Papa Shango coming back, Godfather has admitted he was told by Vince that he was coming back as Papa Shango after he signed with WWF instead of taking the role in the nWo that went to Virgil. He said he was later told that Kane was debuting and that Vince didn't want 2 extra supernatural characters coming in, so he was cast as Kama Musafa. So if Dave is wrong, so is Godfather.
Fireball used against Hogan at King of the Ring when he lost to Yoko
I'm going to call Triple H Mr. Stephanie McMahon from now on
Mabel almost broke Nash’s Back at SUMMERSLAM Conrad!
I didn't know the Hakushi match was out there. Pretty awesome the way they opened and closed it. That's part of why I listen to STW. Always something new to learn about the business!
I kinda like that they go off topic a lot - there are already a lot of stories told about the Undertaker (and rightly so) - I want to hear about stuff that hasn't really been talked about quite as much - it's low-key a reason I hope they ditch the poll format soon
Yea! Why do a poll? A poll just prevents some stories from ever being told!
Thumbnail uses 1994 and 1999 Undertaker
Hahahahaha that's what I'm fucking thinking.
They should have thrown 'The Undertaker' into their Google Machine.
Love Conrad saying ‘who booked this shit”
You got listen to WrestleMania 9.. When Conrad brings up the Giant Gonzales he goes who the f**K came up with this shit about the gimmick the outfit it's so funny man lol. Plus his Beefcake commentary. I think Conrad and Bruce are the best. The other guys are ok but these two together are the best.
How cool would a show about the rocks last days leading up to his departure, why it took so long to return and how things were when he returned
Lisa Wolf has to be one of the most hated executives in WWE history.
Funny how when this podcast came out, Conrad heard “rumors” (basically from meltzer) that tv rights was going to be $4 to $500 million. Turned out it was $1Billion each for Raw & Smackdown. Moral of the story, Meltzer don’t know shit 😂
Jesus cChrist, Conrad is everywhere.
Not complaining, it's stellar content from the horse's mouth, but I'm just saying, the man's hustle is strong.
I was at the syracuse show where bret pushed vince down. It was my first ever wrestling show. And i saw one of the most iconic moments in wrestling and the start of the mr McMahon character. I will always remember that show. Because i wasted most of my disposable camera pics on sunny 😉
Man Bruce you have changed since the Raw 25th show. I still love the show even if Bruce is not giving funny ass stories
George Germanakos was from my neighborhood in the Bronx & same greek church as a kid he never admitted to me wrestling was a work no matter how many times I asked. True company man when kayfabe was a thing
at what time in the video does Bruce talk about “heel druids?” I can’t find it
Kalil Frith not sure but it's right around the beginning, probably 15 or 20 minutes in give or take.
He doesnt really talk about them. Conrad asks who the druids are, and Bruce just says “ahhh hell. I dont know.”
He also corrects Conrad and says “Theyre Druids!” in his over-the-top Vince McMahon voice.
To Sid's defense he did come up with the choke slam
Again I say.... say what you want about Hulk Hogan. He was, he is and he always will be the main draw where ever he goes!
3 of takers best ever matches were with hbk wm 25 26 then the best hell in cell the first one bad blood 97 3 of takers best matches
Nah.
39:00-Why does Vince not like the Freebirds!!! Thats a badass group, and Michael PS Hayes was the best!
2:26:27 Conrad and Bruce talk about WWF giving paycuts and JJ Dillon leaving WWF and of course Lisa Wolf
According to JJ Dillon, Lisa Wolfe did put him in positions and made comments that made him uncomfortable.
Doesn't Canada have a Prime Minister and not a President? Still, interesting to learn that part of his job is also promoting wrestling shows!
03:07:50
As much as I love this show and I love every moment of it. I get frustrated a lot with Conrad sometimes. Why does he want him to spill how they did the magic trick so badly? Maybe some people don’t want to know how it’s done. Just let it go. Stop pushing Bruce.
best undertaker was 97, that look, particularly bad blood taker, best shawn michaels too, 92, 93 shawn was weird looking lol, and even 02 on hbk was weird with that haircut he had, and those ugly brown trunks he wore in the elimination chamber match
My favourite version of undertaker was when he first debut in the WWE he should be inducted into the WWE hall of fame by Shawn Michaels Triple H or Vince McMahon
THANK YOU BASED ADBLOCK
Peoria has never been kind to Taker. Lol. I used to watch WWF and WCW when they came to Peoria and the first time I seen the Undertaker he got a fireball to the face. The second time I seen him years later, the Great Khali debuted and beat the shit out of him. Lol.
“IT’S KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNEEEE!!!!!!!!” 🤣🤣🤣
I like all the stores. Gives some depth surrounding the main topic.
Found this on Spotify. Under half this time.. Am I missing something?
I would have loved Beulah as Sister Love tbh.
Keeping kayfabe alive with brother love 😂😂
Thank you SO MUCH for this one. I know there was lots to pull from but a BIG question was answered - why did the New Generation SUCK (their presentation, to ME anyways)..? Because Jesse wasn't there. Obviously I know he wasn't THERE but now I know why. You think Jesse's 2nd suing might have been to make sure he got in the door- like I'll drop the suit for a job... and if no yob then I'll sue him anyways... Jesse DID deserve SOME money for the tapes, that's just wrong - and THAT brings me full circle as to why I why love the golden era and hated the new generation - cuz Jesse wasn't there. Thanks. It's the him sending feelers AFTER a 2nd suit (another BONE-head Jesse move like trying to stage a walk out weeks before WM2) and Vince saying NO that I never knew. Thanks!
I feel like "Not a Crotch Inspector" should be a new shirt.
No one would wear it. Dudes always check women's crotch when they wear yoga pants....
Haha
I cant remember where i heard it but id heard from i think nash that he was originally booked to beat undertaker at mania 12 but after he gave his notice theu switched to taker winning
Did Conrad forget that the show was about the Undertaker? He sure goes off for way too long about everything but.
nonamerequired123 very true , but it’s also nice to hear some extra stories.
yeah but it did get a little excessive.
nonamerequired123 I was thinking this as well. They usually stick to the topic each episode.
I like hearing the stories that I never heard before.
I like them too but damn, when you go 20 minutes and talk about your topic for a total of maybe 5, damn.
HHH 45:09 first two TV tapings Cedar Rapids, Iowa WWE Superstars taping and Moline, IL Challenge/ Action Zone taping
There were a lot of kids my age who knew King Kong Bundy from Married With Children
There must be an awful lot of druids out of work now after The Undertaker retired last year....⚰️⚰️⚰️
love that you guys are comming to Nashville
Yeah, because who doesn't want to pay $40 to watch a podcast....
The comments just shows why the undertaker is the most respected wrestler in the business, and loved by the fans. We hardly hear anything about him, so when they promote a podcast with the title we expected to get some stories about Undertaker, and get some Behind the scenes stories about how he really is. But no lets have Conrad acting like a 10 year old when he hears the name "Dick Glover"
That whole "Dick Glover" exchange was awkward, stupid and devoid of any humor. I'm glad Bruce shut it down.
If I was going to start a brawl in the middle of a convention Nash and Taker are the two guys I'd take with me too.
How many people listening to this would give away a vital organ in order to own a copy of the "sports related comedy show" with the Undertaker, Mankind and Goldust??
Sergeant Slaughter used a fireball on Hulk Hogan in 1991.
Any plans to do a show with both Bruce and Tony? Maybe a summer special
Fire balls were used in 1991 from Sgt Slaughter to Hulk Hogan. Then Hogan throwing fireballs at Sgt Slaughter during the house shows
What instrumental music is playing in the background at 4mins 30sec?
I got 5 on it - Luniz
@@MMFrost thankyou
How does ANYONE not know this.
O.j. definitely did that.
Manscaped commercial ft. Terry Crews.. Or at least a guy that sounds like Terry Crews
The Phanton Mask was Looked Rubbery to Me it has been Seen Again on an Episode of Most Wanted Treasures along with The Undertaker's Purple Gear! The Mask was Padded to give him a Little Protection Just incase he took a shot to the face
Undertaker is the franchise
No. He’s the PHENOM!
I loved how Hayes would call Aldo Montoya Alpo Montoya.
nonamerequired123 doot doot doot lol.
talk about virgil
Start at 6:56
PLEASE do that Lisa Wolf show.
Fuck sake, why am I a year late. Fuck my life.
Whats a Wayne Deegle Belt
So 1990-2020?
hmm, I don't recall ever seeing cowboy Bill Watts in the WWF as an opponent for Mankind or as a wrestler at all in 96. He must'v just worked house shows.
300+ shows a year only a quarter on TV (at the time) yeah theres a chance you didn't see every match Mankind had that year.