The Undertaker and Kane had one of the most storied rivalries in WWE history. But “The Phenom” says it was originally planned to be a short-term story.
Speaking on his Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway podcast, The Undertaker looked back on the beginning of his rivalry with Kane. He noted that Kane was initially being brought in for a short deal. (H/t Nishant Jayaram of Wrestling Inc. for the transcription)
“Early on, they were just bringing him in for an opponent for me to beat. This was going to be a short-term deal,” The Undertaker said “They had no idea they had no idea this was going to be what it turned out to be. They were bringing him in to be a win for me and it turned into something just a little bit bigger.”
The Undertaker then noted that Kane had other opportunities in WWE that did not work out. However, he persevered until he received another chance.
“Obviously, he comes in, in this incredible shape,” he said. “Like, you know, because he had had a couple other opportunity — I don’t even know if you can call those opportunities. They kind of pigeon-holed him in some bad [gimmicks] you know fake Diesel and Isaac Yankem. I mean, that is not … that’s not doing anybody any favors.”
Kane went on to become one of the most memorable stars of his generation. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021.
RELATED: The Undertaker Recalls Slapping Paul Wight, Says He Was A ‘Natural Bully’ At The Time
