Undertaker Vs. Big Show: WrestleMania 19 Throwdown!
WrestleMania 19, held at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington, on March 30, 2003, was a night of unforgettable moments, and one match that stood out was the clash between The Undertaker and The Big Show. This wasn't just any match; it was a David versus Goliath encounter that showcased The Undertaker's resilience and The Big Show's raw power. Let's dive into the buildup, the match itself, and the aftermath of this epic showdown.
The Road to WrestleMania 19
The storyline leading up to WrestleMania 19 was compelling. The Undertaker, a veteran known for his intimidating presence and undefeated streak at WrestleMania, found himself in the crosshairs of The Big Show, a monstrous force capable of crushing opponents with ease. Their feud wasn't built on intricate plots or personal betrayals; instead, it was a straightforward battle of dominance. The Big Show aimed to prove that he could end The Undertaker's streak, while The Undertaker was determined to maintain his legendary status.
The buildup included several intense confrontations on SmackDown! where both superstars displayed their strength and determination. These encounters were designed to highlight the size difference and the contrasting styles of the two wrestlers. The Big Show, with his massive frame, relied on power moves and overwhelming force, while The Undertaker utilized his experience, agility, and psychological tactics to gain an edge. The weeks leading up to WrestleMania saw The Big Show delivering devastating chokeslams and The Undertaker responding with his signature Tombstone Piledriver, leaving fans eager to see who would emerge victorious at the grandest stage of them all. The WWE did an excellent job in creating a sense of anticipation, making it clear that this match was more than just another bout; it was a clash of titans that would test The Undertaker's streak like never before. Adding to the drama, The Big Show had the formidable A-Train in his corner, promising to be a significant obstacle for The Undertaker to overcome. The presence of A-Train added an element of unpredictability, suggesting that The Undertaker would have to be at his absolute best to keep his WrestleMania streak alive.
The Match: A Clash of Titans
When the bell rang at WrestleMania 19, the atmosphere was electric. The Undertaker, clad in his signature black attire, entered the arena to a thunderous ovation, while The Big Show, towering over his opponent, exuded an aura of invincibility. From the start, The Big Show used his size to his advantage, dominating The Undertaker with powerful strikes and body slams. The Undertaker, however, refused to back down, relying on his agility and experience to avoid The Big Show's most devastating attacks. The match was a classic example of a big man versus small man dynamic, with The Big Show attempting to overpower The Undertaker and The Undertaker trying to outsmart his larger opponent.
The early moments saw The Big Show manhandling The Undertaker, throwing him around the ring like a ragdoll. The Undertaker's resilience was on full display as he absorbed the punishment and kept fighting back. He used his speed to avoid The Big Show's grasp and managed to land a few significant blows, but The Big Show's sheer size and power made it difficult for The Undertaker to gain any sustained momentum. A-Train's interference added another layer of complexity to the match. Every time The Undertaker seemed to gain an advantage, A-Train would find a way to disrupt his momentum, whether by distracting the referee or directly interfering in the match. This interference allowed The Big Show to maintain control for extended periods, putting The Undertaker's WrestleMania streak in serious jeopardy. Despite the odds, The Undertaker showed incredible determination. He absorbed the punishment, weathered the interference, and kept searching for an opening. His never-say-die attitude resonated with the crowd, who cheered him on with every near fall and close escape. The turning point came when The Undertaker managed to avoid a charging Big Show, causing him to crash into the turnbuckle. This gave The Undertaker the opportunity he needed to unleash a series of offensive maneuvers, including his signature DDT and flying clothesline.
The Finish and Aftermath
The climax of the match was intense. After a series of near falls and reversals, The Undertaker managed to hit The Big Show with a devastating Tombstone Piledriver. The crowd erupted as The Undertaker covered The Big Show for the three-count, extending his WrestleMania streak to 11-0. The victory was hard-fought, and The Undertaker showed the world that he could overcome any obstacle, no matter how large.
Following the match, The Undertaker continued his dominant run in WWE, while The Big Show remained a formidable force in the company. While their feud didn't extend much further beyond WrestleMania 19, their encounter at the event remains a memorable moment in WrestleMania history. The Undertaker's victory over The Big Show was a testament to his enduring legacy and his ability to adapt and overcome any opponent. The match solidified his status as one of the greatest performers in WWE history, and it added another chapter to his legendary WrestleMania streak. The Big Show, despite the loss, continued to be a major player in WWE, often portraying a dominant heel or a sympathetic babyface. His ability to work with a wide range of opponents and his willingness to adapt to different storylines made him a valuable asset to the company. The match itself is often remembered for its contrast in styles and the sheer size difference between the two competitors. It showcased The Undertaker's ability to overcome adversity and The Big Show's impressive power and presence. The interference from A-Train also added an element of drama, making the match more unpredictable and exciting. In the end, The Undertaker's victory was a fitting tribute to his legacy and his enduring popularity with the fans.
Why This Match Matters
The Undertaker versus The Big Show match at WrestleMania 19 is significant for several reasons. First, it showcased The Undertaker's incredible WrestleMania streak, which was a major draw for the event. Every year, fans tuned in to see if The Undertaker could continue his undefeated streak, and his match against The Big Show was no exception. Second, the match highlighted the contrasting styles of the two wrestlers. The Undertaker's agility and experience versus The Big Show's size and power made for a compelling contest. The match was a classic example of a David versus Goliath story, with The Undertaker playing the role of David and The Big Show playing the role of Goliath.
Additionally, the match took place during a period of transition for WWE. The company was moving away from the Attitude Era and towards a more family-friendly product. The Undertaker versus The Big Show match was a bridge between these two eras, offering a combination of classic wrestling storytelling and modern-day athleticism. The match also benefited from the star power of both The Undertaker and The Big Show. Both wrestlers were established stars with large fan bases, and their match at WrestleMania 19 was a major attraction for the event. The buildup to the match was well-executed, with several intense confrontations on SmackDown! that generated buzz and excitement. The presence of A-Train as The Big Show's ally added another layer of intrigue, making it clear that The Undertaker would have to overcome significant obstacles to win the match. The match itself was well-paced and exciting, with several near falls and close calls that kept the fans on the edge of their seats. The Undertaker's eventual victory was a satisfying conclusion to the story, as he overcame the odds and extended his WrestleMania streak. The match remains a memorable moment in WrestleMania history, and it is often cited as one of the best matches of The Undertaker's career. Its legacy lives on through highlight reels, replays, and discussions among wrestling fans, solidifying its place in the annals of WWE history.
Final Thoughts
The Undertaker vs. Big Show match at WrestleMania 19 was a memorable clash that showcased the best of WWE wrestling. The Undertaker's resilience and The Big Show's power made for an exciting contest, and the match remains a highlight of WrestleMania history. Whether you're a longtime wrestling fan or new to the sport, this match is worth checking out to appreciate the athleticism and storytelling that make WWE so captivating. So, next time you're looking for a classic WrestleMania match to watch, remember the showdown between The Undertaker and The Big Show at WrestleMania 19 – a true clash of titans! This match serves as a perfect example of how wrestling can combine athleticism, storytelling, and character development to create unforgettable moments. The Undertaker's ability to maintain his aura of mystique while also showcasing his vulnerability made him a compelling character to watch. The Big Show's imposing presence and willingness to play the villain made him the perfect foil for The Undertaker. Their clash at WrestleMania 19 was more than just a wrestling match; it was a carefully crafted performance that entertained millions of viewers around the world.