“Like a God”: The Undertaker’s Selfless Nature Once Helped Former WWE Star Make a Living For Himself

The Undertaker had a tremendous run at the top of WWE for 30 years. He wrestled across multiple eras and gave fans memorable moments over the years. Taker was also a locker room leader and respected by his peers. He was of an old school mentality when it came to putting other wrestlers over and giving them a proper rub. During his time with the company, he helped a lot of wrestlers with their careers and turn them into stars. Almost two decades ago, ‘The Phenom’ put over a young WWE star in extraordinary fashion.

Besides everything The Undertaker achieved in his WWE career, he was also selfless. He put the needs of the company before him and also ensured that others followed suit. In 2002, The Deadman once again proved how much he wanted to give back. Former WWE star who was just getting started in the company audaciously eliminated Taker from the 2002 Royal Rumble match, which was a big shot in his arm, and later had a pinfall victory over him as well.

Recently, Maven recalled how The Undertaker’s desire to put over young talent helped him make a name for himself.

Maven talked about working with The Undertaker early in his career

In 2002, The Undertaker did away with ‘The Deadman’ gimmick and embraced the new ‘American Badass’ persona. He used to come out to the ring and wore a bandana with sunglasses showing off a whole new attitude. After his initial face turn in this new avatar, he turned heel and defeated Rob Van Dam for the Hardcore title at Vengeance 2001 pay-per-view.

He entered the 2002 Royal Rumble event as one of the favorites and dominated the match. While The Undertaker dealt with The Hardy Boyz, Tough Enough winner Maven popped behind ‘The Big Evil’ and drop-kicked him out of the match. Taker was stunned, as were the fans who were going crazy and couldn’t believe what had just transpired.

However, Taker made his way back to the ring and mercilessly assaulted Maven, and even took the rookie backstage to beat him up. But his elimination of The Undertaker made him an instant star. This was one of the most shocking eliminations in Royal Rumble history.

READ MORE: WATCH: The Undertaker Engages Himself In a Popular Game Alongside His Daughter As He Enjoys Life Post Retirement

Maven recently revealed ‘On the Two Man Power of Trip Wrestling Podcast’ about what The Undertaker feud meant to him.

He said, “He gave me my career. Hands down. Would I have had the run, would I have had the career that I had without him? Absolutely not. The guy knew how to do business.” Maven also talked about how Undertaker’s presence was different than anyone else in the locker room back then.

The Undertaker did more for Maven’s career than he could’ve imagined. A rub against one legend of the industry was the high point of his career.

The Undertaker put over Maven one more time

A few weeks later, after the Royal Rumble upset, Undertaker put his Hardcore title on the line against the upstart Maven. After the WWE Hall of Famer dominated the match, The Rock interfered and hit Taker with a chair and a Rock Bottom. This allowed Maven to make the cover and pin ‘The Phenom’ to win the Hardcore title!

The Undertaker would eventually have the last laugh, regaining his title in a handicap against Maven and his trainer Al-Snow. However, this was a massive rub for Maven, who was just getting started in WWE. Although he didn’t exactly become a big star after this, not many people can claim to have beaten The Undertaker for a title.

The Undertaker always put the business before himself, and his feud with Maven was a great example of it.

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