Undertaker Vs. Big Show: WrestleMania 19 Throwdown!

WrestleMania 19, held at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington, on March 30, 2003, was a night of memorable matches and iconic moments. Among them, the clash between The Undertaker and The Big Show stood out as a battle of sheer power and resilience. This wasn't just another match; it was a David versus Goliath encounter, with The Undertaker, despite his legendary status, facing a significantly larger and imposing opponent in The Big Show. The storyline leading up to this match was compelling, filled with drama and intrigue, setting the stage for a confrontation that fans eagerly anticipated. This article delves into the buildup, the match itself, and the aftermath, exploring why this particular contest remains a noteworthy part of WrestleMania history. So, buckle up, wrestling fans, as we journey back to 2003 to relive the epic showdown between The Deadman and The World's Largest Athlete!

The Road to WrestleMania: Building the Tension

The rivalry between The Undertaker and The Big Show didn't just materialize overnight; it was carefully crafted over weeks of intense confrontations and strategic maneuvers. The narrative leading to WrestleMania 19 was rich with storylines that highlighted the contrasting styles and personalities of both wrestlers. The Big Show, known for his overwhelming size and brute strength, had been on a path of destruction, asserting his dominance over the SmackDown! roster. His imposing presence and relentless attacks made him a formidable threat to anyone who dared to step into the ring with him. On the other hand, The Undertaker, with his mystique and unwavering resolve, had been a symbol of resilience, overcoming countless obstacles throughout his storied career. The contrast between The Big Show's raw power and The Undertaker's calculated approach set the stage for a classic showdown.

The buildup included several memorable segments, such as intense backstage brawls and in-ring confrontations that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. The Big Show often used his size advantage to intimidate and overpower The Undertaker, while The Undertaker relied on his psychological tactics and strategic planning to gain an edge. Promos and interviews leading up to the event were filled with taunts and threats, further fueling the animosity between the two wrestlers. These verbal exchanges not only hyped the match but also provided deeper insight into the characters and their motivations. For example, The Big Show would often boast about his invincibility, claiming that no one could withstand his sheer power, while The Undertaker would respond with cryptic warnings about the consequences of underestimating The Deadman.

Adding another layer of complexity to the feud was the involvement of A-Train, who aligned himself with The Big Show to form a dominant tag team. This alliance presented The Undertaker with an even greater challenge, as he now had to contend with two massive opponents. The dynamic between The Big Show and A-Train was intriguing, as they seemed to complement each other’s strengths, creating a formidable force that wreaked havoc on SmackDown!. Their teamwork and coordinated attacks made it difficult for anyone to mount a successful defense against them. The Undertaker, however, was not one to back down from a challenge. Despite being outnumbered, he continued to stand his ground, often finding ways to outsmart his opponents and turn the tide in his favor. The addition of A-Train not only raised the stakes but also added an element of unpredictability to the storyline, making it even more captivating for the fans.

As WrestleMania 19 drew closer, the tension reached a fever pitch. The final SmackDown! before the event featured a chaotic brawl that involved all three wrestlers, leaving fans wondering who would emerge victorious. The segment ended with The Undertaker standing tall, delivering a Tombstone Piledriver to A-Train, sending a clear message to The Big Show that he was ready for the fight. This final confrontation served as a powerful reminder of The Undertaker's strength and determination, solidifying his position as a formidable opponent. The anticipation for the match was palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the chance to witness the clash between these two titans.

The Match: A Clash of Titans at WrestleMania

The match between The Undertaker and The Big Show at WrestleMania 19 was a spectacle of strength, strategy, and sheer willpower. From the moment the bell rang, it was clear that this would be a battle of attrition. The Big Show, leveraging his size advantage, immediately went on the offensive, using his weight and power to try and overwhelm The Undertaker. He executed a series of powerful moves, including devastating body slams and thunderous chops, each one designed to weaken his opponent. The Undertaker, however, weathered the storm, relying on his experience and ring awareness to avoid the full brunt of The Big Show's attacks. He used his agility and speed to evade The Big Show's advances, conserving his energy for the crucial moments.

The early part of the match saw The Big Show dominating, controlling the pace and dictating the action. He used his size to corner The Undertaker, delivering punishing blows that echoed throughout the arena. The Undertaker, known for his resilience, absorbed the punishment and looked for openings to counterattack. He used his technical skills to transition from defense to offense, catching The Big Show off guard with quick strikes and strategic maneuvers. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, captivated by the intensity of the battle and the contrasting styles of the two wrestlers.

As the match progressed, The Undertaker began to find his rhythm, exploiting The Big Show's weaknesses and capitalizing on his mistakes. He targeted The Big Show's legs, attempting to wear him down and diminish his mobility. This strategy proved effective, as The Big Show started to show signs of fatigue, his movements becoming slower and more labored. The Undertaker then unleashed a series of his signature moves, including the Old School rope walk and the flying clothesline, each one designed to inflict maximum damage. The momentum started to shift in The Undertaker's favor, as he gained control of the match and began to dictate the pace.

The turning point of the match came when A-Train attempted to interfere, trying to assist The Big Show in gaining an unfair advantage. However, The Undertaker was ready for the interference and quickly neutralized A-Train with a well-timed DDT. This sequence of events not only evened the odds but also allowed The Undertaker to focus his attention solely on The Big Show. With A-Train out of the picture, The Undertaker seized the opportunity to unleash his full arsenal of moves. He delivered a devastating chokeslam, followed by a Tombstone Piledriver, the move that had ended countless matches throughout his career. The impact of the Tombstone was immense, leaving The Big Show motionless in the center of the ring.

The Undertaker capitalized on the moment, covering The Big Show for the pin. The referee made the count: one, two, three! The Undertaker had emerged victorious, extending his undefeated streak at WrestleMania. The crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating The Undertaker's triumph over adversity. The win was not just a testament to The Undertaker's skill and experience but also to his unwavering determination and resilience. It was a hard-fought victory, earned through a combination of strategy, skill, and sheer willpower.

The Aftermath: Legacy and Impact

The Undertaker's victory over The Big Show at WrestleMania 19 was more than just a win; it was a significant moment that added to his already legendary status. This match further solidified his reputation as a performer who could overcome any obstacle, no matter how imposing. The win extended his WrestleMania undefeated streak, a record that would become one of the most iconic and celebrated achievements in WWE history. Each victory added to the mystique and aura of invincibility surrounding The Undertaker, making him an even more compelling and captivating figure.

For The Big Show, the loss was a setback, but it did not diminish his standing as one of the most formidable wrestlers in WWE. He continued to be a major force in the company, participating in numerous high-profile matches and feuds. The match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 19 served as a learning experience, helping him to refine his skills and develop his character. He used the loss as motivation to improve, becoming an even more dominant and versatile performer. The Big Show's ability to adapt and evolve allowed him to remain a relevant and respected figure in the wrestling world for many years to come.

The impact of this match extended beyond the immediate aftermath, influencing future storylines and character developments. The Undertaker's WrestleMania streak became a central theme in his career, with each subsequent match adding to the legend. Opponents would often try to break the streak, adding an extra layer of drama and intensity to their matches. The streak became a symbol of The Undertaker's dominance and resilience, a challenge that every wrestler wanted to overcome. The Big Show, on the other hand, used the experience to develop a more nuanced and complex character, showcasing his versatility as a performer.

In the years following WrestleMania 19, both The Undertaker and The Big Show continued to have successful careers, leaving a lasting impact on the wrestling industry. The Undertaker's streak remained unbroken until WrestleMania 30, when he was defeated by Brock Lesnar in a shocking upset. The Big Show continued to compete at a high level, showcasing his skills and versatility in various roles, from a dominant heel to a beloved face. Both wrestlers have earned their place in the WWE Hall of Fame, cementing their legacy as two of the greatest performers of all time. Their match at WrestleMania 19 remains a memorable chapter in their careers, a testament to their skill, athleticism, and enduring appeal.

In conclusion, the match between The Undertaker and The Big Show at WrestleMania 19 was a classic encounter that showcased the best of professional wrestling. The buildup, the match itself, and the aftermath all contributed to its significance, making it a memorable moment in WrestleMania history. The Undertaker's victory extended his streak and solidified his legendary status, while The Big Show used the experience to grow and evolve as a performer. This match serves as a reminder of the drama, excitement, and enduring appeal of WWE, and it will continue to be remembered by fans for years to come.