How time flies. It almost seems just like yesterday that we were graced with the presence of Mean Mark Callous in an Amish outfit. Ah now- don't get all huffy because I'm joking around a bit. If you want a serious piece, I have one on the site that sums up my feeling about the big guy in the most honorable way possible. But since I've already done one of those, I think this one should be a little more jovial, don't you think? Seriously, I think the Taker wouldn't mind something like this. Hell, everyone can't be serious all the time; he has to have a sense of humor. How can he not when they've dressed him up like this?

 

(No, not Kane, silly.)

 

Now, without further ado, here are some of the things I dig about the big guy, along with some pictures of his lesser known career highlights, most of which you probably didn't know existed. :)

 

 

 

 

First of all, you have to admire a man who will bleed and bleed and bleed for his profession. He's bladed himself so many times I've lost count. Of course, I'm not sicko enough to want to count all the times his Type-whatever blood started spurting out after a blade job (botched or otherwise) or hardway. And you have to admire him for sticking it out, instead of looking like he wants to puke as he does in this picture.

 

 

 

 

 

He's choked out and instilled fear in more people than Bobby Knight.

 

Pursuing the Skidmark (who surprisingly isn't wearing his little shorts that don't cover up what needs to be covered) and Vince, respectively.

 

(What you talkin' about, Paul?)

 

(You know what- I'm going to kick your ass and enjoy it for this whole Ministry disaster.)

 

 

He's committed at least one known act of stuffed animal cruelty.

This is one henious act- look, even Vince cried over the demise of that fluffy little bear.

 

 

Taker is also quite a ham, and has been known to show it from time to time.

 

Here he is, striking that ever-popular fashion model "I'm too sexy for this ring" pose.

 

Aww- can you feel the love tonight? I think they were dancing to one of those 80's power ballad standards. I'm guessing it was "Something to Believe In" from Poison or "When I See You Smile" from Bad English.

 

And here he is showing Rock his Rockette impression. Unfortunately, Taker's life-long dream was crushed as he didn't fit the height requirement. Well that and he's a manly man and wouldn't wear those sparkly outfits.

 

 

But Rock must have been critical of it, because the Mr. Hyde side has come out to do some mudhole-stomping.

 

 

And here was his costume for the annual WWF Halloween Party. Word is everyone got a kick out of him dressing like Trish Stratus. However, he forgot his cowboy hat at home but most didn't really think it took away from his costume effort.

 

What in the bloody blazes is going on here? Waitaminute -- I don't even -want- to know. Cue up the porno music...

 

Most of his feuds the last couple years have involved the resident beer-swilling, 2 moves of Doom using Stone Cold Steve Austin.

 

And the pinnacle of their feud came with this segment, where Austin was dragged off for one of those Death Valley live embalmings.

 

(Damn, Steve- you're smelling awful ripe here.)

 

(A little help here dragging this dead weight. Paul? You nice cameraman filming? Someone? Anyone?)

 

(Steve- how about cutting down the Coors next time you know I have to lift your big beer-swilling ass around?)

 

(Doing this segment is worth the Christmas bonus. Doing this segment is worth the Christmas bonus...)

 

 

Of course, he's had some very worthy feuds. One of his most famous involved Mankind aka Cactus Jack aka Dude Love aka Mick Foley. And it came to a pinnacle after the infamous Hell in a Cell of 1998.

Not only is he kicking some major ass here, but he's making sure the ladies get a thrill with his chest cleavage. What a generous man!

 

 

And he's always willing to raise his hand so that we know he's Sure.

 

 

Well, I said this wasn't going to get too awfully gushy, but I just have a little bit more to say that's on an honest and respectful level. On a personal note, I would like to thank Taker for the 10 years he's given to the WWF plus all the years before that he's busted his ass to the fans. Your old-school dedication to and respect towards professional wrestling is such a breath of fresh air in the new-school, instant superstar era. I think you've got more respect for it than many of the big-time wrestlers or promoters, for that matter.Thank you, Taker, for leading us one hell of a ride all these years. You are truly The Phenom.