Character Opinion (updated)

This is my update of what I think of the current UT character. The last one, under the "HE'S BACK" segment, was done in May. Now that we've had a few months to take it in, I thought is was time for an update. And call me a hypocrite or whatever you like, but I have a few things I'm not happy with character-wise. And before I get e-mails saying that Calaway's very happy now with the character, I know that. This man's pleased as punch with what the UT is now. Hell, you can see that the minute he hits the ramp. But since I'm not, I have the right to express it.

Back in May, I thought we were going to see one major mother of a slick-ass UT transformation. After seeing his TitanTron video and when he showed up on a bike and dressed in black leather, I thought this UT was going to be a real "Bad Ass." An Undertaker that was a biker and could care less about whoever he crossed paths with. I thought this UT would also still have some of the darkside with him. Now, I'm not expecting him to shoot lightning, hang around cemeteries, or spout off quotes from "Excalibur." That stuff is in the past and doesn't fit within the new face of wrestling. I just wanted to see a modern UT incarnation, but an UT minus the old "parlor tricks" and that held on to just enough of the darkside to fit with the whole UT's history. Hell, I could care less if he rode those Titans to the ring; I just figure he likes to keep the good stuff nice and safe at home.

Now, what the character is has been best described by a member of MIPB- "Dukes of Hazzard." UT's gone flaming Redneck, in other words. And for some of us, this is not "Bad Ass"; it's just goofy. This UT is pretty much the real Calaway, from the baseball caps to the chaw. There's nothing wrong with Calaway being a Redneck; hell, insulting Rednecks would be like insulting everyone I know and myself, to a certain extent. It's just that I think this UT, instead of evolving the history of the character, has just completely skewed off the timeline. And seeing Calaway out there, acting more like Steve Austin than UT, is something I don't like. It works for Austin, but it's so out of place for UT. Maybe what I should say is that I miss the air of kayfabe that used to be around him.

Gone is the UT who was more regal in demeanor. Gone is the UT with the darkside in him. Gone is the UT who was mysterious. And call me sentimental, but I miss these things. Hell, I even miss the major melodrama, but I'm not begging for its return. He still has the tendencies there; anyone who saw his over-selling at RAW from Austin knows that. For me, instead of standing out above the crowd, character-wise, he just blends in now.

For those who hate criticism about UT, you're probably stewing now and saying things such as: "You're not a true fan to criticize the UT." But I don't feel that way. UT's my favorite all-time wrestler and I have nothing but respect for Calaway for bringing the character to life and making it his own. But that doesn't mean I have to smile, nod, and agree with everything the bookers and Calaway himself have done with the character. I have a right to be critical about things I don't like.

Even with the things they've done for character development I don't like, the good with UT outweighs the bad. Yes, he's been involved with some of the cheesiest and eye-rolling angles on record, but there are so many mark-out moments, too. I still get chills seeing him on video, in the old Gray and Black, entering Wembley Arena on the back of a British hearse. The "resurrection" in '94 was awesome. The Hell in a Cells (minus the 3rd one) he was involved in were mark-out worthy. And when he won the title for a second time made me mark-out, because he was obviously overjoyed to win it. So, as you can see, I can be critical but still hold an incredible amount of respect for Taker.

 

 

Date Written: (9-5-00)