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Last Ride: A unique look at the Deadman
The “Last Ride,” has been a truly stunning look at the Undertaker character and the man behind it, Mark Calaway. With the sports world starved for content at the moment, documentaries seem to fulfilling appetites of sports fans. “Last Ride” is a five-part series that gives fans a unique look at one of the biggest stars in professional wrestling. I have sen the first three episodes and they have been nothing short of riveting. The access given has been nothing short of extraordinary! So, far in three episodes, a lot of territory has been covered. Things start in 2017 and the journey takes all the way to our current year of 2020.
As I said, things start in 2017 just days before WrestleMania 33. If anyone remembers this event it’s where Taker took on Roman Regins and suffered what would be his second loss at the show of shows. Supposedly, that was going to mark the final time any of us would see Taker compete in the squared circle. That should have been it. Fate however, had other ideas and this documentary chronicles not just four year of Calaway’s life, but a man in search of closure on a historic career and character.
Surgery and the fallout of WrestleMania
Disgusted. That’s how Calaway felt after rewatching his performance at WrestleMania 33. In fact, one of the most fascinating aspects of the documentary is Undertaker watching his performance and reacting with such utter disdain. Now, you would think a man who has had his fair share of big matches wouldn’t be so critical. Well, let me tell you, that isn’t the case. Calway even remarks that he looks out of shape and had no business even competing mostly in part due to a hip causing him major problems. It’s absoutely amazing to see! How many legends in any sport bother to critque a performance? Not many I can tell you. Another thing that is so astonishing is the fact Calaway wants to atone for that horrendous performance and leave not only fans, but himself with a match worthy of his legacy.
Most athletes don’t do that sort of thing. Remember, how I mentioned Taker’s hip causing him issues? That’s another thing Calaway points out in the match itself. In fact, we even see footage of Taker in the locker room before the match getting a shot to help with the pain. All so he can go out and compete in a wrestling match. How remarkable is that? By the way, the footage of the hip surgery? Yes, they do show that, it’s not really that bad. Honestly, it’s just another example of how tough Taker is.
Redemption!
Redemption is something very few athletes get a chance to have. Given what had occurred the year before and with Undertaker seemingly retired after his match with Regins, many thought they’d seen the last of the Dead Man. What’s that they say about when opportunity knocks? Obviously, what happened they year prior left a bad taste in Calaway’s mouth and he wanted a chance to redeem himself and give fans a more lasting memory. So, what did he do? Well, he learned that John Cena wanted to face him at WrestleMania 34, in New Orleans. There is some historical signifcance there, as it’s the very place where the Phenom’s fabled undefeated streak came to an end courtsey of one, Brock Lesnar.
For Calaway this was his shot. He trained and trained hard. He wanted to show up and put on a performance that would remind fans of the Undertaker of yesteryear. Given his age and injuries he’s sustained during his career it was astounding to see the work he put in to get himself ready. I rember that night and that match. Boy, did he ever remind people that he had gas left in his tank. Taker not only showed up to wrestle, he dominated Cena in a little more than five minutes.
Followed by disaster
One of the great things about The Last Ride, is that it has not only touched on the highs, but also lows. You get both good and bad. An example of the good would be the match with Cena, which sadly was so short and even Taker himself expressed disappointment with the length of the contest. If there were a moment for Calaway to put a cap on a stellar career, that might’ve been the moment. However, it wasn’t. Taker would compete at the Greatest Royal Rumble in a match against Rusev. In a word, that contest was underwhelming. The Dead Man would then battle Triple H one last time at Supershowdown. Again, there was an opportunity for Calaway to ride off into the sunset. The match itself was an excellent contest.
Sadly, this was not the ending Calaway wanted and the man in black thought he could put on an even better performance. This brings us to Crown Jewel. A tag-team match with Undertaker, Kane, Triple H and a “returning” Shawn Michaels. Instant classic, right? Well, not really.
The Last Ride final episodes
What will the final two episodes of the documentary cover? That’s an excellent question as things aren’t quite finished yet. Expect to see Undertaker’s bout with Goldberg be a focal point and his most recent WrestleMania match with AJ Styles. For a man looking for closure Calaway has recently teased having another match. When will we see him? Who will his opponent be? Only time will tell. Buckle up!
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