The Undertaker: Last Ride took an unexpected turn in episode 3 -- humor.
Humor, comedy and the Undertaker don't typically go hand-in-hand. For three decades, he's been a locker room leader and a figure often used as an enforcer when needed. While the concept of the Undertaker may seem goofy in general, it's not often we see that reflected in his personality on the screen. That changed with episode 3.
I went into this episode knowing the track 'Taker was following -- he wrestled Rusev, Triple H, did some other appearances, and competed in Saudi Arabia in a train wreck of a match against D-Generation X. Based on the preview from last week's early look, I figured we were in store for another down in the dumps Undertaker episode to set up him rising to the occasion again. We saw some of that, but getting a glimpse of the light hearted man behind the character was a unique treat that exemplifies the awareness of those putting the production together.
Don't get me wrong, there was a lot more ground covered here. The Rusev match in Saudi Arabia was touched on a little -- albeit not enough. The Triple H Super Showdown match showed Undertaker realizing a personal goal of being able to compete for 25+ minutes, compared to his John Cena match that had a runtime that disappointed Taker. The looks inside his WrestleMania matches with Shawn Michaels and Triple H were outstanding, and could probably fill up an episode on their own. Hearing the Undertaker admit he was envious of Michaels' ability to stay away from the ring was something you don't expect to hear.
But you'd probably expect to hear Undertaker dropping some hilarious heavy expletives during a planned outtake even less.
We see the lighter side of Mark Calaway much more in episode 3. He's playing cards with WWE Athletic Trainer Larry Heck, and trolling along the way. Calaway admittedly busts on people that he likes, which also includes that of his storyline brother, Kane. The two got in on the action together with a promo for their Crown Jewel match that we won't spoil, but involved a Taker F-bomb, and a Kane crotch chop. It's immediately a highlight that will likely be memed for years to come.
Triple H was very frank and humorous about the horrible happenings in their Crown Jewel contest, calling the circumstances a "bad comedy movie."
It wasn't all laughs and tears. The third stanza of Last Ride started on a positive note, with the "American Badass" getting his groove back against John Cena, to the point where WWE was comfortable making him an integral part in their big money deal in Saudi Arabia. Undertaker's affection for Madison Square Garden and realization that he's likely not competing there again was a humbling look at motivation for someone who has already done and seen it all.
We also get a glimpse of what is ahead in episode four -- the infamous match with Bill Goldberg. A fitting hook for one of WWE's best series they've produced.
The Undertaker: Last Ride episode 3 is available Sunday, May 24 on the WWE Network.
