In a fascinating clash from the archives of WrestleMania 18, held in Toronto in March 2002, The Undertaker stood toe-to-toe with Ric Flair. However, the Nature Boy was not The Undertaker’s only option as an opponent for that match.
On a recent episode of The Undertaker’s podcast, “Six Feet Under”, he revealed that along with Flair, another wrestler – Rob Van Dam – was suggested as a potential opponent. He recollected,
“I remember Vince approaching me that year as I was without an adversary. Vince seemed somewhat apologetic and said to me, ‘Mark, we’ve planned everything out and unfortunately, I’m short of opponents for you.’ And then he asked, ‘Your choices are either RVD or Flair.’”
The Undertaker’s preference for Flair as his opponent left McMahon puzzled as Rob Van Dam was also a strong contender. Reflecting on the choice, The Undertaker said,
“I responded, ‘I want Flair.’ Vince seemed unable to comprehend my choice. Flair did have a stint with the WWE, but he was not essentially a WWE mainstay. However, for me, it was all about Ric Flair. I thought, ‘WrestleMania with Ric Flair? There’s no way I’d miss that chance. I want Flair.’”
As fate had it, instead of The Undertaker, it was Rob Van Dam who made his first WrestleMania appearance, battling and defeating William Regal to secure the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
For more insights from The Undertaker, you can watch the latest episode of his podcast “Six Feet Under” below: