The Undertaker's Redemption: Ranking WWE's Greatest 2nd Acts

What makes a great second act in pro wrestling?

For some, it is an otherwise unimaginable return from an injury that forced them to the sidelines for an extended period or even into retirement. For others, it is an opportunity to right wrongs, to prove themselves deserving of an opportunity, or to silence the doubters. Regardless, WWE history is brimming with Superstars who seized second chances to leave lasting impressions and write their own endings to their stories.

Who joins The Undertaker on this list?

Christian Cage, a former WWE Superstar, was forced away from the squared circle in 2014 amid a battle with concussions that threatened his long-term health. In 2021, he returned to the industry, hellbent on finishing out his career on his own terms and proving he still had plenty left to offer. All he has done since then is deliver, consistently, as one of the most entertaining stars on the All Elite Wrestling roster.

Cage left WWE, joined the upstart promotion, and not only had magnificent matches with Kenny Omega and nearly defeated him for the AEW World Championship, but he also beat him to rescue the Impact Wrestling world title from The Best Bout Machine. A heel turn saw him do his finest work as the leader of the Patriarchy, a villain who took far too much joy in reminding rivals of their deceased fathers. He went on a run that saw him win the TNT Championship and elevate it instantly. Since then, he has reunited with Adam Copeland to form a title-winning tag team.

What about other WWE Superstars?

Drew McIntyre, a Scotland-born performer, was released from his WWE contract in 2014, it felt like an inauspicious end to the career of a young star once anointed by Vince McMahon to be the "chosen one." It was a devastating blow for the performer and one that could have led to him leaving the industry he loved and never achieving the goals he had set for himself. Instead, McIntyre worked hard in independent promotions around the world, looking to prove he was everything McMahon once said he was.

When he returned to WWE in 2017 and reported to NXT, he kicked off a run that would take him to the top of the industry. He headlined WrestleMania, battled every major star the industry has produced over the last 20 years, won the top prize in the company three times, and delivered one of the all-time great Hell in a Cell battles with CM Punk. He now has a blossoming movie career to boot.

What does this mean for The Undertaker?

The Undertaker's legacy is cemented as one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time. His remarkable return to the ring after a long injury layoff is a testament to his enduring legacy. While others may have followed in his footsteps, The Undertaker remains the gold standard for second acts in professional wrestling.

What comes next?

As WWE continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see who else makes a remarkable comeback in the world of professional wrestling. Will it be a familiar face or a new challenger? One thing is certain: the world of WWE will be watching with bated breath.

The Undertaker's legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. His remarkable return to the ring after a long injury layoff is a testament to his enduring legacy. As WWE continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see who else makes a remarkable comeback in the world of professional wrestling.

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