Its one of the strangest visuals in WWE historyThe Undertaker descending from the ceiling at Madison Square Garden during Survivor Series 1996 wearing enormous black leather bat wings. For years, people speculated on who pitched the bizarre look, and now we finally have an answer straight from the Deadman himself.
During the latest episode of Six Feet Under, The Undertaker admitted the leather wings werent some failed creative pitch from the officethey were entirely his idea. And yes, he was completely serious at the time.
Undertaker also revealed that Vince McMahon trusted him enough at the time to greenlight the entrance without much resistance. Taker pitched the transformation as part of a darker evolution for his personaand Vince reportedly gave the go-ahead with a simple Goddamn, thatll be great.
But reality didnt match the vision. A rehearsal video showed a silent, awkward arena as WWE officials looked on with concern. Shawn Michaels could be seen laughing in the ring, while others stood in silence, clearly unsure of what to say. Taker described it as a moment where nobody wanted to be the one to tell him it looked ridiculous.
The moment became even more uncomfortable when he returned backstage after the entrance.
Undertaker also joked that the entire visual was budget Batman, and admitted the bat wings were instantly retired after that night. They were never seen againon WWE programming or in his wardrobe. In hindsight, Taker owned the misstep with humility.
He may be the Phenom, but even legends have their off nightsespecially when those nights involve 8-foot wings made of sweaty leather.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
Do you think Undertakers bat wing entrance truly one of WWEs weirdest moments? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
