Professional wrestler The Undertaker reminisces about his WWE storyline featuring the Ministry of Darkness

In professional wrestling, The Undertaker has long been renowned for his menacing demeanor. But during his Ministry of Darkness days, his persona peaked in terms of scare factor. When Stephanie McMahon was chained to a cross and The Undertaker almost forced her into a sinister wedding ceremony, it was the most memorable scene in this narrative.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin stopped this terrifying sequence from happening, making it a legendary moment in wrestling history.During his "Six Feet Under" podcast, Mark Calaway, as The Undertaker, reflected on this episode and discussed how he felt the audience responded to this plot.
In the podcast, Calaway recalled, "I end up kidnapping Stephanie and intend on marrying her and yeah, all of that." He noted that Stephanie McMahon was seen very differently at that time compared to how she is perceived today. He described her as "the boss' sweet little daughter" and explained how his sinister character, likened to a Boogeyman or Satan, targeting her added an extra layer of tension and discomfort for the viewers.

Calaway elaborated on how this narrative struck a chord with fans, making them uneasy. He said, "Even though it was Vince [McMahon], it was still like sweet little Stephanie. And, you know, Satan's after her." This storyline, with its dark and controversial themes, managed to engage the audience in a way that few others did.
Despite its impact, the storyline was relatively short-lived. Calaway expressed his belief that the angle had the potential to continue for two to three years, allowing for more development and pushing of boundaries. He reflected, "There was so much that we still had left that we could have done to push the envelope, people to work with, but, you know, it had its place, you know, in my run and I'm pretty proud of it because it, you know, it came at a time where I really felt like I needed an evolution and I think it resonated."
Calaway's reflections highlight how the Ministry of Darkness era was a significant and memorable chapter in his career. This period not only showcased his character's evolution but also left a lasting impression on the fans. The dark and unsettling themes of the storyline, combined with the dramatic rescue by Steve Austin, created a moment that remains etched in wrestling history.


While the Ministry storyline is often remembered fondly, the revelation that Vince McMahon was "The Higher Power" can sometimes taint those memories. However, according to Mark Calaway, a significant amount of effort went into crafting this storyline. The seasoned wrestler explained that their ultimate goal was to elicit a sense of disgust from the fans toward The Ministry. He aimed to make a character that was borderline Satanic appear compelling and cool.
Calaway noted that the things that triggered outrage were different back then, but the fundamental approach he used remains relevant today. He emphasized, "If you want to be involved in the mix, you've got to figure out ways to separate yourself from everybody else. And the character is somewhat boxed in, so you know, how do I make this guy even more evil, or demonic, or however you want to look at it?"
He further explained that the primary intention behind the storyline was to provoke a strong reaction from the audience. The uniqueness of the angle and its ability to resonate with fans were key factors. This is ultimately why the Corporation became involved in the storyline.