JIM ROSS SAYS UNDERTAKER HAS SURPRASSED ANDRE THE GIANT

Jim Ross tweeted the following about The Undertaker’s WWE legacy after his match on Monday’s RAW:

Jim Ross        
@JRsBBQ
"I mean this respectfully, but #Undertaker IMO has surpassed the immortal Andre the Giant as greatest BIG man in history of the biz."
7:36 AM - 23 Apr 2013

JR : I think it is tough to say, just as its almost impossible to say who is the "greatest wrestler" of all time. There is always the argument of whether you look at impact on the business, their in-ring talent, how big of a draw they were etc.

In this discussion, if you are looking at the importance to the business, then it's obviously Andre. As much as an icon to wrestling fans as Undertaker is, he has never reached the status of "cultural icon" that arguably on Hogan, Andre, Austin and Rock got to. Non-wrestling fans know of these men, they were pop-culture phenomenons. Many non-fans know of 'Taker, but not on the level of the 4 I just mentioned. In the ring though, its no comparison. Undertaker wins that every day of the week. Many fans only know Andre from the end of his career when he was barely mobile, but he was alot faster and more athletic in his early days. Still, even then he couldn't do the things that Undertaker can do. In my opinion the Deadman has raised the bar for all big men. You simply do not see people his size diving over the top rope to the concrete- the sight of 'Taker leaping over the flames of the
inferno match to land on Kane is awe-inspiring, and he is still having great matches to this day, however infrequently he now performs. Andre's best matches cannot compare to 'Taker's best work.

Andre was the bigger draw, that cannot be argued, and both men were probably the most respected performers in the dressing rooms in their respective eras. Andre is in the HOF, and Undertaker will certainly be joining him when he retires. Both men were involved in some of the biggest storylines in wrestling history, and are 2 almost untouchable legends of the wrestling business.

But, personally I am leaning towards Undertaker. For the way he has modified his gimmick and in-ring style to remain relevant over the years, for his longetivity at the top of the card and for the fact he can still perform at the level he does when his body is falling apart, I am agreeing with JR on this. But it is VERY close and really depends on what criteria you are basing this on. .