The Undertaker Recalls Origins of His 1996 Survivor Series Bat Wings Entrance

The Undertaker has revealed that the unusual bat wings entrance he performed at Survivor Series 1996 was entirely his own idea. He wanted to shift his character into a darker, more demonic direction as he faced Mankind. Speaking on his Six Feet Under podcast, he explained that he imagined descending from the rafters at Madison Square Garden in shiny black leather, with large bat wings, to present a dramatic new look for the Deadman.

He pitched the idea directly to Vince McMahon, outlining how the visual would push the character toward a more supernatural tone. McMahon approved the concept after hearing Undertaker describe the planned appearance and its intended effect. Undertaker said he saw the entrance in his mind as a “giant demonic bat” descending over the crowd, believing the moment would improve the production at a major event like Survivor Series at Madison Square Garden.

“I did [ask for them], that was my idea. This was my early attempt at being more demonic, I guess? The character, kind of taking it to that demonic state. So I figured, ‘What would be more demonic than me being in like, all shiny leather with some really big bat wings? And hey, I’m not just going to do this anywhere. I’m going to do it at Survivor Series in Madison Square Garden.’ I mean, if you’re going to go, you go big, right? Again, not one of my better ideas.”

Undertaker later said the final result looked far different from what he had envisioned and admitted the presentation fell short of the intended tone. He described the look as “budget Batman,” noting that the gear failed to match the darker, more intimidating concept he had hoped to introduce.

The bat wings were used only once and were immediately retired after the event. The moment remains a brief footnote in Undertaker’s long career.

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