The sinister history of The Ministry of Darkness: photos | WWE

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The Ministry of Darkness came to fruition after Paul Bearer abandoned Kane in favor of The Undertaker at Judgment Day: In Your House.

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Kane and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin went on the defensive after becoming The Ministry's first targets.

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The Deadman resorted to forceful abductions of his enemies, such as his use of a shovel against Austin.

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The Texas Rattlesnake and Kane sought payback by tormenting Paul Bearer.

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The Deadman spread his message by using a symbol to make an example of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

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A Buried Alive Match at Rock Bottom: In Your House came about as a result.

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Austin managed to gain the upper hand in a match made famous by The Phenom ...

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... with a little help from Kane ...

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.. and a backhoe driven by The Texas Rattlesnake.

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The Ministry grew though painful indoctrinations of Superstars like Dennis Knight, later known as Mideon.

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Mabel, later Viscera, became The Undertaker's chosen sacrifice during the 1999 Royal Rumble Match.

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Edge, Gangrel & Christian unmasked their alliance with The Ministry of Darkness in early 1999.

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Kane collided with The Undertaker in a terrifying Inferno Match on Raw in 1999 ...

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... but Mr. McMahon was scared most by seeing his daughter's teddy bear set ablaze by The Deadman.

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The WWE Chairman attempted to have The Ministry of Darkness leader arrested ...

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... only for The Undertaker to respond by duplicitous means to continue his master plan.

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Big Boss Man fought on behalf of The Corporation against The Undertaker at WrestleMania XV.

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The Brood descended from the rafters to assist The Phenom at The Showcase of the Immortals.

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However, Gangrel and his charges left The Ministry after failing to live up to expectations.

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The missing Stephanie McMahon's whereabouts were revealed by The Ministry after WrestleMania ...

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... when The Undertaker attempted to force her to his side during the "Black Wedding."

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The unlikeliest of McMahon Family allies, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, ended the proceedings.

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The Ministry of Darkness then unified with The Corporation to give birth to The Corporate Ministry.

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A WWE World Heavyweight Title bout at Over the Edge 1999 between Austin and The Phenom followed.

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The Phenom won the title with the help of his Corporate ally, special guest referee Shane McMahon.

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The Higher Power of The Corporate Ministry finally revealed himself on Raw in June 1999.

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Much to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's chagrin, it was Mr. McMahon all along.

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Austin and The Rock quickly started to challenge the power of The Corporate Ministry.

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Shortly after Austin and Undertaker faced off at Fully Loaded 1999, The Corporate Ministry disbanded.