Mark William Calaway, also popularly known as The Undertaker, is a retired professional wrestler signed to WWE. He is a seven-time world heavyweight champion in the WWF and WWE. Mark Calaway started his career working as different gimmicks for the World Class Championship Wrestling in 1987. Since then, his career skyrocketed until he became known as The Undertaker in WWE.
Most of his fans, especially those who admired him from the beginning of his career, surely know who he really is in and out of the ring. But in this article, we are going to enumerate some essential facts about The Undertaker, Mark Calaway, to help you know him more.
Texas Red: The Undertaker’s Early Wrestling Career Highlights
Mark Calaway, better known as The Undertaker, is one of the most storied figures in professional wrestling. His career in the squared circle spans an impressive 33 years, filled with numerous accolades and memorable moments. While many fans recognize him as the ominous and undead character in WWE, his journey to stardom began in a much different setting and under various personas.
Calaway was born on March 24, 1965, in Houston, Texas. He first made a name for himself as a basketball player. After graduating from Waltrip High School in 1983, he briefly attended St. Thomas in Houston before playing the 1985-86 season at Texas Wesleyan University. Standing tall at 6’10”, his size and skills on the court made him a standout. Although he considered a career in basketball, particularly overseas, a shift in interest led him to the world of professional wrestling.
He began training under Buzz Sawyer, though this initial experience turned out to be a scam. Despite setbacks, Calaway’s determination saw him through, and he made his wrestling debut under the ring name Texas Red. His early matches in World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) featured bouts against notable names like Bruiser Brody. As Texas Red, and later Texas Red Jack, he wrestled both domestically and internationally.
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Calaway’s career gained momentum when he adopted the persona of the Master of Pain in the United States Wrestling Association (USWA). Managed by Dutch Mantell, he achieved his first major success by winning the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship from Jerry Lawler. This victory solidified his position as a rising star in wrestling.
Calaway’s journey continued in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) where he was rebranded as “Mean” Mark Callous. Under the guidance of Terry Funk, he joined the tag team Skyscrapers alongside Dan Spivey. However, after Spivey’s departure, Calaway pursued a solo career. He achieved significant recognition with Paul E. Dangerously (Paul Heyman) as his manager. Despite a commendable run, including a challenge for Lex Luger’s WCW United States Heavyweight Championship, he sought greater opportunities.
His move to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1990 was a turning point. Initially overlooked, Calaway persisted and eventually caught the attention of Vince McMahon. This led to the debut of his most iconic character: The Undertaker. The persona was a perfect fit, combining elements of the macabre with a brutal in-ring style. He quickly became one of WWF’s most popular and enduring characters.
The Undertaker’s debut at Survivor Series in 1990 marked the start of a legendary career. Known for his Tombstone Piledriver and the menacing presence he brought to the ring, The Undertaker became a mainstay of major events like WrestleMania. His undefeated streak at WrestleMania, spanning 21 straight victories, is a testament to his dominance and popularity.
Over the years, The Undertaker’s character evolved, introducing new elements and storylines. He formed notable alliances such as the Ministry of Darkness and had memorable feuds with fellow wrestlers like Mankind, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and Brock Lesnar. His battles, including infamous Hell in a Cell matches, are etched in wrestling history.
Interesting Notes and Facts About The Undertaker
- Aside from wrestling, Mark Calaway also loves MMA and boxing. In fact, he likes to attend these matches whenever he has free time.
- Mark Calaway almost choked Kurt Angle when he tried to defend Vince McMahon during a plane ride.
- In 1991, The Undertaker was seen in the movie called Suburban Commando.
- Mark Calaway is known for his favorite finishing move, known as the Tombstone Pile-driver, where he pins down most of his opponents.
- In 1989, Mark Calaway joined the World Championship Wrestling as a villain with the ring name “Mean Mark” Callous.
- Mark Calaway is not just a great wrestler; he also has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
- Brock Lesnar broke Mark Calaway’s winning streak record of 21 wins and one loss at WrestleMania.
- In 1989, The Undertaker was able to bag his first wrestling Championship in a match against Jerry “The King” Lawler during the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Title.
- Mark William Calaway was born in Houston, Texas, on March 24, 1965. Today, he is currently residing in Austin, Texas, the United States, which is why it is safe to say that The Undertaker is a pure and true Texan.
- Mark Calaway has been married three times already, and his previous wives were Sara Frank and Jodi Lynn. Calaway is currently married to Michelle McCool.
- After being married for three times, Mark Calaway has four children.
- Mark Calaway was trained by another well-known wrestler, Don Jardine or popularly known as The Spoiler.
- In 1984, Mark Calaway started his career in pro wrestling.
- Besides being good at wrestling, Mark Calaway was also a very talented basketball player in college.
- Throughout his 33-year career, The Undertaker never lost in the way of submission.
- In 1984, Mark Calaway made his debut at the World Class Championship Wrestling under the ring, using Texas Red as his nickname.
- In February 1989, Mark Calaway once again debuted in the ring, but this time, he was known as The Master of Pain.
- Throughout his career, the opponent that Mark Calaway faced the most was Kane.
- Mark “The Undertaker” Calaway is known to one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
- Or The Undertaker, Mark Calaway wrapped up his 33-year professional wrestling career on June 21, 2020.
- The Undertaker has appeared in five films and five television shows.
- He was also in WWE video games from 1992 to 2020.
The Wrestling Legend
Throughout his career, The Undertaker won multiple championships. He held the WWF/WWE World Heavyweight Championship on several occasions and also won the Hardcore Championship. His versatility allowed him to adapt to different eras and maintain his status as a top performer.
Outside the ring, Calaway’s influence extended to inspiring future generations of wrestlers and maintaining a significant presence in wrestling culture. He retired in 2020, with his final farewell taking place at Survivor Series, the event where he had made his debut. In 2022, his contributions to wrestling were honored with an induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Mark Calaway’s journey from a basketball player to one of the greatest professional wrestlers is a story of resilience, adaptation, and enduring legacy. His transformation into The Undertaker character and his ability to captivate audiences for decades exemplify his impact on the wrestling industry.
Throughout 33 years of wrestling, Mark Calaway had never stopped entertaining his fans at each wrestling event he was in. Calaway is considered a great wrestler because he is known for doing extraordinary things whenever competing solo or in groups. The Undertaker may be old and has a long career in wrestling already, but his attitude, skills, and passion for wrestling remain the same as he first set foot in the WWE ring. He is still the same person people adored and admire throughout these years, despite his fights being mostly horror-themed to the point that sometimes a real coffin was present.
