The Undertaker Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / September 3, 2024
The Undertaker Then
Mark William Calaway, better known as The Undertaker, was born on March 24, 1965, in Houston, Texas.
Growing up as the youngest of five sons, Calaway was introduced to the world of sports early on.
At Waltrip High School in Houston, he showcased his athletic prowess by participating in both football and basketball, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
His skills on the court earned him a basketball scholarship to Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas, in 1983.
During his time at Angelina College, Calaway’s talents were further honed, and he continued to excel in basketball.
In 1985, he transferred to Texas Wesleyan University to advance his education and continue his basketball career, majoring in sports management. However, his journey took a significant turn in 1986.
Although he briefly considered pursuing a professional basketball career in Europe, Calaway ultimately decided to shift his focus to wrestling.
This decision marked the beginning of a remarkable career in professional wrestling, where he would become one of the most iconic figures in the industry under his ring persona, The Undertaker.
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The Undertaker Wrestling Career
Mark Calaway’s professional wrestling career began on June 26, 1987, when he made his debut for World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) under the ring name Texas Red. This initial foray into wrestling set the stage for his future success.
In 1988, Calaway moved on to the Continental Wrestling Association (CWA), where he wrestled under various personas, including The Master of Pain and The Punisher.
His versatility and adaptability during these early years demonstrated his potential to become a major figure in the wrestling world.
In 1989, Calaway signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), adopting the ring name “Mean Mark Callous.”
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Although his time in WCW was brief, it provided him with valuable experience that he would later leverage in WWE.
When he joined WWE (then WWF) in 1990, he took on the iconic persona of The Undertaker.
This character quickly became one of the most memorable and popular figures in wrestling history, renowned for his dark, eerie presence and impressive in-ring abilities.
The Undertaker’s career is especially notable for “The Streak,” a remarkable series of 21 consecutive victories at WWE’s annual WrestleMania events.
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This feat solidified his reputation as a formidable performer and a cornerstone of WWE’s flagship event.
Overall, The Undertaker holds a 25-2 record at WrestleMania, reflecting his dominance and longevity in the sport.
Throughout his career, Calaway has accumulated an impressive array of championships.
In WWE, he has won the WWF/E Championship four times, the World Heavyweight Championship three times, and the WWF World Tag Team Championship six times, among other accolades.
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Additionally, he holds titles from other wrestling promotions, including the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship and the WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship.
His ability to headline major WWE events, including WrestleMania on five occasions, further underscores his significance in the industry.
Notably, he is the only wrestler to have headlined WrestleMania across four different decades, highlighting his enduring appeal and relevance.
Outside of wrestling, Calaway has made appearances in film and television.
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He debuted as an actor in the 1991 film “Suburban Commando” and has had guest roles on shows like “Poltergeist: The Legacy” and “Celebrity Deathmatch.”
In 2002, he appeared in a non-wrestling role on the Canadian sports show “Off the Record with Michael Landsberg,” showcasing his versatility beyond the wrestling ring.
The Undertaker’s influence extends into video games, where he has been featured in numerous WWE titles starting with WWF Super WrestleMania in 1992 and continuing through WWE 2K20 in 2019.
The special Undertaker-themed edition of WWE 2K14 released in 2013 further highlights his lasting impact on the gaming community.
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In the summer of 2020, despite being technically retired, The Undertaker was involved in a storyline challenge issued by AJ Styles.
Styles, the reigning Intercontinental Champion, proposed a high-stakes “Loser Leaves WWE” match at SummerSlam, adding a dramatic twist to their feud.
This match, although not officially marking The Undertaker’s return to full-time competition, kept the possibility of future confrontations alive and demonstrated the enduring intrigue surrounding his legendary career.
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The Undertaker Wrestling Competition
- World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW)
- Continental Wrestling Association (CWA)
- World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
- World Wrestling Federation (WWF)/World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
- United States Wrestling Association (USWA)
- World Class Wrestling Association (WCWA)
The Undertaker’s Wife and Children
Mark Calaway’s personal life has been marked by three significant marriages, each of which has had its own impact on his life and career.
His first marriage, which began in 1989, lasted until 1999. During this time, Calaway and his wife had a son born in 1993.
This early phase of his personal life was relatively private, with little public attention compared to his later relationships.
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In 2000, Calaway married Sara, who became known to WWE fans when she appeared on television in 2001.
Her involvement was part of a WWE storyline where she was featured in a feud between Calaway and wrestler Diamond Dallas Page.
This storyline highlighted their relationship and brought Sara into the public eye.
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The couple had two daughters together before their marriage ended in divorce in 2007.
Their time together was marked by Sara’s brief yet notable role in the wrestling world, adding a personal dimension to Calaway’s public persona.
Calaway’s third marriage was to former wrestler Michelle McCool in 2010.
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McCool, known for her own successful wrestling career, shared a significant part of Calaway’s life both professionally and personally.
The couple welcomed their first child in 2012, marking a new chapter in Calaway’s life.
Their relationship has been characterized by a strong partnership both within and outside of the wrestling world, with McCool often supporting Calaway’s career and public appearances.
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The Undertaker Now
As of now, The Undertaker, whose real name is Mark Calaway, is 59 years old and is widely celebrated as one of the greatest professional wrestlers in history.
After a storied career primarily with WWE, Calaway retired from active wrestling, leaving behind a legacy marked by iconic moments and unmatched achievements.
His career was defined by his compelling persona, intense in-ring performances, and his famous “Streak” of 21 consecutive victories at WrestleMania, making him a revered figure in the world of professional wrestling.
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In 2022, The Undertaker was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to his contributions and impact on the wrestling industry.
This honor recognized his enduring influence and the significant role he played in shaping the landscape of professional wrestling over the decades.
Following his retirement, Calaway has ventured into new projects, including his podcast “Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway.”
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This platform allows him to connect with fans in a different way, sharing insights and stories from his remarkable career.
His involvement in the podcast was highlighted when he wore merchandise from the show during the WrestleMania XL event, where he made a notable appearance by interrupting the match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns on Night Two.
This appearance underscored his continued relevance and connection to the wrestling world.
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The Undertaker remains active on social media, particularly Instagram, where he has amassed a following of 5.1 million fans.
He frequently uploads videos and photos, providing fans with glimpses into his life after wrestling and engaging with his audience on a more personal level.
His presence on social media helps maintain his connection with the fan base and keeps his legendary status alive in the public eye.
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The Undertaker’s Net Worth
The Undertaker, an American professional wrestler renowned for his iconic career in WWE, has amassed a net worth of $17 million, reflecting his significant achievements and enduring impact on the wrestling industry.
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FAQs
The Undertaker is retired from wrestling and is active in various ventures, including hosting his podcast “Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway” and engaging with fans on social media.
The Undertaker’s last match was at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, where he appeared in a segment rather than a full match.
In wrestling storylines, Kane and The Undertaker are portrayed as half-brothers. In reality, they are not related; Kane is portrayed by Glenn Jacobs, while The Undertaker is Mark Calaway.
Yes, The Undertaker has a son named Gunner Calaway from his first marriage.
Yes, The Undertaker is retired from professional wrestling.
Yes, The Undertaker is currently married to Michelle McCool, a former wrestler. They wed in 2010 and have one child together.