The Undertaker

Biography

Born as Mark William Calaway on March 24, 1965, The Undertaker is one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling. His spooky, macabre, death-oriented character struck fear into his opponents and fascinated audiences worldwide.

Career History and Evolution

Calaway started his career in wrestling in 1984 with World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW). However, it wasn’t until his World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) debut at the 1990 Survivor Series that the character of The Undertaker was born.
Over the years, The Undertaker’s persona evolved. The original “Deadman” character—an undead, supernatural figure—transitioned to “The American Badass,” a biker-themed character, in the early 2000s. He later returned to a version of the original “Deadman” character, solidifying his reputation as one of the industry’s most adaptable performers.

Titles and Achievements

Throughout his career, The Undertaker has amassed a plethora of titles and accolades. He’s a four-time WWF/E Champion, a three-time World Heavyweight Champion, and a six-time Tag Team Champion. His most enduring achievement, however, is his undefeated streak at WrestleMania, WWE’s biggest annual event, where he won 21 consecutive matches from 1991 to 2013—a feat known as “The Streak.”

Biggest Matches and Rivalries

The Undertaker’s most legendary rivalries include those with Shawn Michaels, Kane (his storyline half-brother), Mankind (Mick Foley), and Triple H. His matches against these competitors, especially his back-to-back WrestleMania bouts against Michaels, are considered some of the greatest in wrestling history.

Tag Team Partners

The Undertaker has won tag team gold with a variety of partners, including Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and Big Show. Most notably, he formed The Brothers of Destruction with Kane, which was a dominant force in the tag team division.

Family Life

Calaway has been married three times, and has four children. Since 2010, he has been married to former wrestler Michelle McCool, and they have a daughter together.

Finishing Move

The Undertaker’s most iconic finishing move is the “Tombstone Piledriver,” which involves him dropping his opponents head-first onto the mat while holding them in an inverted body slam position. His other finisher, the “Last Ride,” is a high-elevation powerbomb.

Clothing and Entrance Music

The Undertaker’s attire varied with his character changes—from a traditional mortician-style attire to a black trench coat and hat, and a biker attire. His entrance music, the ominous “Gong,” is one of the most recognized themes in wrestling, complementing his haunting, slow-paced walk to the ring.
The Undertaker’s unique character, longevity, and commitment to in-ring storytelling have earned him the status of a legend in the world of professional wrestling.