WWE Legend Undertaker and a Move to MMA That Never Happened
Mark Calaway, better known as The Undertaker, is one of the most iconic figures in WWE history. His 30-year career in professional wrestling is legendary, but few know that he once seriously considered transitioning to mixed martial arts (MMA).
Despite his fascination with the sport and its rapid growth in the 1990s, several factors prevented him from stepping into the octagon.
The Undertaker’s MMA Aspirations
Calaway’s interest in MMA began in the early 1990s as the sport started gaining traction. During an interview on Busted Open Radio, he revealed that he contemplated a move to MMA when UFC was still in its infancy. However, his lack of amateur wrestling experience—a foundational skill for many successful MMA fighters—was a significant deterrent. “If I had an amateur wrestling background, there is a good chance I would have tested those waters,” he admitted.
Additionally, his responsibilities as a young father weighed heavily on his decision. The financial stability and consistent schedule offered by WWE made it difficult to risk venturing into an unproven and physically demanding sport.
Challenges of Transitioning to MMA
The Undertaker’s potential move to MMA was further complicated by the realities of professional wrestlers transitioning to combat sports. While some wrestlers like Brock Lesnar found immense success—becoming UFC Heavyweight Champion in just four fights—others struggled. CM Punk lost both his UFC bouts, and Batista’s single MMA fight was widely criticized despite ending in a TKO victory. Even Bobby Lashley’s impressive 15-2 MMA record didn’t generate the same level of mainstream attention as his WWE career.
For Calaway, the risks outweighed the potential rewards. He acknowledged that entering MMA would have required a complete overhaul of his training regimen, focusing on disciplines like Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling. At the time, he was already dealing with injuries from wrestling and couldn’t afford to jeopardize his career or income.
Influence on MMA
The Undertaker also became a cultural icon within MMA. Fighters like Israel Adesanya and Michael “Venom” Page have paid homage to him during their walkouts, mimicking his signature entrance at UFC events. Adesanya famously used The Undertaker’s theme music and props before defending his middleweight title at UFC 276 in July 2022. Calaway praised these tributes, calling Adesanya “a great fighter” and “an awesome entertainer.”
We might start seeing even more connections between WWE and MMA, after the recent formation of TKO Holdings in September 2023. Both organizations have since continued to expand their international reach. UFC’s recent events have set new financial benchmarks, with UFC 298 in Anaheim becoming the highest-grossing MMA event in California history. Different ufc betting platforms are also experiencing a large influx of traffic with the sport becoming more and more popular.
What Could Have Been
Had The Undertaker pursued an MMA career, it would have been a seismic shift for both sports. His larger-than-life persona could have brought significant attention to MMA during its formative years. However, it’s unlikely he would have achieved the same level of dominance as he did in WWE. Without an amateur wrestling or martial arts background, Calaway himself admitted he might have been “smashed” in competition.
Furthermore, Vince McMahon’s reaction to such a move would likely have been hostile. Calaway joked that McMahon “would’ve had a coronary” if he had left WWE for UFC. Given McMahon’s protective nature over top stars like The Undertaker, it’s possible contractual or financial barriers would have been imposed to prevent such a transition.
Legacy Cemented in Wrestling
Ultimately, The Undertaker chose loyalty to WWE over uncertainty in MMA. His decision allowed him to build an unparalleled legacy that included 14 world championships and an iconic 21-0 undefeated streak at WrestleMania. While fans may wonder what could have been if he had entered the octagon, Calaway remains content with his choices. His contributions to both wrestling and combat sports culture ensure his legacy transcends any single arena.
In hindsight, The Undertaker’s flirtation with MMA underscores the crossroads faced by many athletes balancing passion with pragmatism. For Calaway, staying in WWE wasn’t just a career decision—it was the foundation of a legacy that continues to inspire generations across multiple disciplines.
