Legendary WWE Hall of Famer, The Undertaker, known for his iconic career spanning decades, recently delved into the intricacies of his role backstage and the challenges he faces in advising younger talents. In an episode of his Six Feet Under podcast, he shared candid insights into the wrestling industry and his evolving perspective on the business.
The Struggle of Passing on Wisdom:
Undertaker reflected on the internal conflict he experiences while backstage, torn between the desire to impart wisdom to emerging talents and the lingering urge to be in the ring himself. He confessed, “It’s tough being backstage because there’s that part of me that wants to kind of pass it on to the guys that are there now and then, there’s the part of me that’s like ‘You should be out there doing it. You could do it better.”
Adapting to Changing Times:
Acknowledging the evolution of the wrestling landscape, Undertaker expressed admiration for the success of the current generation. Despite physical limitations preventing him from active competition, he finds it challenging to offer advice when contemporary wrestlers are excelling both creatively and financially. “Physically I can’t anymore, but those are all those little battles that I play in my head. It’s hard to give advice anymore. Just for the fact that these guys are freaking killing it, business-wise. You guys are making more money than we ever made, what can I tell you?”
Advocating for Storytelling:
While praising the accomplishments of modern wrestlers, Undertaker emphasized his preference for storytelling over spectacle. He lamented the shift towards what he perceives as excessive acrobatics, urging a return to narrative-driven performances. “I mean, I wish they would story-tell more and do a little less Cirque du Soleil, but I mean, evidently they tolerate it.”
Balancing Tradition with Innovation:
Undertaker’s remarks underscore the delicate balance between honoring wrestling’s heritage and embracing contemporary trends. Despite recognizing the validity of current approaches, he remains steadfast in his belief that storytelling remains paramount for longevity in the industry. “How do you tell somebody that’s freaking killing it? ‘Yeah, man, you go, do you. You might want to learn how to tell a story because your career is not going to last very long during the stuff that you’re doing.’”
Mia’s Perspective:
The Undertaker’s reflections offer a poignant glimpse into the complexities of mentorship and adaptation within professional wrestling. As the sport continues to evolve, his insights serve as a reminder of the enduring value of storytelling amidst the ever-changing landscape of entertainment. While contemporary wrestlers thrive in their own right, there’s a timeless wisdom in The Undertaker’s words. Resonating with both seasoned veterans and emerging talents alike.
As The Undertaker navigates the dual roles of mentor and observer, his journey encapsulates the essence of wrestling’s past, present, and future. His willingness to confront the challenges of passing on wisdom amidst a rapidly evolving industry is a testament to his enduring legacy and unwavering dedication to the sport he helped shape.
