Joe Rogan Experience #1598 - The Undertaker

Episode Summary

Main Topics Discussed

• The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns: Joe Rogan and The Undertaker discuss the societal effects of lockdowns, particularly on businesses and daily life in California and Texas, expressing frustration and hope for change.
• Post-Wrestling Life and Injuries: The Undertaker (Mark Calaway) reflects on his career after 33 years in professional wrestling and the physical toll it took on his body.
• Advanced Hip Resurfacing Surgery: A detailed account of The Undertaker's bilateral hip resurfacing surgeries, how they extended his career, and the recovery process, including learning to walk again.
• The Grueling Schedule of Professional Wrestlers: Insights into the demanding travel and performance schedule of WWE superstars, especially in the 80s and 90s.
• Evolution of WWE's Wellness and Drug Testing Policies: Discussion on how professional wrestling has adapted its health, safety, and drug testing protocols to meet major league sports standards, including steroid testing.
• Vince McMahon's Unbelievable Physique and Work Ethic: Rogan and The Undertaker marvel at WWE Chairman Vince McMahon's dedication to fitness at 75 years old.
• The Undertaker's Unconventional Entry into Wrestling: His journey from college basketball player to professional wrestler, including a bizarre and brutal early training experience.

Key Insights & Memorable Moments

• The Undertaker revealed he was in chronic pain for 12 years before his first hip resurfacing surgery, which dramatically improved his quality of life and added a decade to his career.
• The procedure involved replacing the head of his femur with a titanium cap, allowing for "no restrictions" – a stark contrast to traditional hip replacements.
• Rogan highlighted how The Undertaker's mysterious comebacks post-surgery, seemingly "faster and stronger," unknowingly contributed to the mystique of his character.
• The discussion on WWE's past lack of medical support for wrestlers and the subsequent high rates of substance abuse to cope with pain, contrasting it with today's advanced wellness programs.
• Joe Rogan's vivid description of Los Angeles's Sunset Strip as a "zombie land" during lockdowns underscored the perceived economic and social decay.
• The Undertaker's account of his initial training with Buzz Sawyer, where he was one of many who started but the only one who persevered through the eccentric and grueling methods.
• A humorous yet awe-struck segment discussing Vince McMahon's incredible physique and dedication at 75, with Rogan questioning how it's humanly possible.

Notable Quotes or Revelations

• "Bring the money, leave the values and we'll all be good." - The Undertaker on the influx of people from California to Austin.
• "Sunset is just a zombie land." - Joe Rogan describing the state of LA during lockdowns.
• "I was in pain easily 12 years every step of every day... you don't know how much until it's gone." - The Undertaker on his chronic hip pain.
• "It added 10 years to my career." - The Undertaker on his first hip resurfacing surgery.
• "I averaged 270 dates a year... in the early 90s... we do two shows a day." - The Undertaker on the demanding WWE schedule.
• "We had a motto: we'll sleep when we're dead." - The Undertaker on the mindset of young wrestlers.
• "Who the [____] has traps like that when they're 75?" - Joe Rogan's reaction to photos of Vince McMahon.
• Describing his initial trainer Buzz Sawyer: "He's saying her butt-ass naked... 'oh [____] is that today?'" - The Undertaker's humorous anecdote about his first day of training.

Overall Themes

• Resilience and Perseverance: The episode prominently features themes of overcoming physical adversity through modern medicine and personal grit, exemplified by The Undertaker's long career despite severe injuries.
• The Reality Behind the Spectacle: It offers a look behind the curtain of professional wrestling, revealing the immense physical sacrifices, demanding schedules, and evolving welfare systems for athletes.
• Societal and Cultural Shifts: Discussions on the impact of the pandemic and population migration touch on broader concerns about freedom, local culture, and economic well-being.
• Pushing Boundaries: From the cutting-edge medical procedures extending athletic careers to the seemingly superhuman dedication of individuals like Vince McMahon, the theme of human capability and determination is evident.