The Origins of The Undertaker Character

Episode Summary

Main Topics Discussed

• The unexpected and winding path to Mark Calaway becoming The Undertaker.
• Calaway's experience and rejection at WCW, where he was told he lacked drawing power.
• His initial struggles and unimpressive tryout match with Vince McMahon due to injury.
• The unusual first meeting at Vince McMahon's home and the subsequent period of uncertainty.
• The creative process behind developing iconic wrestling characters in the WWF (now WWE).
• The famous "Eggman" (Gobbledy Gooker) storyline and Calaway's fear of becoming that character.
• The pivotal phone call from Vince McMahon that introduced "The Undertaker" character.

Key Insights & Memorable Moments

• Mark Calaway was dismissed by WCW who told him, "no one's ever gonna pay money to watch you wrestle."
• His initial tryout match for Vince McMahon was "bad" due to a hip injury, leaving Vince unimpressed.
• Despite the initial rejection, Paul Heyman and Bruce Prichard advocated for Calaway, securing him a meeting with Vince McMahon at his home.
• Calaway feared he would be given a ridiculous character like "Shower Guy" after making a nervous joke, or worse, the infamous "Eggman" (Gobbledy Gooker).
• Vince McMahon revealed the character to Calaway by simply calling him and asking, "is this the undertaker?"
• The original concept for The Undertaker was based on an old Western undertaker, a character Vince had envisioned for years but hadn't found the right person for.
• Calaway jokingly (and probably accurately) reflects that Vince "just needed a big guy with no personality" to fill the role.
• Joe Rogan recalls being six years old and absolutely terrified by The Undertaker's debut, highlighting its immediate impact amidst sillier characters of the era.

Notable Quotes or Revelations

• "You're great athlete kid but no one's ever gonna pay money to watch you wrestle." - WCW management to Mark Calaway.
• "I'm now I've gone from shower guy now I think I'm gonna be eggman." - Mark Calaway's internal fear before the character reveal.
• "Is uh is this the undertaker?" - Vince McMahon's iconic introduction of the character to Mark Calaway over the phone.
• "He just never found the guy he had had it for years I guess." - Calaway on Vince McMahon's long-standing vision for The Undertaker.
• "He just needed a big guy with no personality." - Mark Calaway's humorous take on why he was chosen for the role.

Overall Themes

• Perseverance and Self-Belief: Despite rejection and self-doubt, Calaway continued to pursue his dream, leading to an iconic career.
• The Unpredictability of Opportunity: The path to becoming The Undertaker was full of twists, turns, and near misses, showcasing how timing and an open mind can lead to unexpected success.
• Creative Vision in Professional Wrestling: The episode highlights Vince McMahon's unique and often quirky creative process in developing memorable, larger-than-life characters.
• Overcoming Adversity: Calaway's ability to perform despite injury and uncertainty underscores the dedication required in professional wrestling.