What Did the Undertaker Do Before WWE?By Coder| September 29, 2023 Wrestling Blogs The Undertaker, whose real name is Mark William Calaway, is a legendary professional wrestler who has become an icon in the world of WWE. Known for his eerie and mysterious persona, The Undertaker has had a long and illustrious career in the wrestling industry. But have you ever wondered what he did before joining WWE? Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating journey of The Undertaker before he became a household name. Early Life and Athletic Background Before stepping into the squared circle, Mark Calaway excelled in various sports during his high school years. Born on March 24, 1965, in Houston, Texas, Calaway discovered his passion for athletics at an early age. He played basketball and football while attending Waltrip High School in Houston. Fun fact: Did you know that Mark Calaway was initially interested in playing basketball professionally? However, fate had other plans for him. Professional Wrestling Beginnings Calaway’s journey into professional wrestling began when he attended a wrestling event in Dallas, Texas. Inspired by what he saw inside the ring, he decided to pursue a career as a wrestler. In 1984, Calaway enrolled at the Texas Wesleyan University on a basketball scholarship but soon realized that his true calling was inside the wrestling ring. He made his professional wrestling debut in 1987 under the ring name “Texas Red,” working for World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW). Rise to Prominence as ‘Mean’ Mark Callous In 1989, Calaway joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) under the new ring name “Mean” Mark Callous. During his time with WCW, Callous formed a tag team with Dan Spivey known as The Skyscrapers. Together, they dominated the tag team division and caught the attention of wrestling fans. His intense in-ring style and imposing presence made him one to watch in the wrestling world. Arrival in WWE In 1990, Calaway signed with WWE (then known as WWF) and was rebranded as The Undertaker. This marked the beginning of a legendary career that would span over three decades. Debuting at Survivor Series in November 1990, The Undertaker made an unforgettable impact by defeating his opponent, Dusty Rhodes. The Undertaker’s distinct persona, characterized by his dark attire, mystical powers, and unmatched dominance, quickly captivated audiences around the world. The Streak One of The Undertaker’s most iconic achievements is his undefeated streak at WrestleMania. From WrestleMania VII in 1991 to WrestleMania XXX in 2014, The Undertaker maintained an astonishing record of 21 consecutive victories at WWE’s biggest annual event. The Streak not only solidified The Undertaker’s legacy but also became one of the most anticipated aspects of WrestleMania each year. A Lasting Legacy Throughout his career, The Undertaker has won numerous championships, headlined countless pay-per-views, and engaged in memorable feuds with some of the greatest names in professional wrestling history. His dedication to his character, commitment to storytelling inside the ring, and ability to adapt have earned him a revered place among fans and peers alike. The Deadman The Lord of Darkness The Phenom The American Badass These are just a few of the personas that The Undertaker has embraced throughout his career, each adding depth to his character and leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Conclusion Before his iconic tenure in WWE, The Undertaker had already begun carving out a name for himself in the world of professional wrestling. From his humble beginnings as Texas Red to becoming The Deadman, Mark Calaway’s journey is a testament to his passion, resilience, and undeniable talent. The Undertaker’s presence in the wrestling industry will forever be etched in history, making him one of the greatest and most enduring legends of all time.
