WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker has shocked fans by revealing the emotional reasons behind his unexpected departure from this year’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. Despite retiring four years ago, the legendary wrestler still grapples with the intense desire to return to the ring.
‘The Deadman,’ known off-stage as Mark Calaway, retired in 2020 after a memorable ‘Boneyard’ match against AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36. The cinematic bout was a fitting end to a storied career, but for Calaway, the end of his wrestling days has been anything but easy. Now 59, he spends his time podcasting, sharing behind-the-scenes stories of his wrestling journey, and serving as an ambassador for WWE.
Calaway’s career spanned over three decades, solidifying him as one of the most iconic figures in WWE history. Fans around the world still hold him in high regard, but the itch to compete remains. Calaway recently opened up about his struggles with retirement on Chris Van Vliet’s Insight podcast, giving a candid glimpse into his internal battle.
“I want to be out there so bad. I want to continue to wrestle,” Calaway confessed. “Obviously, my body broke down and father time is undefeated. And I never wanted to be a parody of myself and I really risked that at the end.”
He referenced his infamous match with Goldberg in Saudi Arabia, where Goldberg suffered a concussion mid-match. “I should have picked up on the fact that he’d had his bell rung. I should’ve been sharp enough to adapt and not try to get to where I was getting.”
Despite these physical concerns, ‘The Phenom’ admits that the urge to wrestle again is ever-present, making it difficult for him to attend live events without feeling the pull of the ring.
For fans, The Undertaker’s revelations provide a poignant look at the challenges faced by even the most legendary performers when the spotlight dims. His honesty about the struggle between passion and physical limitation offers a deeper appreciation of his enduring legacy and the man behind the myth.
