Mark William Calaway, famously known as The Undertaker, remains one of the most iconic and influential figures in professional wrestling history. With a career spanning over three decades, The Undertaker’s impact on WWE and sports entertainment is unparalleled, making him a perennial subject of interest among wrestling fans and analysts in 2025.
The Phenomenon Behind The Undertaker
Debuting at WWE’s Survivor Series in 1990, The Undertaker quickly became a towering presence with his unique "Deadman" persona—a macabre, supernatural character that redefined wrestling gimmicks and captivated audiences worldwide. His signature moves like the Tombstone Piledriver, Chokeslam, and Hell’s Gate submission became legendary, while his eerie entrance, complete with ominous music and fog, set a new standard for wrestling theatrics15.
The Streak: WrestleMania’s Unbreakable Legend
Perhaps the most defining aspect of The Undertaker’s career was his 21-0 undefeated streak at WrestleMania, WWE’s flagship event. This streak, known simply as The Streak, became a cornerstone of WWE lore, with fans eagerly anticipating each WrestleMania to see if anyone could topple The Deadman. Victories over legends like Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Randy Orton, and Jake “The Snake” Roberts solidified his dominance15.
The streak was famously broken by Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30, a moment that shocked the wrestling world. However, The Undertaker’s resilience shone through as he continued to deliver memorable performances, including a win over Lesnar at SummerSlam 2015 and a classic victory against John Cena at WrestleMania 3415.
Career Highlights and Championships
Throughout his career, The Undertaker amassed numerous titles and accolades:
4-time WWE Champion
3-time World Heavyweight Champion
6-time World Tag Team Champion (notably with Kane as the Brothers of Destruction)
2007 Royal Rumble winner
Innovator of match types such as the Casket Match, Buried Alive Match, and the first-ever Hell in a Cell Match15.
His storylines with his storyline half-brother Kane, forming the Brothers of Destruction, remain some of the most compelling in WWE history, blending intense rivalry and alliance over decades1.
Retirement and Legacy
The Undertaker officially retired on November 22, 2020, at Survivor Series—the very event where he debuted 30 years earlier. His retirement was a poignant moment for WWE and wrestling fans globally, marking the end of an era15.
Since retiring, The Undertaker has remained involved in WWE through mentoring roles and special appearances, including welcoming fellow wrestlers to the WWE Hall of Fame and participating in WWE’s LFG program to guide new talent. His influence continues to shape WWE’s future stars.
The Undertaker in 2025: Continued Relevance
Despite retirement, The Undertaker remains a trending topic on social platforms and search engines, reflecting ongoing fan fascination. Recent WWE highlights show him celebrating with current stars like Rhea Ripley and making appearances on NXT programming, keeping his legacy alive and relevant.
Why The Undertaker Still Captivates Fans
Timeless Character: The Deadman persona is one of the most enduring and well-crafted characters in wrestling history.
In-Ring Excellence: Known for storytelling and match psychology, The Undertaker’s matches are considered classics.
Cultural Impact: Beyond wrestling, The Undertaker has influenced pop culture, inspiring movies, video games, and merchandise.
Mentorship: His role in nurturing new talent ensures his legacy will persist within WWE’s evolving landscape.