The Undertaker announced his retirement as a wrestler with the WWE back in June, with his last match coming at WrestleMania 36 against AJ Styles.
Mark Calaway, who played the role of The Undertaker, has had one of the most incredible careers formed by anyone in the industry. After making his debut in the WWE in 1990, The Undertaker quickly rose to the top of the brand, where he remained for the rest of his career.
When he walked out at Survivor Series in 1990, The Undertaker had a dark side to his character that had not been seen before in the WWE. The crowd saw him as supernatural and WWE were quick to play on that theme.
WrestleMania Streak
If you were to compile a list of The Undertaker’s achievements during his 30-year spell in the WWE, you would run out of paper. Arguably his greatest though, was his streak at WrestleMania, the biggest stage of them all in sports entertainment.
Taker went 21-0 at WrestleMania and as his streak gathered momentum, his matchup was always one of the biggest events on the card, regardless of whether it was for a major belt or not. His run came to an end when Brock Lesnar defeated him at WrestleMania XXX. This result proves, if nothing else, that the man from the dark side was indeed human and not indestructible.
Will We See Undertaker in Another Role with the WWE?
You would have to believe that given the years of service he has given the WWE, there will always be a role for The Undertaker if he wants it. This could come as manager, commentator or advisor.
Calaway has seen just about everything over the last three decades. His experience in the ring and of the industry is invaluable, so the WWE may want him to remain on their payroll.
We have seen many great wrestlers return to the brand in roles outside of the ring. Shawn Michaels, Kane and Triple H have all been successful in storylines since they retired, albeit the latter does have the advantage of being the owner’s son-in-law.
Projects Outside of Wrestling
Now may be the time for The Undertaker to take up some projects outside of wrestling and who could blame him.
He’s been involved in various film and television programmes and he may fancy doing more of that now he has time to commit to them. It is hard to see him not being in demand for fictional or non-fictional roles.
His brand as The Undertaker still remains strong despite his retirement. We have seen other sports stars put their names to casino games. High profile jockey Frankie Dettori is one of those with his Magic Seven Blackjack inside the online blackjack games catalog. Maybe there will be a version named ‘the Streak’ in the near future.
Best Not to Close Coffin on Undertaker Just Yet
Although Calaway is adamant it is the last we have seen of The Undertaker in the ring, it might just be worth saving one last chapter in his book just in case he does make a U-turn on that decision.
Vince McMahon has so often turned to the man from Death Valley when things haven’t quite been going well for the WWE.
The Undertaker has risen from the ground many times throughout his career so a return can simply not be ruled out. This time around though, it would have to take something special for Taker to feature again.
Whatever the future holds, his legacy is unrivaled. He has given so many different generations of wrestling fans great joy inside the ring and it is hard to see anyone coming close to replicating what he achieved.