Although he is known as a phenomenal “phenom” in WWE, some did not see it that way during The Undertaker’s earlier years in the ring. However, WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman did. Meeting him in 1990, Heyman and Undertaker went from an on-screen pairing to “The Oracle,” helping him sail to WWE. in his interview with Graham Bensinger, Heyman described how he violated his WCW contract to help The Pianist find a brighter and more deserving spotlight in which to shine.
“Ole (Anderson) didn’t believe in Mark (Callaway/Undertaker) to the point that when Mark’s contract was signed in September 1990, they tried to humiliate him. There was someone in WCW who broke their contract with Turner Broadcasting and WCW and robbed Mark of a match through a mutual friend or a friend of his that I met in WWE. Heyman began. “And that match led to Mark being signed by WWE and becoming the Undertaker…I thought that was great because I was that person.”
His unique eye for talent helped launch The Undertaker’s indestructible yet decorated three-decade in-ring career. The Undertaker officially retired full-time on November 22, 2020, but still plays an important role in how WWE and its sister promotion Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide operate today, as ring coach for younger talent and: AAA creative director, among other important roles.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, credit In Depth With Graham Bensinger ah/t Wrestling Inc. for the transcript.
