There are few careers that can match up to the legendary run of The Undertaker, who captivated audiences with his legendary character for three decades.
In November 2020, Mark Calaway decided to retire his iconic Deadman persona and retire from in-ring competition at the age of 55. The official announcement came at Survivor Series, exactly 30 years on from his haunting debut at the event in 1990.
A number of significant figures from The Undertaker’s past were present at the event to pay their respects to the man behind the character and toast his retirement. Memorable rivals such as Mick Foley, Shawn Michaels and Kane appeared, while members of Undertaker’s backstage group, Bone Street Krew, were also there to honour The Deadman.
“His First Words Pierced My Soul” – Dwayne Johnson
Multiple other wrestling personalities from the past and present also took to social media to pay tribute to The Phenom, including former wrestling star turned Hollywood actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Like The Undertaker, Dwayne Johnson made his in-ring WWE debut at Survivor Series, but his moment came six years at the 1996 edition of the event.
Writing his own tribute to The Deadman on his Twitter account, The Rock recalled being a rookie in the locker room and being in awe of the veteran when he seen and heard him for the first time.
Following the announcement of The Undertaker’s retirement, Johnson tweeted the following:
“30 years ago today, he made his iconic Survivor Series debut. Like EVERYONE – I was in awe as a rookie in the WWE. His first words pierced my soul as he walked into the dressing room and said, ‘Muthaf****. True story. Honoured to share the ring with you, my brother. #ThankYouTaker”
The Undertaker had many memorable moments during his three decade-long career and the man himself has named one of his own feuds as “the greatest story ever told in wrestling”.