Mark Calaway, known as The Undertaker, has had one of the most remarkable careers in wrestling history. Despite a lackluster period in WCW, he transformed the gimmick of The Undertaker in WWE into one of the most iconic characters in the sport. Over his long career, he battled many legendary wrestlers such as Sting, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Brock Lesnar, and Roman Reigns. When asked about who belongs on wrestling’s Mount Rushmore during a 2023 episode of "Ariel Helwani Meets," The Undertaker shared his insights.
Andre the Giant
Andre was arguably the biggest draw in wrestling history. Though not the most skilled wrestler, his immense size made him impossible to ignore, and he even starred in the movie The Princess Bride. Vince McMahon has spoken emotionally about Andre’s significance, and The Undertaker revealed that Andre had once expressed a desire to work with him before his passing in 1993. Although they never wrestled each other, Andre’s impact on the wrestling business was profound.Ric Flair
The Undertaker also named Ric Flair, calling it an easy choice. Often regarded as the greatest wrestler of all time, Flair dominated wrestling territories in the 70s and 80s and had a resurgence in WWE after WCW’s closure. His feud with The Undertaker, particularly their match at WrestleMania 18, revitalized Flair’s career, proving how impactful their rivalry was."Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Austin and The Undertaker were key figures during WWE’s Attitude Era, a transformative period in wrestling history. Austin, who won his first WWE Championship in 1998’s WrestleMania 14, headlined many memorable matches and storylines with The Undertaker. Their rivalry included iconic moments like the Summerslam 1998 main event and dramatic storylines involving Stephanie McMahon, which helped define the era.- Hulk Hogan
Hogan, who made wrestling a pop culture phenomenon, was a somewhat reluctant inclusion by The Undertaker, who openly dislikes Hogan personally. Nonetheless, Taker acknowledged Hogan’s massive influence and their multiple high-profile matches, including Taker’s first WWE Championship win against Hogan in 1991. Despite Hogan’s controversial legacy, his contribution to wrestling’s popularity is undeniable.
Fan Take: This reflection from The Undertaker highlights the enduring legacies of wrestling legends who shaped the industry in their unique ways. For WWE fans, understanding these icons’ impact enriches the appreciation of wrestling’s history and indicates how the sport continues to evolve by building on the foundations they laid.
