In professional wrestling, first impressions are crucial, both for fans and those behind the scenes. Even The Undertaker, a legendary figure in wrestling, holds his own strong opinions about people. Recently, during an episode of the Six Feet Under podcast, The Undertaker reflected on John Cena’s retirement and how surreal it felt to see Cena’s career come to an end, especially since it seemed like just yesterday that he debuted. This reflection led him to share his early thoughts on wrestling rookies.
The Undertaker noted that Cena was already well-established when he entered WWE, shaping how he initially perceived him. From his veteran standpoint, he shared insights on Cena’s career journey. He recounted how on Cena’s “opening day,” he had just wrestled Kurt Angle, while Undertaker was already 12 years into his career; now, 23 years later, Cena is retiring.
Recalling his own start, The Undertaker admitted that there were two wrestlers he initially doubted upon their debuts. However, after some thought and conversation with Michelle McCool, he openly admitted he was wrong about both. He praised the ability to admit mistakes, a quality he feels not everyone in the wrestling world possesses.
When asked about the second wrestler he had misjudged, The Undertaker revealed it was The Rock. He explained that The Rock’s debut as Rocky Maivia at Madison Square Garden didn’t impress him at first because of the high expectations tied to The Rock’s family legacy and what he wore, which seemed subpar. Yet, once again, Undertaker confessed he misread the situation.
Michelle McCool summarized that there were two significant misjudgments, to which Undertaker humorously agreed, saying both took time to find their rhythm but ultimately had successful careers.
Having seen generations of wrestlers come and go, The Undertaker’s takeaway was clear: even the most seasoned vets can be wrong about who will endure in wrestling. Wrestlers like AJ Styles, who was a guest on the podcast, have proven that initial negative impressions can be completely off.
As The Undertaker prepares to conclude his in-ring career in 2026, the wrestling world eagerly anticipates what kind of lasting impression he will leave. The stories of Cena and The Rock serve as a reminder that first impressions aren’t always accurate and that legends can evolve beyond initial expectations.
Fan Take: This candid admission from The Undertaker is refreshing, revealing that even icons can misjudge emerging talent. For WWE fans, it highlights that greatness can come from unexpected places, reminding us all to keep an open mind about new wrestlers and the future of the sport.
