John Cena Once Stated How The Undertaker’s Unusual Methods Helped the Latter Have a Long Pro Wrestling Career: “It Entertains People”

Since signing with the WWE in October 1990, Mark William Calaway helped the formation of one of pro wrestling’s most iconic characters. In the next three decades, he would give life to a gimmick that would gain widespread popularity as The Undertaker. The 58-year-old not only played the gimmick, but he also did something with it that helped the character sustain for so long, according to John Cena.

The 16-time world champion once shared why The Deadman is so special and opened up on The Undertaker’s unusual practices, during a 2022 interview.

Be one with the character was The Undertaker’s mantra for success, says John Cena

Last year, the 46-year-old sat down with GQ to discuss various aspects of his life. One question related to Cena’s formative years in the pro wrestling business. The interviewer asked him how his experience was of meeting The Undertaker as Mark Calaway backstage. While many would have thought that the differences are huge, Cena said it’s not.

“Mark backstage is very much like The Undertaker — like, that’s how dedicated he is,” the leader of Cenation said. This further corroborates claims about Taker remaining in character throughout his run. He was so dedicated, that he wouldn’t do a press conference or an interview, just for the sake of protecting his gimmick, especially with enhanced scrutiny with advancement in technology.

“He’s very stoic, and very calculated, and does speak softly and carry a big stick, until like now… that role consumed him. And that’s what led to his long term success,” John Cena said. “This is who I am, this is who I’m gonna be, because it entertains people,” he added, explaining the philosophy behind Calaway’s recluse nature all these years.

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Despite the brooding nature of The Undertaker character, Cena thought it wasn’t all bad for the wrestler.

John Cena talks about the luxuries of being The Undertaker

When you look back and think about it, Calaway dedicated 30 years of his life to safeguarding a character that was so dark that it made many gasp during his iconic entrance. But not just the fear factor, the crowd were equally in love with the character. Think about when he lost to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30 in 2014. Even more surprising than the 21-1 scoreboard was the audience reactions to it. Some just couldn’t believe that it had happened.

According to Cena, Calaway enjoyed a level of luxury that came with his character. He said Taker had made peace with the fact that he wasn’t going to live a normal life, like his peers. This, however, was a boon instead of a bane.

“… but I’m also going to have great luxuries and opportunities that normalcy doesn’t provide,” Cena said.

Hours after Cena’s interview with GQ was published on 29 March 2022, The Undertaker was feted during the 2022 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. What took place was not quite what anyone expected.

The Undertaker received a 10-minute standing ovation from the crowd and then delivered a once-a-generation speech that has since been a part of wrestling folklore. Those 2 hours alone shows what lengths the man travelled just to keep his kayfabe intact, just to entertain fans.

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So, what’s your take on John Cena’s revelation about The Undertaker? Let us know in the comments.