The Undertaker Calls out Modern WWE Wrestlers for Neglecting In-Ring Study and Match Footage

The Undertaker warns modern WWE stars that chasing social media clout over in-ring skills wouldn’t fly in his era.

The Undertaker Calls out Modern WWE Wrestlers for Neglecting In-Ring Study and Match Footage

The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels (via WWE)

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The Undertaker is widely regarded as one of the most legendary figures in professional wrestling history. Over a career spanning more than three decades, ‘The Deadman’ not only racked up championship gold but also became the locker room leader for much of his tenure. Moreover, his presence was a guiding light for modern greats like John Cena, Randy Orton, and Roman Reigns. However, the former seven-time World Champion recently voiced disappointment over a growing trend among today’s WWE talent. 

Speaking on his Six Feet Under podcast alongside his wife Michelle McCool and former World Heavyweight Champion Gunther, the real-life Mark Callaway shared his frustration over wrestlers prioritizing social media over learning their craft. He criticized the fact that many spend their time backstage shooting TikTok videos instead of watching matches to sharpen their skills.

For me, I’m a notoriously old-school dude. It’s disheartening sometimes when I go to the shows, and if you can even find talent backstage watching matches, like most of ‘em are filming TikToks, doing all this other [stuff]. Even when I was on the road full time, if you weren’t sitting there watching the monitor, it was gonna be a bad day for you.

The Undertaker via Six Feet Under podcast

Given that The Undertaker has recently spent considerable time at the WWE Performance Center filming the LFG reality series, his comments may have been aimed at specific talent there. Still, his critique holds weight. In-ring psychology, which is a vital skill in wrestling, can only be developed through study, experience, and learning from veterans. 

Watching matches of legends like The Undertaker, who delivered some of the greatest bouts of all time, including his iconic WrestleMania 25 clash with Shawn Michaels, is invaluable. Even in his late 40s, from 2009 to 2013, the veteran produced an extraordinary run of matches that cemented his place in history. So, when Callaway speaks, it’s worth listening.

Interestingly, his point echoes recent comments from Drew McIntyre, who also noted that younger wrestlers often fail to seek advice from veterans, something he believes is ultimately bad for the business.

The Undertaker credits Gunther’s in-ring style and work ethic

It appears that The Undertaker sees one current WWE star rising above the rest, someone he believes is truly putting in the work to perfect his craft. That man is none other than Gunther, who joined him as a guest on a recent segment of the Six Feet Under podcast. Mark Callaway praised the Austrian powerhouse for both his work ethic and in-ring ability, noting how refreshing it was to see a top star still putting in the extra effort.

The Undertaker and Gunther
The Undertaker and Gunther (via WWE)

For somebody as established now that you (Gunther) are, one of the top heels in the company, you were here at the PC putting in reps. That right there did my soul good. Because I don’t think people care enough anymore. I don’t want to put you on the spot, but I’m just gonna give you my perspective.

The Undertaker via Six Feet Under podcast

‘The Deadman’ went on to address what he sees as a growing problem in modern wrestling, which is complacency. According to him, this lack of sharpness leads to mistakes and sloppy execution that fans can easily spot.

It’s starting to show in the product. I don’t know if it’s the lack of reps, or complacency, or what it is, but the little small things are really starting to become big things because it’s just not real sharp.

The Undertaker via Six Feet Under podcast

The WWE Hall of Famer’s admiration for Gunther runs so deep that he admitted the former World Champion is the only wrestler he’d even consider coming out of retirement to face. For context, Callaway’s final match was at WrestleMania 36 in 2020, where he defeated AJ Styles in the cinematic Boneyard Match.

This isn’t the first time The Undertaker has shown respect for ‘The Ring General.’ Last year, on Booker T’s Hall of Fame podcast, he called Gunther a “throwback wrestler” and even referred to him as “my guy,” praising his style as both brutal and believable.

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