Mark William Calaway, better known by his ring name The Undertaker, is an iconic figure in American professional wrestling. Born on March 24, 1965, in Houston, Texas, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. This article discussed The Undertaker Net Worth, early years, career, personal life, awards and achievements.

The Undertaker Net Worth

Early Years

Mark William Calaway was the youngest of five sons. He played football and basketball at Waltrip High School before attending Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas, on a basketball scholarship in 1983. Calaway transferred to Texas Wesleyan University in 1985 to play basketball and study sports management. In 1986, he dropped out of college and briefly considered playing professional basketball in Europe before deciding on a career in professional wrestling.

Career

Calaway made his professional wrestling debut in 1987 for World Class Championship Wrestling as “Texas Red.” In 1988, he joined the Continental Wrestling Association and wrestled as “The Master of Pain” and “The Punisher.”

In 1989, Mark Calaway, also known as “Mean Mark” Callous, debuted as a villain in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He adopted this ring name, created by Terry Funk, and was known for his dark persona, which included wearing black and having a fondness for pet snakes and Ozzy Osbourne’s music. Callous quickly joined The Skyscrapers tag team, replacing the injured Sid Vicious, and made his debut on January 3, 1990. The team gained notoriety for attacking The Road Warriors at Clash of the Champions X. However, the team disbanded when Callous’ partner, Dan Spivey, left WCW.

Callous, a singles wrestler, was managed by Paul E. Dangerously (Paul Heyman). Calaway, frustrated by WCW booker Ole Anderson’s belief that he would never draw a crowd, sought a meeting with Vince McMahon of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Calaway was able to arrange a meeting at McMahon’s mansion thanks to Paul Heyman and Bruce Prichard. Despite initial rejection, McMahon later pitched a “Old West Undertaker” character to Calaway, who accepted.

Calaway’s last WCW match occurred on September 7, 1990. He briefly wrestled for New Japan Pro-Wrestling as “Punisher” Dice Morgan before returning to the USWA and signing with the WWF in October 1990. Originally known as “Kane the Undertaker,” he quickly dropped the “Kane” moniker and made his televised WWF debut at Survivor Series on November 22, 1990, as part of Ted DiBiase’s “Million Dollar Team.” He made a strong impression by defeating Koko B. Ware and Dusty Rhodes before being voted out.

1991-1992

By February 1991, Brother Love had handed over management of The Undertaker to Paul Bearer, a real-life funeral director who was better suited to The Undertaker’s “deadman” persona. Bearer, known for his theatrical, ghostly persona, carried an urn that allegedly granted The Undertaker supernatural abilities. This partnership saw The Undertaker dominate his opponents, frequently placing them in body bags after matches, resulting in his first major feud with “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka.

The Undertaker made his WrestleMania debut on March 24, 1991, defeating “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. He quickly became embroiled in a major feud with The Ultimate Warrior, attacking and locking him in a casket during Paul Bearer’s Funeral Parlour segment. The Warrior sought assistance from Jake “The Snake” Roberts, who later betrayed him by siding with The Undertaker, resulting in the Undertaker’s first WWF defeat to the Warrior.

At the 1991 King of the Ring, Undertaker advanced to the semifinals before being eliminated by a double disqualification with Sid Vicious. He won his first WWF Championship at Survivor Series by defeating Hulk Hogan with Ric Flair’s assistance, but he lost it to Hogan shortly after. Due to the contentious outcomes, the title was vacated until Ric Flair won it at the 1992 Royal Rumble.

The Undertaker turned around in February 1992 after preventing Jake Roberts from attacking Miss Elizabeth. This turn was solidified when Roberts attacked him and Paul Bearer, resulting in Undertaker defeating Roberts at WrestleMania VIII. He then feuded with wrestlers managed by Harvey Wippleman, including Kamala and Giant González, with the latter resulting in the Undertaker’s only disqualification victory at WrestleMania IX.

1993-1996

In late 1993, The Undertaker feuded with Yokozuna, resulting in a casket match at the 1994 Royal Rumble. Despite being sealed in a casket by Yokozuna and several heel wrestlers, The Undertaker promised a “rebirth” before disappearing for seven months to recover from a back injury.

When The Undertaker returned, he defeated an impostor Undertaker at SummerSlam 1994, transitioning into the darker, more supernatural Deadman persona. He sought retribution against Yokozuna, defeating him in a casket match at Survivor Series with Chuck Norris serving as a special enforcer.

In 1995, The Undertaker clashed with Ted DiBiase’s Million Dollar Corporation, resulting in matches against the IRS, King Kong Bundy, and Kama, who destroyed and stole the urn. Undertaker defeated Kama in a casket match at SummerSlam. He suffered a serious orbital bone injury from King Mabel and returned to Survivor Series wearing a protective mask.

The Undertaker’s feud with Diesel culminated in 1996 at WrestleMania XII, where he won. The following night, Mankind made his debut and began a fierce rivalry with The Undertaker, which resulted in several brutal encounters. Their feud included casket match interference and a Boiler Room Brawl at SummerSlam, during which Paul Bearer betrayed The Undertaker. This betrayal fueled The Undertaker’s rage, culminating in a Buried Alive match at In Your House 11, in which he won but was buried alive by Mankind and others. The Undertaker’s hand emerging from the grave indicated his resilience and impending return.

1996-1998

After being buried alive, The Undertaker returned to Survivor Series to face Mankind in a match that featured Paul Bearer suspended in a cage above the ring. The Undertaker won, but was unable to capture Bearer due to interference from The Executioner. This period saw a new incarnation of The Undertaker’s “Deadman” persona, complete with a gothic appearance and rebellious attitude that suited the Attitude Era. After the Survivor Series, he feuded with The Executioner, defeating him at In Your House 12: It’s Time, before moving on to Vader, losing to him at the Royal Rumble due to Bearer’s interference. He later competed against Vader and Austin in a four-corner elimination match at In Your House 13: Final Four, which Bret Hart won. The Undertaker won the WWF Championship at WrestleMania 13 by defeating Sycho Sid, bringing back his Old West Mortician look for the event.

Following his title win, Bearer attempted to reunite with The Undertaker, which sparked a feud with Mankind and culminated in The Undertaker setting Bearer on fire at In Your House 14: Revenge of the ‘Taker. Bearer then revealed that The Undertaker had a brother, Kane, who survived a fire started by The Undertaker, though The Undertaker denied the allegations. Bearer introduced Kane, who attacked The Undertaker, beginning a lengthy feud. Despite Bearer’s mental anguish, The Undertaker successfully defended his title against Austin, Faarooq, and Vader.

1998-2000

SummerSlam marked the start of a new rivalry with Shawn Michaels, which resulted in a series of brutal matches, including the first Hell in a Cell at Badd Blood, in which Kane interfered and Michaels won. The feud erupted when Kane trapped The Undertaker in a casket and set it on fire at the Royal Rumble. The Undertaker returned in March 1998, challenging and defeating Kane at WrestleMania XIV, as well as in an Inferno match at Unforgiven.

The Undertaker and Mankind’s feud was reignited, culminating in a famous Hell in a Cell match at King of the Ring, in which The Undertaker threw Mankind off the cell. They later won the WWF Tag Team Championship together, but lost it soon after. The Undertaker then competed for the WWF Championship, revealing an alliance with Kane to dethrone Austin for Mr. McMahon. At Breakdown: In Your House, The Undertaker and Kane pinned Austin simultaneously, setting up a match at Judgement Day where The Undertaker and Bearer turned on Kane. The Undertaker admitted to starting the fire that scarred Kane, completely turning heel and establishing the Ministry of Darkness.

The Ministry of Darkness feuded with Austin and McMahon’s Corporation, which eventually merged to form the Corporate Ministry. The Undertaker kidnapped Stephanie McMahon, sparking a feud with Austin, and eventually won the WWF Championship at Over the Edge with Shane McMahon’s assistance. After losing the title to Austin again, The Undertaker formed the Unholy Alliance with Big Show, but a series of injuries forced him out of action. He returned in 2000 as the “American Badass,” a biker character, and quickly became embroiled in high-profile feuds before joining Kane as the Brothers of Destruction.

2001-2004

In 2001, the Brothers of Destruction won the WWF Tag Team Championship and had a feud with Austin and Triple H. The Undertaker also had a memorable feud with Diamond Dallas Page because Page was stalking his wife. At Survivor Series, he competed for Team WWF against The Alliance, and he continues to play an important role in the WWF’s ongoing storylines.

Following the Alliance’s defeat, The Undertaker turned heel, forcing commentator Jim Ross to join the “Mr. McMahon: Kiss My Ass Club.” He changed his persona from “American Badass” to “Big Evil,” cut his hair short, and defeated Rob Van Dam for the WWF Hardcore Championship at Vengeance. His next storyline began with Maven eliminating him from the Royal Rumble, which sparked a feud with The Rock and Ric Flair, culminating in a win over Flair at WrestleMania X8.

Drafted to Raw, Undertaker defeated Stone Cold Steve Austin at Backlash to become the number one contender for the Undisputed WWF Championship, which he later won from Hollywood Hulk Hogan at Judgement Day. After losing and regaining the title from Rob Van Dam on Raw, The Undertaker turned around and showed respect to Jeff Hardy following a ladder match. He lost the title to The Rock in a triple threat match at Vengeance and then moved to SmackDown! in August 2002, where he feuded with Brock Lesnar before losing to him in a Hell in a Cell match.

Undertaker returned in early 2003, feuding with the Big Show and A-Train before winning WrestleMania XIX. He had a brief feud with John Cena, challenged for the WWE Championship, and was buried alive by Vince McMahon and Kane at Survivor Series. He returned to WrestleMania XX in 2004 as the Deadman and defeated Kane.

2005-2007

The Undertaker’s Deadman persona combined supernatural elements with aspects of his American Badass identity until Randy Orton set him on fire in a casket at No Mercy 2005. He returned to face Orton in a Hell in a Cell match at Armageddon, and he won the feud. He then feuded with Kurt Angle and Mark Henry, ultimately defeating Henry in a casket match at WrestleMania 22.

In 2006, Undertaker feuded with the debuting Great Khali, losing on Judgement Day but defeating Big Show in a Punjabi Prison match at The Great American Bash. He concluded his feud with Khali by winning a Last Man Standing match. The Undertaker later feuded with Mr. Kennedy, losing a First Blood match at Survivor Series but winning a Last Ride match at Armageddon. In 2007, he qualified for the Royal Rumble by winning a SmackDown! Battle Royal.

From 2007 to 2014, The Undertaker experienced significant milestones and dramatic feuds, culminating in the end of his iconic WrestleMania streak.

In January 2007, The Undertaker won his first Royal Rumble, becoming the first man to do so from the 30th position. He decided to challenge World Heavyweight Champion Batista at WrestleMania 23, where he won his first World Heavyweight Championship and extended his WrestleMania streak to 15-0. Subsequent matches against Batista ended in draws, and The Undertaker eventually lost the title to Edge after being ambushed by Mark Henry and cashing in his Money in the Bank contract. He was sidelined for a short time due to an injury.

2007-2012

The Undertaker returned in September 2007, reigniting his feud with Batista and drawing interference from Edge, resulting in several high-stakes matches. By 2008, The Undertaker had won the Elimination Chamber match, making him the number one contender for Edge’s World Heavyweight Championship, which he won at WrestleMania XXIV and again at Backlash. However, his Hell’s Gate submission hold was prohibited, and he eventually lost the title to Edge in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match at One Night Stand, forcing him to leave WWE briefly.

He faced Edge again at SummerSlam 2008, this time winning a Hell in a Cell match. After more confrontations with Big Show, The Undertaker won their Last Man Standing match on Cyber Sunday, and their feud ended in a steel cage match. In early 2009, he resumed his feud with Shawn Michaels, culminating in a highly acclaimed match at WrestleMania 25, in which The Undertaker extended his winning streak to 17-0.

In 2009, he faced CM Punk and won the World Heavyweight Championship at Hell in a Cell. He successfully defended the title in several matches before losing it to Chris Jericho due to Shawn Michaels’ interference at Elimination Chamber 2010. This incident set up a rematch against Michaels at WrestleMania XXVI, which The Undertaker won, forcing Michaels into retirement.

After a series of feuds and injuries, The Undertaker returned to face Triple H at WrestleMania XXVII, winning via submission but requiring a stretcher. He then faced Triple H again at WrestleMania XXVIII, this time with Shawn Michaels as a guest referee, and won the Hell in a Cell match, extending his streak to 20-0.

2013-2019

In 2013, The Undertaker confronted CM Punk about his disrespect for Paul Bearer, resulting in a WrestleMania 29 victory. His final feud with Brock Lesnar began in 2014 and ended with a shocking loss at WrestleMania XXX, bringing his streak to 21-1. This match resulted in The Undertaker being hospitalised with a severe concussion. Despite the loss, his career remained legendary, and he turned down a Hall of Fame induction offer in 2014, believing it was not yet time.

From February 2015 to WrestleMania 36, The Undertaker’s WWE storyline featured a number of major events. The Undertaker defeated Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania 31. In July 2015, Undertaker returned to Battleground, interfering with Brock Lesnar’s match, resulting in a SummerSlam rematch in which Undertaker controversially defeated Lesnar. Their feud culminated at Hell in a Cell, where Lesnar emerged victorious. After the match, The Wyatt Family attacked Undertaker, resulting in a tag team match at Survivor Series that The Brothers of Destruction won.

Undertaker defeated Shane McMahon in a Hell in a Cell match at WrestleMania 32 in 2016, allowing him to continue his career. At WrestleMania 33, Undertaker lost to Roman Reigns, symbolically leaving his gear in the ring, implying retirement. He made sporadic appearances, defeating John Cena at WrestleMania 34 and competing in a variety of matches, including defeating Goldberg at Super ShowDown 2019 and teaming with Roman Reigns at Extreme Rules 2019.

2020-present

In 2020, Undertaker’s feud with AJ Styles culminated in a “Boneyard Match” at WrestleMania 36, which he won and marked his final match. He announced his retirement in June 2020. The 2020 Survivor Series honoured his career, and he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2022, with a heartfelt induction speech from Vince McMahon. Undertaker made occasional appearances, including at Raw’s 30th anniversary and NXT in 2023.

In 2024, he inducted Muhammad Ali into the WWE Hall of Fame and appeared briefly at WrestleMania XL to assist Cody Rhodes.

Personal Life

Calaway married his first wife, Jodi Lynn, in 1989 and separated in 1999. They have a son, Gunner Vincent Calaway, born in 1993. Calaway married Sara, his second wife, in 2000. The couple had two daughters, Chasey and Gracie Calaway, before divorcing in 2007. In 2010, he married former wrestler Michelle McCool, and their first child, Kaia Faith Calaway, was born in 2012. They also have a younger adopted son, Kolt.

Calaway is an avid boxing fan who also enjoys mixed martial arts. He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. He is involved in the charity “The Zeus Compton Calaway Save the Animals Fund,” which he founded with his ex-wife Sara to help pay for lifesaving treatments for large-breed dogs.

Awards and Achievements

Within WWE, The Undertaker held numerous titles:

Four-time WWF/E Champion
Three-time World Heavyweight Champion
Six-time WWF World Tag Team Champion
One-time WWF Hardcore Champion
One-time WCW Tag Team Champion (during the Invasion angle)
Outside WWE, he was a one-time USWA Unified World Heavyweight Champion and a one-time WCWA Texas Heavyweight Champion.
He headlined multiple pay-per-view events, including WrestleMania, on five occasions.
Remarkably, he headlined WrestleMania in four different decades (1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s).

Frequently Asked Questions About The Undertaker

1. Who is The Undertaker?

The Undertaker is a famous American professional wrestler.

2. What is The Undertaker’s real name?

The Undertaker’s real name is Mark William Calaway.

3. What is The Undertaker’s height?

The Undertaker is 2.08 m tall.

4. How much does The Undertaker weigh?

The Undertaker weighs 140 kg.

5. Where is The Undertaker from?

The Undertaker is from Houston, Texas, United States.

6. What are The Undertaker’s signature moves?

The Undertaker’s signature moves include Chokeslam, Tombstone, Last Ride and Hell’s Gate.

7. What titles has The Undertaker held?

The Undertaker has held the WWE Champion, World Heavyweight Champion, World Tag Team Champion, WCW Tag Team Champion and Hardcore Champion titles.

8. When did The Undertaker start wrestling?

The Undertaker started wrestling in 1984.

9. What was The Undertaker’s first WWE event?

The Undertaker’s first WWE event was the 1990 Survivor Series.

10. How long did The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania last?

The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania lasted for 21 years.

11. Who finally defeated The Undertaker at WrestleMania?

Brock Lesnar finally defeated The Undertaker at WrestleMania 30.

12. How many times has The Undertaker been the World Heavyweight Champion?

The Undertaker has been the World Heavyweight Champion three times.

13. How many times has The Undertaker been the World Tag Team Champion?

The Undertaker has been the World Tag Team Champion six times.

14. When did The Undertaker enter the WWE Hall of Fame?

The WWE inducted The Undertaker into the Hall of Fame in 2022.

Wrap Up

The Undertaker is a legendary figure in the WWE, known for his undefeated streak at WrestleMania and his iconic character. He is one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.