Mark "The Undertaker" Calaway

Date: 2021-01-20 | Duration: 2h 46m

Category: Combat Sports, Health & Medicine

Episode Overview

Mark “The Undertaker” Calaway dives deep into his legendary wrestling career, sharing candid stories about the physical toll of 33 years in the ring. He opens up about enduring chronic pain from hip injuries that required multiple metal replacements, describing the grueling recovery process and how modern medicine gave him a new lease on life. Mark also reflects on the brutal nature of wrestling in earlier decades, recalling intense training, injuries like a shattered eye socket, and the raw toughness demanded by the sport before the era of on-site medical staff and advanced safety protocols. The conversation also explores the creation and evolution of The Undertaker character, highlighting how its mystique was carefully crafted to captivate audiences. Mark discusses the balance between performance and authenticity, emphasizing the mental and physical discipline needed to maintain such an iconic persona. Beyond wrestling, he touches on his transition into mentoring younger talent and pursuing passions like hunting and fitness, revealing a thoughtful side focused on legacy and personal growth. Throughout, Mark’s stories offer a rare glimpse into the sacrifices behind the spectacle and the resilience required to stay relevant in a constantly changing industry.

Key Moments

– Professional Wrestling
– Orthopedic Surgery
– Sports Injuries
– Wrestling Training
– Wrestling Career
– Physical Rehabilitation
– Wrestling History
– Wrestling Personas
– Mixed Martial Arts
– Wrestling Industry
– Sports Medicine
– Wrestling Psychology
– Wrestling Storytelling
– Wrestling Legacy
– Athlete Nutrition
– Wrestling Performance
– Wrestling Injuries
– Wrestling Mentorship
0:00:41 – Introduction and guest welcome
0:03:02 – Mark discusses 33 years wrestling career
0:03:40 – Mark talks about hip replacements and metal hips
0:05:33 – Pain relief after hip surgery experience
0:07:52 – Physical toll of wrestling 270 days a year
0:09:30 – Decision to undergo left hip replacement
0:11:23 – Orthopedic surgeon's assessment and surgery candidacy
0:13:59 – Use of float tank for recovery
0:15:14 – The Undertaker character mystique discussion
0:17:40 – Issues with painkillers and steroids in wrestling
0:21:10 – Wrestling drug testing protocols
0:24:32 – Discussion about wrestler's health and longevity
0:26:17 – Mark's early basketball and wrestling background
0:31:15 – Early wrestling career struggles and opportunities
0:38:29 – Nervousness starting wrestling career
0:40:10 – Encounter with wrestler Bruiser Brody
0:42:32 – Unexpected success in wrestling
0:44:56 – Physical fitness testing in sports
0:47:26 – Vince McMahon's evaluation of Mark
0:50:01 – Initial WWE contract discussions
0:51:24 – Creation of The Undertaker character
0:54:39 – Physicality and toughness in wrestling
0:58:45 – Mark's eye injury and mask use
1:01:20 – Orbital floor reconstruction surgery
1:06:14 – Shoulder injury and medical advice
1:14:01 – Discussion of Stone Cold Steve Austin's career
1:18:28 – Impact of wrestling on personal relationships
1:20:18 – Childhood wrestling play and inspiration
1:23:10 – Changing of the guard in wrestling industry
1:25:30 – Killer Kowalski and wrestling legends
1:27:30 – COVID-19 impact on wrestling activities
1:29:22 – Hunting and outdoor hobbies
1:33:00 – Appreciation for wrestling trainers and mentors
1:36:57 – Knee injury and fluid drainage
1:39:43 – Mental toughness and discipline in wrestling
1:41:11 – Cyclical nature of societal challenges
1:43:19 – Transition from wrestling to commentary
1:45:22 – Notable MMA fights and commentary insights
1:51:21 – Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
1:54:46 – Alistair Overeem and Brock Lesnar discussion
2:00:58 – Wrestling evolution and industry changes
2:08:23 – DDP Yoga and flexibility training
2:14:06 – High-intensity interval training benefits
2:18:06 – Early WWE experiences with Brian
2:21:07 – Rehabilitation from torn pectoral injury
2:27:35 – Deadlifting and strength training
2:32:12 – Wrestling product evolution and training changes
2:41:58 – WrestleMania as the wrestling Super Bowl
2:42:48 – Closing remarks and gratitude

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 The Joe Rogan Experience. Starting point is 00:00:41 But anyway, thanks for coming on here. Starting point is 00:00:51 You're from this area, right? Starting point is 00:01:04 You know, it's fine Bring the money Leave the values And we'll all be good the people from California right now. I know. We're trying not to fuck it up. What should we do? Tell us what to do. Starting point is 00:01:17 No, it really... The government gets voted in, though, right? Starting point is 00:01:28 there was a new study that came out. Starting point is 00:01:38 I'm hoping that this was a political thing, Starting point is 00:01:55 What do you believe, too, right? Starting point is 00:02:08 Yeah, it's crazy. Starting point is 00:02:29 Even the Comedy Store, it's just a black building with a bunch of red and white neons around it. Starting point is 00:02:50 just go absolutely apeshit because they've been cooped up for so long. Starting point is 00:03:02 So trying to figure out what's next, really. uh you know i've done this for 33 years altogether 30 crazy yeah i mean it's just Starting point is 00:03:30 He can barely walk. Starting point is 00:03:40 my hips are metal. Starting point is 00:03:55 I was, I mean, it looked like, you know, they filmed the whole thing for me. Starting point is 00:04:37 So, uh, Dr. Starting point is 00:04:59 And it's held up. I've been – I was in pain easily 12 years, every step of every day. Starting point is 00:05:33 much until it's gone and when i woke up from surgery and i'm pain free it was like this a Starting point is 00:05:54 But we're trying to pack our house up and move. Starting point is 00:06:14 in the head of your femur. Starting point is 00:06:43 into the head of the femur and And then the porous piece of metal Starting point is 00:06:59 On the left is the old way to do it, right? Starting point is 00:07:52 gotten a wrestling ring and get thrown around 270 days a year on it to either you know i mean it's Starting point ...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1598?

Mark "The Undertaker" Calaway was the guest on JRE #1598. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1598?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1598 with Mark "The Undertaker" Calaway, topics include Professional Wrestling, Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Injuries, and Wrestling Training.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1598?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1598 with Mark "The Undertaker" Calaway is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.