Mark William Calaway, better known to WWE fans as The Undertaker, was born on 24 March 1965 in Houston, Texas, where he still lives today. Calaway showed an interest in sports from a young age and he would go on to a career in professional wrestling that would see him rise to fame! Having been part of a number of wrestling federations, Calaway found his true calling after he joined World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Though this wrestling sensation used multiple different names throughout his career, today he is known the world over as The Undertaker and we are delighted to celebrate his special day.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Mark William Calaway
Nickname:
The Undertaker
Birth date:
March 24, 1965
Age:
59
Zodiac Sign:
Aries
Height:
6' 9"
Relationship Status:
Married
Net Worth:
$17 million
Background
Mark William Calaway, the Undertaker, was born on 24 March 1965 in Houston, Texas, and his younger years saw him becoming aware of his skills as he was a lover of many different sports, taking a particular interest in basketball. He ventured into the world of wrestling in 1984 by working with several different affiliates, the most notable being the World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW). While many assume that this wrestler adopted the name ‘The Undertaker’ from the beginning of his career, this was not the case and he went through a bunch of different ring names throughout his career. His time in the World Class Championship Wrestling federation saw him being known as ‘Texas Red’. After spending five years at World Class Championship Wrestling, he was signed to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1989 and adopted the name “Mean Mark Callous”, though his contract with this federation only lasted one year. 1989 was not just a big year in his career; he married his first wife, Jodi Lynn.
The wrestler’s career took off when he was signed to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which in 2002 became known as “World Wrestling Entertainment” (WWE), in 1990. This commitment would see the wrestler become a star in the WWE world for the next 30 years, as his contract lasted up until 2020! He first became known as ‘Kane The Undertaker’ in his debut in the “Survivor” series in 1990. 1991 was a massive year for the star as he defeated Hulk Hogan to become the youngest WWF champion at the time!
He would go on to win some matches and series, taking home world championship titles during the early 1990s, though the later part of this decade saw the star take a step back thanks to the injuries he sustained over his career. This was not the end of the wrestler’s career as many assumed, and in the early 2000s, he came back with a vengeance, winning the WWF Hardcore Championship in 2001. He also married his second wife around this time, a woman named Sara Frank. The later part of this decade saw the wrestler winning more titles, though he did also divorce Frank and he is currently married to Michelle McCool!
Career timeline
Calaway signs with WCCW and stays until 1989.
Calaway moves on to WWE/WWF where he remains until 2020!
The star becomes the youngest WWF champion! This title is broken in 1993 by Yokozuna.
Calaway fights in the WWF Hardcore Championship defeating Van Dam.
Why We Love The Undertaker
He is resilient
With over 30 years under his belt, we have to respect this wrestler’s resilience and dedication to the sport! Through injuries, divorces and so much more, he has been a presence that is always noted and beloved!
His respect for the game
Though Calaway plays hard, his respect and love for the game and the legends within it never gets old! He remains a role model to upcoming wrestlers.
Accepted an all-in challenge
Calaway auctioned off a once-in-a-lifetime experience to raise money for Feeding America, Meals on Wheels, World Central Kitchen, and No Kid Hungry. The experience was the trip of a lifetime to meet The Undertaker himself as well as a ring jacket that was custom-made!
5 Surprising Facts
He almost got a different stage name
Now known as The Undertaker, the wrestling star nearly debuted as ‘Egg Man.’
He has a phobia of cucumbers
Calaway confessed this during an interview in 2013, though we never did figure out why.
He secured an unexpected victory
At WrestleMania IX, Gonzalez was disqualified for using chloroform and Calaway won.
He’s had eight ring names
While we know and love Calaway as The Undertaker, he has had eight different names.
He played college basketball
Calaway played college basketball for Texas Wesleyan University for two years.
The Undertaker FAQs
Is the Undertaker married?
Yes, The Undertaker is currently married to Michelle McCool, a former wrestler.
Does the Undertaker have children?
Yes, The Undertaker has several children from his three marriages.
How many ring names has the Undertaker used
Before he became The Undertaker, this wrestling legend went through seven other names!
The Undertaker’s birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | March 24 | Monday |
2026 | March 24 | Tuesday |
2027 | March 24 | Wednesday |
2028 | March 24 | Friday |
2029 | March 24 | Saturday |