:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66967548/020_SD_09102019mm_0354__189cf3901f0a8210cc95b57ca2c60332.0.jpg)
The conclusion of WWE Network’s Undertaker: The Last Ride mini-series has everyone thinking about the Dead Man’s future.
He says he has no desire to wrestle again, but admits he might if Vince McMahon asks him to. He also just signed a lengthy new contract with WWE. So what’s he going to be doing to earn those checks from Vince?
Here’s what Mark Calaway said to Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso on the subject:
“That extended contract is obviously not a contract that keeps me in the ring for 15 years.
“It keeps the brand at home, and there are a lot of ways that Vince thinks I can contribute to the company after my days in the ring are done.
“I have people in my ear all the time saying, ‘Dude, all you need to do is make your entrance, go chokeslam and Tombstone somebody, and people are going to love that,’” said Calaway. Maybe they’re right to an extent, but I hold myself to a very high standard. If I can’t go out and have the matches I used to and contribute the way I did, then I don’t think it’s fair to the talent busting their ass year-round.”
It’s a noble position, but what if Vince asks him to just do the entrance so he can chokeslam and Tombstone somebody? Would he then insist on a match?
Calaway sounds like he’s making an honest appraisal of his ability to work full matches at 55 years old. But he’s still not saying he won’t give it a go.
“Physically, it’s becoming harder and harder to do what I do. My mind is saying yes, but my body is saying, ‘Slow your roll.’ There’s got to be a time where I step aside. It’s a lot on my body to work even the limited schedule that I do. I still have young children, I need to think about them, too.
“I can’t do the things I used to do. But if my name is on the card, my goal is to try to go out and steal the show. I can’t go out and perform half-ass. Otherwise, I’m cheating somebody. Ultimately, I will be the one to make that decision.”
Check out the whole interview with Barrasso here. And let us know what you think Calaway will do for WWE from now until he turns 70 in the comments below.