One big thing: The Undertaker reveals his most nerve-wracking conversation with Vince McMahon
The Undertaker, one of WWE’s most iconic figures, recently disclosed that pitching his “American Badass” character to Vince McMahon in 2000 was more anxiety-inducing than the actual debut itself.
The backstory:
• The Undertaker had been a fixture in WWE since the early 90s
• In 2000, he introduced the “American Badass” gimmick, a significant departure from his “Deadman” persona
• The gimmick lasted from 2000 to 2003, with brief revivals in 2020 and last year
What he’s saying:
“That was probably what I was most nervous about. Not the night that I’d debut it but actually telling Vince, ‘What do you think about this?'” The Undertaker revealed on his “Six Feet Under” podcast.
The surprise:
• The Undertaker expected McMahon to dismiss the idea
• Instead, McMahon responded enthusiastically: “God damn that’s good, that’s great.”
• The Undertaker was so shocked he thought it might be a joke: “I’m thinking it’s a rib, like here comes the punchline, he’s about to pull the rug right out from underneath me.”
Why it matters:
The “American Badass” gimmick breathed new life into The Undertaker’s career and remains a fan favorite. This revelation provides insight into the creative process behind one of wrestling’s most successful character evolutions and the relationship between WWE’s top talent and its CEO.
The bottom line:
The Undertaker’s willingness to reinvent himself and take risks, combined with Vince McMahon’s openness to new ideas, contributed to the longevity and success of one of wrestling’s most enduring characters.
What do you think was the key to the success of The Undertaker’s “American Badass” persona? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
