Mark Calaway, better known as The Undertaker, has long been an emblematic figure in the wrestling domain. His post-career endeavors following his retirement match with AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36 led him to reveal more about what’s behind his most infamous facade, the Deadman persona.
With the inception of his 1 deadMAN Show, the WWE Hall of Famer has had the opportunity to share his experiences on the business and his thoughts, offering fans unprecedented insights into his illustrious career.
Such an instance transpired during his tour stop at Glasgow, Scotland. When posed with the question of which wrestler today he’d like to face, The Undertaker’s response took fans by surprise. Instead of naming someone from WWE, where he spent his entire career, he singled out MJF, the AEW World Champion. His admiration for MJF was evident when he commended him for being “solid in the ring” and praised his dedication to “living his gimmick”. Yet, The Undertaker’s words weren’t all laudatory. He expressed a rather candid opinion about AEW, terming it “second-rate”, and advised MJF to part ways with the company swiftly.
Not many higher honors than being praised by The Undertaker.
Thanks, Deadman.
— Maxwell Jacob Friedman™️ (@The_MJF) September 24, 2023
MJF, known for his eloquence and seldom missing a chance to retort, took a gracious route this time. He responded via Twitter, expressing gratitude towards The Undertaker’s compliment, “Not many higher honors than being praised by The Undertaker. Thanks, Deadman.”
MJF’s present trajectory in AEW is indeed noteworthy. From being wrestling’s paramount heel, he has successfully gone from universally reviled into a fan-favorite, largely due to his alliance with Adam Cole. His current reign as AEW World Champion only amplifies his prominence. Nevertheless, a crucial juncture looms. MJF has publicly highlighted the end of his AEW contract in January, fueling speculations about a potential “bidding war” between AEW and WWE.
Despite AEW’s pivotal role in sculpting MJF’s career – he’s one of the few homegrown talents in AEW – recent drops in ratings and attendance might factor into his forthcoming decision. Moreover, his overt admiration for the WWE and a particular someone in Triple H can’t be overlooked. WWE’s consistent prowess in selling out shows could serve as an alluring prospect for MJF.
Moreover, The Undertaker’s comments might have a more profound impact than one might speculate. An endorsement from such an iconic figure is bound to weigh heavily on MJF’s decision-making process.
With January on the horizon, MJF’s decision will undoubtedly be a watershed moment, potentially reshaping wrestling for years to follow.
Who knows? If MJF joins the WWE, he could be a last-minute addition to WrestleMania 40, where he’ll rub shoulders with legends like The Rock, who’s building up hype for a match against Roman Reigns, Stone Cold, who’s opened the doors to a comeback in Philadelphia, and so much more.
