Ariel Helwani Meets: Undertaker | End Of The Deadman, The Streak, Protecting The Business & More

WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker joins Ariel Helwani to reflect on his 30 years in WWE, including the end of 'The Streak', the importance of protecting the business and he reveals why we've seen the last of 'The Deadman'.
Hit 'Subscribe' above to ensure you never miss a video from the BT Sport KZbin channel.
Get a BT Sport Monthly Pass now! - bit.ly/BTSportM...
Visit and subscribe to our 'BT Sport Boxing' KZbin channel ➡️ / btsportboxing
Twitter: / btsport
Facebook: / btsport
Instagram: / btsport
Website: sport.bt.com

[@wheredeyattho]

Alot of his interviews since retirement have been very similar with the stories and that's because the interviewers always ask the same questions. it was nice to hear him talk about different things. Good interview!

[@AGxAG]

Yea i hate that with interviews at times. Just makes me think that journalists haven't done proper research or planning.

[@Smitty8131]

His interview on hot ones was good. Think he was even impressed with the questions lol

[@michaelhemphill7000]

This one is basically the same as all the others I've seen

[@wheredeyattho]

@@michaelhemphill7000 the beginning was.. But alot of it was stories I had not heard before. Sure he's probably told them elsewhere but i haven't watched every interview he's done.

[@thefertilemind]

​@Michael Hemphill did he mention his orbital bone?

[@superrobz]

The streak should never have been broken I stand by this

[@ADurning87]

100%

[@1027srich]

Same 💯

[@rupe82]

Amen.

[@shawnnvalentinoo2932]

Brock should have broken it not roman

[@NemesisGrowz]

@@shawnnvalentinoo2932 🧌

[@QAZ-OMEN]

The Undertaker is my all time favorite. The way he protected the gimmick is legendary on its own

[@amodernpoet]

agreed

[@CVVCLIPS]

Ariel knocked it out of the park again with this interview!

[@markneighbor]

Love the story about Edge Adam Copeland not wanting to win and make the streak end. I love when a guy just knows how much it means. Got more respect for Edge after hearing this!

[@JSmithRecords]

If edge broke that streak, during that time period, he would've been one of the most hated heels of all time

[@SaulAguilar.]

People who were originally supposed to end the streak King Bundy Diesel (was going to leave for wcw) Randy orton(came late to wm 21 rehearsal and Orton said no Kurt angle (happened at No way out 2006 Mark Henry (Vince changed last minute Edge (edge said no) Wade Barrett wm 27

[@TheDemonCaine]

​@@SaulAguilar. Was Wade Barrett really lined up to possibly beat Taker at Mania?

[@harinderrana9735]

I heard Orton refused to do it at Wrestlemania 21as well.

[@Speedyreedy1218]

​@@harinderrana9735 No. He was supposed to. Orton told a story about him supposed to break it. But because he showed up late to rehearsals Vince changed his mind.

[@Trill_4_Life]

I met Taker when I was 15 in July 2001 at an autograph signing. Such an awesome guy.

[@mikej6624]

Lucky

[@mikeypayne1305]

@@mikej6624 Undertaker is competing at WrestleMania 39 in one more WWE match

[@123FUG33]

Does he stay in character at those events or is he like this?

[@Provos7777]

@@123FUG33 He would stay in character, except American Badass was close to his real personality. Kane would stay in character too, I met Kane in '98.

[@crushthecrusher7134]

Awesome

[@Copperstoned]

“Business always comes first.” And that’s why the Undertaker is a legend. Great interview! Especially loved the anecdote about André.

[@RG-lr4pk]

He buried every WCW guy that came in during the invasion. Killed DDP's career. Cried about the NWO guys being more over than him when they came over in 2002. Business. 🤣

[@rjcolombe]

If Taker ever pens an autobiography, I'll be first in line for that read. What a story it would be!

[@StoneCold_]

It’s defo coming

[@nfindc]

I got to meet 'Taker around 2000 right after he debuted as The American Badass. He shook my hand and looked me in the eye the whole time we talked. He's a super-nice guy, and he took the time to listen to his fans and appreciate their support.

[@bikeraswarrior1258]

How tall he really is?

[@nfindc]

@@bikeraswarrior1258 I'd say at least 6' 9"

[@stevenrozakis5269]

@@bikeraswarrior1258 I think taker himself said he 6’8” after he stopped wrestling.

[@angelaleaga718]

He is a mench. Great guy.

[@bikeraswarrior1258]

@@angelaleaga718 hey in America 5 feet 11 plus 181 barefoot is tall in your country or short .

[@rutikpatil7771]

This guy got tribute from UFC guys after his retirement 🥵 He is up there with messi-Ronaldo in term of popularity

[@franklingoodwin]

They respect him because he shows respect to mixed martial artists. He even incorporated some of their moves like the triangle hold into his moveset

[@AshlanReddy]

The guy is a living legend but still humble enough to say “I don’t know if I can live up to all that”👏🏼 total respect

[@shane-irish]

I see undertaker i click

[@NahidulL7972]

Same that's called a Legend

[@yeahdonaldgaming3348]

Taker is just a class act. Never forgot where he came from, professional, and a humble guy. Wish I could meet him one day. Great interview.

[@Kas58223]

Undertaker has done it all it is weird for me seeing him being himself instead of this beast deadman wrestlers don’t get careers like him and he was so good in the ring and agile for a man his size

[@ENGDyna]

Yep, he's openly admitted he wasn't a great dad at first too. He was just so damn devoted to this character and expertise. Could listen to him all day long.

[@yeahdonaldgaming3348]

@@ChangingTides777 well I don’t know him personally so I’m gonna call him Taker.

[@tritontransport]

@@yeahdonaldgaming3348if I met him I wouldn’t know if I should call him mark or undertaker. I kind of feel like if I called him Mark that it would be disrespectful 🫤😂. I saw his WWF debut

[@izazhussain9560]

The Phenom, The Legend, The Most Respected Pro Wrestler ever .... Love Taker to the moon ❤️

[@i_GiveFRUITS]

Undertaker is one of the BEST wrestlers ever, his walkouts were better than most Matches nowadays!!

[@NahidulL7972]

Absolutely right Greatest of all time no one touch his legacy no one ❤️

[@Estroogen]

@@NahidulL7972 john cena has entered the chat nah but the mount rushmore of goats , undertaker is clear cut #1.

[@rusty1748]

Settle down

[@i_GiveFRUITS]

@@rusty1748 There's always that 1 Silly Sausage who has to go against the grain 😂😂.

[@kennytaco4474]

Uhhh cmon now

[@julianlh4461]

I don't watch wrestling for about 5 years now but I still love listening to legends like Taker and sometimes go and watch his segments and matches.

[@WrestlingIsReal649]

The legendary undertaker good to see him happy and doing well 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@brendondonoho270]

Dude is the GOAT. If for no other reason than what he said about respecting his legacy and not wanting to take time away from current guys. Legend.

[@dan003]

Legend who gave so much to the business over 30 years. Would love to read an autobiography if he ever writes one. This was a really enjoyable interview to listen to. I stopped watching WWE about 20 years ago, but Undertaker and basically everybody from the Attitude Era will always have an clicking right away.

[@shaunbenton9810]

Keep doing your thing Ariel! This is the pinnacle of WWE interviews and it’s GOLD! All the best.

[@NahidulL7972]

“THE UNDERTAKER" Number 1 wrestler in the world in my Eyes...! ❤️

[@GregOGrady84]

All these years later , Taker still clearly cant hide his hatred for Hulk Hogan😂

[@konzaros7482]

Fascinating hearing Mark speak about how it would be difficult to be the undertaker today, fully agree, these days theres interviews done after 1 segment. Taker obviously earned the right more than anybody to tell his legendary stories.

[@bigtostino3029]

Blew my mind at the end he said he wanted to be in WCW as Mark Calaway

[@danshiels62]

I could listen to this man for hours, the stories and the insight to the business is just fascinating. The man, the legend that is Mark Calaway.

[@djfluffy123]

Ariel is always unique with his interviews. Fresh questions, and let’s them all speak their hearts out.

[@steptaylor7513]

Edge will steal your girlfriend but he won't disrespect the streak.

[@lastexilegaming]

No matter how old I get, this man will always be a hero to me.

[@TheCradM]

Him and Jeff Hardy’s match made me love him, and I appreciate hearing the human behind the act

[@jayvon7286]

Even real fight fans know Undertaker is a real Badass.

[@anonymous-deadman9093]

Undertaker should've went out swinging before retiring, I don't understand why they had to end the Wrestlemania streak

[@coolmk1905]

it was best for business my friend

[@anonymous-deadman9093]

Yeah, but it still doesn't make sense. Brock is an accomplished professional athlete, he was already a megastar before they decided to end the Wrestlemania streak. Brock is a box office attraction, it would've made more sense if Roman or, someone else ended the streak. Instead, they let Brock Lesnar end the undefeated streak.

[@coolmk1905]

@@anonymous-deadman9093 yeah but roman wasn't as big as he was back as he is now.

[@user-qc7hr4my7r]

@@coolmk1905 majority of fans agree it wasn’t good for business especially since Brock didn’t benefit from it.

[@toddrichardson8595]

This guy is such a Legend and a Great Guy. It's no wonder Vince teared up over this guy. He is what Wrestling should always be. Just ask Jim Cornette..

[@MiketheratguyMultimedia]

I'm so happy that Taker understands the importance of character integrity. The original Deadman Undertaker character who debuted in 1990 knocked my socks off, never before or since have I loved a character that much. It means a lot to me that this man respects that character's legacy enough to stay true to its retirement.

[@dannyrivas8706]

The streak should have never ended if the undertaker character was really Vince baby shouldn't not have the streak end

[@vishalsharma4799]

There will be no one be like him. Once in a lifetime character.

[@Malik82691]

I've watched a lot of 'Taker interviews over the years and I've never heard him mention meeting Andre the Giant at the age of 12 in Houston until now! That is so cool to know! Great work, Ariel! Your interviews are always so well done!

[@davidbullock1101]

I got the opportunity to meet Andre once when I was 9 so I can relate up until taker revealed that Andre wanted to work with him. That was a great insight into taker and how he thought about that.

[@rayhoyer4829]

The streak never should have ended!

[@wonipowa7542]

Edge is amazing. I could have seen him breaking the streak its cool that he turned it down.

[@123aaafus]

Roman ending the streaking turning heel would've been insane. The heat he would've got from that. To just smirk into the camera after beating the streak

[@123aaafus]

@Honest youtubr what I’m saying is they should’ve done. He’s heel now so what different does it make

[@mosyed4352]

Always felt that the more paranormal characters should have done it, Bray Wyatt

[@0292-q3l]

I always remember the first show I went to, I must have been 8 years old, I remember some wrestlers hoping on a coach after it was all over, amongst them were the Undertaker and Kane, I had a Kane T-shirt on and vividly remember him on that coach passing by me, upon seeing me look completely fascinated with who I am seeing, he decided to give the dead man eye roll as the coach drove past... Didn't sleep for weeks lol. No other wrestlers could strike fear in me the way The Undertaker and Kane did. Truly master's at their craft.

[@ripstarboyxx8493]

These interviews are always amazing.🔥🔥🔥

[@619Slipk]

That part he talks about not wanting to do "empty" appearances because he would be taking screen time away from the current roster reminds me of a quote by Mr. Kennedy He said everyone that were at the top of the mountain was throwing rocks down at everyone trying to climb, while The Undertaker threw a rope and said let's make money together His mind and attitude towards the busines is second to none

[@jenniferwhite2866]

Undertaker is still the greatest wrestler of all time and he will always be

[@RajaClasses]

कौन-कौन भारत माता का फैन है❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Vibe1610]

36:38 VINCE WANTED KOZLOV TO BREAK THE STREAK?!?! LMFAOOOOOOO

[@christophermccollum3786]

I'm sitting here racking my brain trying even to remember Kozlov. Drawing a blank. LOL

[@ryandiggs750]

That would have been a mistake

[@DrBeauHightower]

Sweet unexpected video on a Sunday. Sold

[@TivonSanders]

Listening to Mark talk about the reason why he ended the Deadman character, made me think that this guy really knows how the fans think, despite having that communication disconnect during his run as the Deadman. I personally think it can be done because for me, if I'm looking at an actor play the role of a character, I don't think about the real person playing that role, or the belief some hold that the supernatural and/or demonic world doesn't exist; I am fully invested into the character and what he or she's doing, even if they all of a sudden snapped into it when they were acting like themselves. I would *definitely* get chills and start stuttering over my words if Mark snapped into his Dead man gimmick outta nowhere, with him growling and eyes rolled to the back of his head. 😆 If anyone else didn't know who Undertaker was, or Mark, they would've thought the man was demon possessed! 😂But yeah, for those kinds of gimmicks, all it takes is the right person to play a character like that, and people would still buy into the character most certainly, especially those who believe in the supernatural and the spirit world.

[@TheOriginalBendejo]

I still believe his show should be called "Deadman Talking"

[@GetOnTheFloor82]

My favourite performer of all time. What a guy. What a character. What a man, and a straight up big hearted legend. He's the best of all time. First time I saw him as Taker was 1992 (I was 10, and WWF had very little TV reach in Ireland at the time) and from that day, I was hooked. As per NWO.......'Taker4Life' ❣️❣️❣️👏👏👏

[@Wezzuk1]

Why do BT Sport videos always have such low volume?

[@Robby_C]

Too many people seem to have forgotten that the entertainment value in pro-wrestling comes from the suspension of disbelief. Cool spots only do so much in the grand scheme of the business.

[@hattorihanzo2275]

My favorite Undertaker story he told on JRE. Before coming to WWF he hears about a character called The Egg Man. When he gets the call from New York he panics thinking he might have to be The Egg Man.

[@limorapp]

🥚 👨🏻 😂

[@jameswagner5996]

I love the story about his first ever match with Bruiser Brody on Austin's podcast

[@SameerPrehistorica]

A great interview of the legend Undertaker. I did wondered back then why Undertaker vs Andre the giant never happened, no wonder why it's a big regret for Taker. Undertaker is a giant himself and people always liked to see him against bigger giants. He pretty much battled all the super heavyweights except Andre, it was one of the great dream matches. Ariel Helwani is a true gentleman, his interviews are good.

[@GoldenGodDennisReynolds]

One of Ariel’s weaknesses as an interviewer is his over reliance on the ‘Mount Rushmore’ question. It’s so played out and unoriginal. Time to move on!

[@JustMNY]

it's still surreal for me to see interviews with the undertaker.

[@tominatoralpha1866]

1 sip for every "Ya'know"

[@Cerebra11]

Sting vs Taker - the dream match that never happened. Great interview, makes all the difference when the interviewer cares about wrestling, much more genuine. Wish it was longer!

[@heathdodson2103]

They're both still alive!! They still NEED make it happen.. would be epic but I'm riding with Taker

[@venator7889]

​@Heath Dodson They're way too old now, they are close to their 60s

[@ryandiggs750]

It kind of happened in WCW

[@Northsidepace]

Such a good listen anytime he tells stories, happy he took this route post retirement and gave us the insights on his character and such because it’s such an interesting dynamic and something we will literally never see or hear again

[@doubleub3]

I agree with his assessment on one of his favorites as WM 25, but his No Way Out title match with Kurt Angle is SOOOOOO underrated!!

[@SSJ2Phenom]

Yes. That match was an instant classic. Word back in the day was that they were supposed to have a rematch at Mania 22 that year with Kurt going over. According to the word, Kurt refused to beat Taker at Mania and that's why they had the rematch on Smackdown with Mark Henry interfering and things changed drastically. I guess there has to be some truth to it because the Taker/Henry build and the Kurt/Orton/Mysterio build seemed very short and rushed.

[@doubleub3]

@@SSJ2Phenom that makes a lot of sense. I've always been an advocate of that match. I can see no one wanting to go over at WM against Taker. TOO bad Brock didn't put his foot down.

[@kieranhudson4938]

Damn.. just think if WCW hadn't said that to Mark, maybe we would have never saw him in WWE, that seems to be a big moment that always stuck with him.

[@Gintello9]

Always so cool to see taker enjoying his well earned retirement and still giving such wisdom when it comes to the business. Also, wow I wish we could have known what Andre had planned for him!!! I assume Andre wanted to pass the torch but taker symbolically picked up it imo when he passed on.

[@wcochran05]

Great interview! Mark still holds true to himself and his character, and wants to preserve the art of the craft of entertainment / wrestling. That alone is respectful in the craft and himself as a person.

[@sppsports2449]

Ariel is the best wrestling interviewer in the game these days. Taker is always fun to listen to, a true living legend.

[@sydneexxceasy9063]

Idk I really enjoy Chris van vliet

[@bkohler89]

Chris Van Vliet is a trip. I love listening to him. Ariel has quite a lot of enemies in this business

[@ChrisVanVliet]

@@sydneexxceasy9063 many thanks!

[@lovelywaz]

Dead Man Podcasting! ⚰⚰⚰⚰⚰

[@drewstar8611]

First watched the Undertaker in 1991 and the pop he got when he hit Hulk Hogan with the flying clothesline at Survivor Series was something as a 6 year old I remember to this day!!!

[@knightfall209]

Taker vs sting 🦂 😢

[@TerryTibbsTalkToMe2024]

Every time someone asks the Undertaker his Mount Rushmore, it changes. Hogan's spot was a shock.

[@joelara3750]

Got links for these other interviews where he says this?

[@Strangepete]

28:44 Undertaker vs. Hogan at Wrestlemania 40 in a 60 minute iron man match confirmed.

[@mattmorgan2534]

Wow. LOVED this! Great job Ariel! 🙌🏼👏🏼

[@بوجاسم-ث3ث]

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👌👌👌👌👌👌

[@blazingbolts]

This is way better than modern wrestling.

[@discoinferno12387]

Music at the beginning at 7000000000 decibels, actual interview is on whisper mode. Good one really! very professional.

[@just_another_retired_hooligan]

Damn, he always makes great points to me personally on why he has to be in the mix of the greatest of all time. Not in the sense today where everyone is so called Goats. To me personally, it was Stone Cold, Bret Hart, Triple H, Ric Flair, Hogan and of course the Undertaker are always switching back and forth on who the greatest to ever do it was. Undertaker and the longevity he had, the constant reinventing of the character, the WM streak, and the epic rivalries.

[@hotcoldman77]

No Rock, Cena??

[@robmiller2811]

I like the analogy he uses of a magician - everyone knows it's not real, but not everyone knows how it's done.

[@siwkolis]

Ariel came a long way! Super happy he gets to sit down with one of the greatest

[@DigitalWeap0n]

I completely agree with Taker saying that it needs to be the person beating Roman, and for me that's just not Cody because of the message it sends. Roman has beaten some massive names during this run and there's the possibility that he loses to an ex AEW star that's just come back from an injury.

[@Maxtrash69]

😮‍💨 finally. Someone that gets it.

[@MrNuts70]

At a certain point EVERYONE must retire. I am VERY TIRED of seeing OLD men keep running things and ruining the WORLD!

[@lxxredxxl9587]

The American Badass is my favorite Undertaker character!! I think it's really underrated and the other Undertaker gimmicks are overrated!!!

[@noeljr.7724]

Loved this. I was a bit surprised that he didn't put Shawn on his Mount Rushmore since he thinks so highly of him but I do understand why. He was going for absolute foundations of the industry.

[@MFalowo]

Lol I was thinking the exact same thing because he's put Shawn on his Mount Rushmore before in another interview

[@joshhanson6538]

He said he was going for impact on the industry, so in that context, I can see why. But when it comes to in-ring talent, Shawn is up there, in my opinion.

[@S1ick865]

Diggin holes and taken souls!

[@JasonCameron774]

Alongside Rey Mysterio and his brother Kane, Taker is perhaps the most beloved person in the history of wrestling.

[@craiganderson275]

Hahahahaha. Taker certainly. The other 2. Get a grip.

[@rupeking8799]

Stone cold

[@batikan0719]

Rey definitely. Heard a lot of wrestlers talkin that no one ever had a problem with Rey.

[@So1asola]

Yeah Rey and his mask were iconic in a lot of our childhoods. Would put Kane a level below though. Probably even below cena

[@walterbrob]

Bruno Sammartino sold out Madison Square Garden for decades. He would be on any legitimate list.

[@dane.4289]

Andre vs Undertaker would've been a great match. I still say The Streak should've stayed alive. Just the fan in me.

[@GigEconomyForWhatIsBeas]

Taker is the most stand up guy ever to come into the business

[@garyhen2028]

Taker choosing Hogan over Bret is a little shocking!

[@jordan12118]

I wish someone would ask Taker more about the Ministry of Darkness era. Very short moment in his career but very polarizing and iconic in its own right and people seem to just focus on the Babyface Deadman of the 2000s more

[@iztheillest]

I think he himself isn’t a fan of his Ministry era because it was a little too edgy for his liking and he didnt really like his character direction after the Corporate Ministry formed

[@stephenblack5425]

Yeah, Undertaker has done dozens of interviews ever since announcing his retirement in the last ride documentary and he has talked about his entire career but he almost never talks about his ministry of darkness era. I really want him to talk about his ministry era because it had lots of unforgettable moments.

[@YeTism]

MJF is the only current wrestler who respects kayfabe

[@KabutoRX]

Love this real and unbiased interview. Never stop Ariel!

[@crushthecrusher7134]

Undertaker is the greatest wrestler all time in professional wrestling

[@LennyHenrysDorsalCavity]

Two legends in their own fields of profession. Talk about a Rock vs Hogan time standing still moment.

[@jere.nurkka]

KOZLOV!!!! It's so sad that that the guy in charge was like the only person who didn't get the importance of the streak..

[@nicolassalamanca8051]

Few people could hold my full attention for an hour long interview Undertaker is one of them❤

[@HackieSackFourTwenty]

Didn't even feel like an hour. But the H&H retirement match with Shawn felt like an eternity. These men are absolute legends!

[@DidYaServe]

Taker was right to avoid WCW at that time. They would've misused him like they did with Bret later. As much as WWF had stupid gimmicks in the '90s, the good talents were capable of adapting them to suit their personalities e.g. Austin, HHH, Rock etc. Good interview.

[@darkapertureproductions2753]

What a class act Mark is. Great interview!

[@paulmeads4989]

The nose knows Ariel has earned his spot Paid his dues All the respect

[@sallgoodman2323]

Paid in full.

[@TheOrlandoTrustfull]

I love that he begrudgingly gave Hulk Hogan props. We all know Hogan was garbage, but he caught lightning in a bottle.

[@carlito24uk]

Hogan wasn’t garbage

[@breh5166]

@@carlito24uk he was worse than garbage 😂

[@ayooje563]

Ngl I didn't want the Streak to end but I wish Roman would had ended it instead of Brock 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@djphilbinbounce]

Best interview of Taker yet.

[@xaviercm380]

Anyone care to nerd out with me and list their top favorite wrestlers ever? #1 Stone Cold #2 Bret Hart #3 The Rock #4 Undertaker #5 Shawn Michaels #6 Randy Savage #7 Kurt Angle #8 Chris Jericho #9 Mr. Perfect #10 Rob Van Dam

[@ericdapp5391]

#1 Hbk #2 Hbk #3 Hbk #4 Hbk #5 Hbk #6 Hbk #7 Hbk #8 Hbk #9 Hbk #10 Hbk

[@rupe82]

Ric Flair?

[@someoneelse1]

HUGE POP!!!!!

[@chrisdavid3510]

Ask him about being a bigot. And him and jbl bullying a rookie while calling him a f****t.

[@Joshua30127]

i feel like people dont appreciate just how lucid The Undertaker is, he could very easily be punch drunk! aprreciate that he isnt

[@ThePeakyParkers]

I've not watched wrestling in 6 years but an interview with Taker I'll always click on