For every larger-than-life athlete with size, athleticism, and speed, the first assumption is often that they could excel in basketball. The same was true for Mark Calaway, better known as 'The Undertaker,' who was also initially linked to the sport. However, during his recent appearance on the 'Club 520' podcast, he laughed at how his on-court style resembled Bill Laimbeer's, admitting that he was more focused on retaliation than on defending.
Ultimately, it made him realize at a young age that basketball would never be a long-term pursuit if he intended to make a name for himself in the sporting world.
"Well, I was such a good basketball player, I spent 38 years wrestling. So, yeah, I was a baller. In most games, I usually had more points than minutes played 'cause I was always in foul trouble. And would take being fouled personally," Undertaker recalled . "I remember, it was my last year in school, I chased a guy down the court, and it was like, 'Dude, you might be in the wrong sport 'cause that ain't going well for you.' It was straight retaliation, it was like Mahorn and Laimbeer, that kind of."
For almost all young basketball dreamers of the 1980s, the biggest idols were Magic Johnson and Larry Bird - two legends whose size allowed them to dominate the paint while scoring and rebounding. Thus, for the Undertaker, who was in the same size bracket as these two MVPs, their playmaking and vision left the most lasting impression, forcing him to believe that he, too, could emulate their playing style and amaze fans inside the arena.
However, as he jokingly admitted, the results were disastrous whenever he tried to pull off the same behind-the-back passes as Bird or Magic. On such occasions, he instantly knew that his time on the court was limited and he was going to be subbed out, so he made his way to the bench occasionally without the coach having to make it clear.
"I got into trouble more times thinking I was Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. I would try to create passes that there was no need, I could simply bounce pass it, but I would go (behind the back), and I could see my sub come off the bench," Undertaker added. "Coach, didn't play right."
It's safe to say that was the brilliance of Magic and Bird—they made it appear effortless for tall players to impact the game in multiple ways. They proved that at 6'9" or 6'10", a player could do far more than just play forward or center; they could even become the primary ball-handler. But for those who tried to emulate them, the harsh reality was often a quick reminder that not everyone could replicate their unique skill set.
Fortunately, Mark had enough time to change the direction of his career. Recognizing that his temperament leaned more toward enforcing than playmaking or defending, he gave birth to the iconic Undertaker, who became one of the most beloved fan figures in the WWE world.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
