During the “Mighty” podcast interview, the Undertaker, whose real name is Mark Calaway, told the host about an early career-defining moment. Long before he became a household name as a WWE legend, Calaway had to overcome industry barriers that led him to one memorable encounter at a World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) event.
Calaway had been determined not to go unnoticed on his way to the ring. He shared that he was being dogged in his efforts and hoping one day his tireless tries would catch the attention of someone who mattered most. According to Calaway, “I usually went down to WCCW premises every Wednesday and just sat in the lobby with hopes that somebody will take note of me.” Nevertheless, despite giving it a shot for quite some time, “they would ignore my stand while passing by,” he added.
For almost eight months after this, visitation seemed futile every time as he continued with this routine. “I was nearly at my breaking point, thinking of giving up as I couldn’t even afford the gas anymore,” he admitted.
Fritz Von Erich's Decision
The incident that turned everything around occurred when Fritz Von Erich entered the WCCW office without warning. "Fritz stopped first before staring at me, then went inside," said Calaway, recalling what happened next. Overhearing this conversation made him aware that Von Erich had decided spontaneously to give him an opportunity; “it was Fritz’s voice confirming my fate ‘Let's book him Friday night.’"
His opportunity came because he looked like David Von Erich, who was dead at the time, according to Fritz's statement when deciding to hire him: "Fritz mentioned I looked like David, and that’s when he decided to book me." This marked the beginning of Calaway's professional wrestling journey under his initial persona, ‘Texas Red,’ and also his first-ever paycheck in wrestling.