Mark Calaway is 60 years old. In the world of pro wrestling, that’s usually when you’re long settled into a recliner, telling stories about the "good old days" to anyone who will listen. But the latest WWE news about Undertaker proves the Phenom is somehow busier now than when he was main-eventing WrestleMania every year.
He isn't taking bumps. His knees won't let him. Honestly, the Boneyard Match in 2020 was the perfect goodbye, but the industry just won't let him go—and he doesn't seem to want to leave either.
The Big Announcement: 2026 Hall of Fame News
If you missed Wrestlepalooza in late 2025, you missed one of the most emotional moments in recent WWE history. The lights went out. The gong hit. But instead of the trench coat and wide-brimmed hat, Calaway rolled out on his motorcycle. It was the "American Badass" in the flesh, reminding everyone that while the Deadman is buried, the man behind it still has a massive presence.
He wasn't there to challenge anyone to a match. Instead, he pulled Stephanie McMahon into the spotlight. In a move that caught almost everyone off guard—including Stephanie, who was visibly crying—he announced her as the first inductee for the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
The connection between those two goes back decades. Remember the Ministry of Darkness? The "higher power" storyline where he literally tried to abduct her? Seeing them stand there as legends in 2026 feels like a full-circle moment for fans who grew up during the Attitude Era. It's basically confirmed now that Taker will be the one giving the induction speech during WrestleMania 42 weekend.
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Why the Legends Deal Matters Right Now
There’s been a lot of chatter about his contract. People always wonder if he’s going to jump ship or just disappear. Calm down. The latest WWE news about Undertaker confirms he signed a massive new "Legends Deal" that keeps him under the TKO/WWE umbrella for the foreseeable future.
This isn't just about selling t-shirts.
This deal is the reason we're seeing him everywhere from the Six Feet Under podcast to surprise appearances at Saturday Night’s Main Event. He’s essentially become the ultimate brand ambassador. When WWE needs a "big fight feel," they call Mark. When they need to legitimize a new star like Jacob Fatu or Gunther, they have them stand in the same room as the Undertaker. It works. It’s that old-school credibility that you just can't manufacture.
The Podcast Revolution: Six Feet Under
If you haven't checked out his podcast, you're missing the real Mark Calaway. For thirty years, the guy barely spoke. He stayed in character so strictly it was borderline insane. Now? He’s dropping truth bombs every week.
Recent episodes have been especially spicy. He recently sat down with Bruce Prichard to talk about the "Kane The Undertaker" name that almost happened. Could you imagine? They almost called him Kane from the jump. He’s also been using the platform to critique the current roster. He’s praised guys like Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, but he hasn't been shy about calling out younger talent who focus more on TikTok than on "selling" a story in the ring.
Some fans hate it. They think he's being a "grumpy veteran." Others love the honesty. Either way, it’s keeping him more relevant in 2026 than half the active roster.
Rumors vs. Reality: Will He Ever Wrestle Again?
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Every time a big show like the Royal Rumble or a Saudi Arabia PLE comes around, the rumors start flying. "Undertaker is training!" "Undertaker was spotted at the Performance Center!"
Here is the reality: The Undertaker is retired from full-time wrestling. He’s been very open about the physical toll. He has artificial hips. His back is a mess. When he showed up at WrestleMania 40 to chokeslam The Rock, that was a "moment," not a comeback. He can still do the signature moves if the situation is controlled, but a twenty-minute classic isn't in the cards.
However, don't rule out the "segment" return. The vibe backstage is that he is the ultimate "break glass in case of emergency" button. If a storyline needs a supernatural nudge or a legendary seal of approval, he's only a phone call away.
The Cultural Impact of the 1 deadMAN Show
One of the coolest pieces of WWE news about Undertaker is the continued success of his one-man stage show. He’s taking this thing global. It’s basically a stand-up comedy set mixed with a therapy session.
He tells stories about:
- The flight from hell.
- What really happened with the Montreal Screwjob.
- The time he almost set himself on fire during an entrance.
- His actual relationship with Vince McMahon.
It’s sold out nearly everywhere. It proves that the "Undertaker" brand is bigger than just wrestling matches. People want the man, not just the gimmick.
What's Next for the Deadman?
If you're looking for actionable ways to keep up with the Phenom, you don't have to wait for him to pop up on Raw. The landscape has changed.
First, keep an eye on the Hall of Fame announcements leading into April 2026. His role in Stephanie McMahon's induction is going to be the centerpiece of that ceremony. Second, his podcast is currently the best source for "insider" WWE info that isn't filtered through a corporate PR lens.
He’s also heavily involved in the WWE LFG (Legends Future Greats) program. He’s helping scout and mentor the next generation. If you see a new big man in NXT who actually knows how to move and tell a story, there’s a high chance Calaway had a hand in their training.
The "Deadman" might be at rest, but Mark Calaway is just getting started on his second act. Whether it's through a headset on his podcast or a surprise chokeslam in a stadium, his shadow still looms larger than anyone else's in the business.
To stay ahead of the curve, watch the Six Feet Under YouTube channel on Thursdays. That’s usually where the most significant updates on his status and his opinions on the current WWE product drop first. If there's a surprise return brewing for a major event like SummerSlam, the breadcrumbs are almost always buried in his long-form interviews before they hit the dirt sheets.