Home
Before he became a household name as a WWE superstar, Mark Calaway - popularly known as the Undertaker- was just like any other youngster, grinding his way to make a mark in sports. Due to his solid build and gifted height, Calaway naturally gravitated towards basketball. He was active at the Varsity level, but an encounter with Charles Barkley, who was also up and coming at that time, made him focus more on his wrestling.
Also Read | Charles Barkley Blasts NBA for 'Unfair' Treatment of Nuggets After Game 4 Loss to Thunder
Charles Barkley Reveals Conversation with The Undertaker
In a recent episode of The Steam Room podcast, Barkley provided clarity regarding his encounter with The Undertaker. He revealed the reason behind the eventual wrestling superstar pursuing the WWE instead of the NBA.
“Clearly, he wasn’t that good of a player; he went to wrestling,” Barkley said. “If he was a good basketball player, he would’ve went to the NBA. But I was giving him the business.”
Barkley couldn't recall exactly how Calaway performed in the one-off battle they had, but he was sure about the fact that the now WWE Hall of Famer wasn't able to stop him. Barkley made it clear that there are levels to this game, and he was far above Mark.
Ernie Johnson questioned Charles Barkley's account, even suggesting he fabricated it, but Barkley insisted on its truth. Notably, Calaway himself corroborated the story about the summer runs in question.
In January 2025, Calaway shared his account, revealing he played against NBA legends Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler. He had received a scholarship to play at Angelina College and later played center at Texas Wesleyan University, having opportunities to continue his college basketball career.
Calaway's basketball success was short-lived, but it ultimately paved the way for his legendary career as The Undertaker in WWE, where he became one of the greatest wrestlers in history.
ADVERTISEMENT
