JBL Says Only The Undertaker Could Make His Gimmick Work

The Undertaker’s legacy is cemented as one of the greatest in professional wrestling history, but according to JBL, the iconic character’s success wasn’t just about the gimmick—it was about Mark Callaway’s unmatched ability to bring it to life. Speaking on Something To Wrestle With, JBL broke down why The Undertaker’s “deadman” persona could have been a disaster with anyone else behind it.

“This is the most preposterous character ever,” JBL said. “He knew it when he got pitched this: you’re going to be a dead guy who’s not really dead, that doesn’t sell, and who can create and do crazy supernatural things. No one in the history of this business gets this character over except The Undertaker.”

JBL emphasized how Callaway’s talent transformed what could have been a career-ending gimmick into one of the most celebrated in wrestling history. “When you see Undertaker do it, it becomes this Hall of Fame character that’s one of the most iconic things that ever happened. If they want you to be a clown, be a professional clown. Take the hand dealt and deal with it. And Taker got this gimmick that was not that good, and turned it into one of the greatest of all time.”

He also pointed out the character’s longevity as a testament to its strength and adaptability. “The Undertaker character constantly went through metamorphosis throughout his career. Nobody stays in the same character for 30 years and is successful to the level that Taker was for that entire time. Taker was on top from the moment he walked in the company to the last match he’s ever had.”

When asked if anyone else could have taken on the role, JBL didn’t hold back. “Nobody would have bought this. With the caskets, with the guy sitting up, with the supernatural stuff, with ‘He’s dead, he’s not dead.’ This would have been a character…that didn’t work. It’s just, you happened to have Mark Callaway behind it.”

JBL’s comments highlight just how integral Callaway was to making The Undertaker not just a gimmick, but a legend in the wrestling world.