WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman has revealed that he violated his WCW contract in 1990 to help The Undertaker secure a meeting with Vince McMahon, ultimately paving the way for one of the most successful careers in professional wrestling history.
Before becoming one of WWE’s most recognisable characters, The Undertaker competed in WCW, where he worked alongside Paul Heyman. However, according to Heyman, not everyone within the promotion recognised Calaway’s potential.
During an interview with Graham Bensinger, Heyman recalled how Ole Anderson failed to see Calaway’s value, leading WCW to offer him a significantly reduced deal when his contract came up for renewal in September 1990. Rather than allow Calaway’s talents to go unrecognised, Heyman decided to intervene, despite being under contract with WCW himself.
“Ole [Anderson] didn’t believe in Mark [Calaway/The Undertaker], to the point where when Mark’s contract came up in September 1990, they tried to lowball him,” Heyman explained.
Paul Heyman then described how someone within WCW secretly arranged a meeting between Calaway and McMahon through a WWE contact.
“There was someone in WCW that violated their contract with Turner Broadcasting and WCW, and snuck Mark into a meeting through a mutual friend or a friend that I had in WWE, snuck him into the meeting with Vince McMahon,” he continued. “And that meeting led to Mark being signed by the WWE and becoming the Undertaker…I thought it was great because I was that person.”
Paul Heyman’s Role In The Undertaker’s Legendary WWE Career
Paul Heyman’s revelation sheds new light on the circumstances surrounding one of WWE’s most significant signings. After first meeting Calaway in 1990, Heyman recognised the potential he believed WCW management had overlooked.
His decision to arrange the meeting with McMahon ultimately helped Calaway make the move to WWE, where he debuted as The Undertaker later that year. The character would become one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling, with Calaway spending three decades portraying The Undertaker and establishing himself as a cornerstone of WWE programming.
His career included multiple world championship reigns, legendary rivalries and an unprecedented undefeated streak at WrestleMania that eventually reached 21 consecutive victories. The Undertaker officially ended his in-ring career with a farewell ceremony at Survivor Series on November 22, 2020, exactly 30 years after his WWE debut.
Although he has stepped away from active competition, Calaway remains involved in professional wrestling. He continues to contribute to WWE through his experience and industry knowledge, while also working with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide in a creative capacity and helping develop younger talent.
