Motivational Story - Mark Calaway ("The Undertaker"/ WWE)


 
Greetings! This week, I wanted to touch on an athlete who went after his Dreams. Dared himself to be Great! Realized he had to reinvent himself many times over and refine his game. Learned ways to keep himself relevant in his profession. More importantly, he has personified what perseverance is all about and is one who emptied the tank every time the bell rang!

Here is Mark Calaway, a 6’10”, 307-pound better than average college basketball player at one time. He was a rim protector and capable scorer for Texas Wesleyan. He was good enough that a team in France once offered him a contract to play pro ball for $80,000 a year in 1986.

He turned down the basketball offer and went into professional wrestling. It was a Dream he wanted to fulfill. For the next four years, he competed in a variety of low level wrestling organizations. He paid his dues. At each level, he gained more and more exposure. A buzz began to build and the Big Boys from the WWE took note. In 1990, Calaway would sign on with this sports entertainment giant!

Through the genius of WWE owner Vince McMahon, Calaway had transformed himself into a cold-eyed predator of the ring and was to be known as “The Undertaker”. His ring introductions became legendary and instantly recognizable through his smoke-filled entrance, wide brim hat, trademark black trench coat and iconic theme music.

Calaway’s character has been performing as a global headliner for nearly three decades which is one of the longest-running stints ever in WWE history. “The Undertaker” has held the World Title on seven different occasions and even knocked off the great Hulk Hogan during his first year of grappling.

His toughness is viewed as legendary in the pro-wrestling community. During a five-part documentary titled “The Last Ride” (produced by the WWE), Calaway nearly breaks down in tears at times as he tells the battles it took to keep his body and mind in shape to continue on a nightly basis where he would perform in over 200 matches in a given year.

You get to learn how much he’s persevered through some of the most gut-wrenching injuries that would have put most every athlete into early retirement? Yet, he continually punches in the clock! He’s on record as saying both of his eye sockets have been crushed during battles in the ring. He’s had to rehab through 20 different orthopedic related surgeries. Both of his hips have been replaced. He’s endured torn biceps, torn pecs and torn triceps. He’s been concussed so many times, Calaway admits he’s lost track?

“Yeah, it’s taken a pretty good toll on the body so it’s been like smoke and mirrors to keep everything together. A lot of tape, a lot of stretching and ice. It’s not as glamorous as a lot of people think. Obviously I love it, it was my calling and my passion in life,” says Calaway.

As you will discover, success that Mark Calaway achieved is by no accident. It’s hard work, discipline, perseverance, studying your craft, personal sacrifice, perfecting your mindset and most of all, having a passion for what you’re doing that can help you reach your goals in life! 

Here's a Link to "The Undertaker's" famous entrance into the Ring taken from WrestleMania 27 in 2011: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHH0YgiD8WQ

Jim Loria


MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES RELATING TO THIS STORY 

"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination” - stated by Tommy Lasorda, Hall of Fame Major League Baseball Manager

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“There are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either IN or you’re OUT. There is no such thing as life in-between”– stated by Pat Riley, Hall of Fame NBA Coach and Executive

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“Once a man has made a commitment to a way of life, he puts the greatest strength in the world behind him. It’s something we call heart power. Once a man has made this commitment, nothing will stop him short of success” – Vince Lombardi, Legendary NFL Head Coach


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