The Undertaker, a legendary figure in the WWE, is often remembered for his dominating presence in the ring and his unmatched streak at WrestleMania. However, behind the scenes, The Deadman was more than just a formidable wrestler – he was a respected leader and a man of principle. A recent interview with former wrestling manager Rick Bassman revealed an intriguing incident that showcased The Undertaker’s authority and zero tolerance for disrespect.
The story revolves around Russ McCullough, a towering six-foot-11 wrestler who trained in WWE’s Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) developmental system between 1999 and 2001. McCullough, who had the opportunity to share the ring with big names like The Big Show, Diamond Dallas Page, Mark Henry, and Randy Orton, never made it to a televised main roster match. However, it was his encounter with The Undertaker that would become a talking point among wrestling circles.
According to Bassman, McCullough had an awkward encounter with The Undertaker, which ultimately landed him in trouble. The details of the incident are unclear, but it’s evident that McCullough’s behavior didn’t sit well with The Deadman. This incident highlights The Undertaker’s reputation as a locker-room leader, someone who commanded respect and wouldn’t hesitate to put someone in their place if they got too big for their britches.
McCullough’s inflated sense of self-importance wasn’t limited to his encounter with The Undertaker. Former IWA booker Dutch Mantell and OVW manager Kenny Bolin shared stories about McCullough on Mantell’s podcast, Story Time with Dutch Mantell. Bolin revealed that McCullough had garnered backstage heat in developmental after claiming he was better than WWE legend Kane. It’s no surprise that such arrogance wouldn’t fly with The Undertaker, who had earned the respect of his peers through his hard work and dedication.
The Undertaker’s unwavering commitment to his craft and his principles is what made him a beloved figure in the WWE. His ability to command respect without being abrasive or intimidating is a testament to his leadership skills. As the WWE universe looks back on The Undertaker’s illustrious career, this anecdote serves as a reminder that there was more to the man behind the character than just his impressive wrestling record.
