Undertaker on WWE’s Modern Schedule: Are Fewer Matches Hindering Development?

WWE legend The Undertaker recently expressed his concerns about the reduced match schedules for today’s WWE talent. While the lighter workload helps safeguard wrestlers’ health and longevity, The Deadman argues on his Six Feet Under podcast that fewer live events may limit opportunities for performers to refine their craft and experiment creatively.

“Iron sharpens iron,” The Undertaker explained, emphasizing the value of consistent in-ring work. “You need those reps to keep your body and skills sharp. It’s hard to stay sharp when you’re only working four or five matches a month.”

The Role of Live Events in Skill-Building

Reflecting on his own career, The Undertaker credited the rigorous schedule of live events for shaping him into one of WWE’s greatest performers. “We made as many live events as we could because that’s how we got better,” he said. These non-televised house shows allowed wrestlers to experiment with new moves, refine their storytelling, and perfect their timing in front of an audience without the pressure of live television. The Undertaker highlighted the creative freedom live events provided, noting,

“We tried new things at live events. You don’t want to experiment with something new on live TV and have it fall flat.”

A Double-Edged Sword: Health vs. Performance

The lighter schedules of today’s WWE stars represent a significant shift from the grueling workload of previous generations. For years, wrestlers performed upwards of 300 nights annually, often at the expense of their physical health. The current approach prioritizes long-term well-being, with performers now working as few as four or five matches a month.

However, The Undertaker argues this reduction comes at a cost. Without the frequent opportunities to wrestle, he worries that younger talent might struggle to maintain their in-ring sharpness and storytelling abilities.

“Reps are what keep you sharp,” he reiterated.

Striking the Right Balance

The Undertaker suggested potential solutions to address the tradeoff between health and skill-building, such as increasing house show schedules or finding alternative environments for talent to hone their skills. He stressed the importance of preserving the art of professional wrestling while safeguarding the health of performers for future generations.

As WWE continues to evolve, balancing these priorities will be critical. The Undertaker’s perspective highlights the need to maintain high standards of in-ring performance while adapting to the modern demands of health-conscious schedules.

The Undertaker Mentors WWE’s Next Generation on A&E’s LFG

Check out latest episode of The Undertaker’s Six Feet Under podcast:

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