Why The Undertaker Turned Down Shocking Photoshoot Request

The Undertaker has explained why he declined a major sports publication’s request for a photoshoot.

As a WWE Hall of Famer who had a 30-year career, The Undertaker did a lot of crazy things on television. For most of his run, The Undertaker portrayed the “Deadman” persona, which meant he was stoic and serious much of the time, rather than being a comedic character or someone with a big personality.

There was the “Big Evil” era of The Undertaker in the early 2000s that lasted for about three years, but he’ll be remembered mostly for being the Deadman.

Part of being the Deadman is protecting the character that is The Undertaker. With that in mind, Taker discussed saying no to ESPN when they asked him to be featured in the “Body Issue” of their magazine, which showcases athletes in nude photographs, albeit covered in the right places.

During his Six Feet Under podcast with his wife Michelle McCool and WWE superstar Charlotte Flair, who did appear in ESPN’s Body Issue. The Undertaker would go on to explain why he didn’t do it.

Undertaker: She tried to talk me into this. You [Charlotte] did the ESPN Body Issue?

McCool: I did try to talk him (into it).

Charlotte: I made sure they had all the cameras covered. I was like, ‘I’m not going in there naked without all those little cameras covered.’

Undertaker: I totally get that. This one [Michelle] was trying to convince me.

McCool: Years ago. Not now.

Undertaker: Definitely (not now).

Charlotte: Why not? You and all the tats? You could just have the turnbuckle right there [over your crotch]. Is that too much? Is the turnbuckle too much?

Undertaker: Ay, man.

Charlotte: Taker right there in front of the turnbuckle with the WWE logo. He can flex on one side.

Undertaker: When this airs, people are going to cringe so hard. That’s not my Undertaker. They do not want to see anything under the black.

McCool: They’re seeing it now. Yes, back then, maybe not. I thought it was a beautiful way…

Undertaker: She tried hard to convince me.

McCool: People think I get everything I want.

Charlotte: You turned it down?

Undertaker: Yes, I turned it down.

The Undertaker Told His Wife The ESPN “Body Issue” Was Bad For His Character

As the discussion continued, The Undertaker revealed that his reason for denial was that it wouldn’t fit his WWE character.

McCool: He wouldn’t even do that for me. People think I get everything because of him. The one thing I ask him for, he shot down hard. Come on, man.

Charlotte: He’s probably like, ‘My character wouldn’t do it.’

Undertaker: Exactly!

McCool: That’s exactly what he said.

Undertaker: That’s all I have is my character.

McCool: He’s like, ‘I’ll walk around the house naked all the time, but I’m not about to be in the magazine.’ He really doesn’t walk around naked all the time.

Charlotte: I’m being the creative director.

McCool: Hope is still alive. Guys, can we make this happen? Put a coffin. ‘Undertaker is dead. Mark Callaway has arrived.’

During the same podcast, McCool revealed that she has received death threats from fans due to their intense obsession with The Undertaker’s character.