By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
The WWE has experienced significant changes since Triple H took over as the head of creative from Vince McMahon. While many fans and wrestlers have welcomed Triple H's steady leadership, there is one iconic figure who isn’t fully sold on the new direction: The Undertaker. Known for his unmatched legacy and a career spanning decades, The Undertaker recently shared his concerns about WWE’s backstage environment, calling it "too calm."
Vince McMahon, who once defined WWE’s creative direction, resigned as Executive Chairman of TKO due to a lawsuit involving accusations of sexual assault and sex trafficking. As McMahon stepped down, Triple H, real name Paul Levesque, took the reins, overseeing the day-to-day creative operations of the company.
Under Vince McMahon’s leadership, WWE was known for its chaotic and fast-paced backstage environment, with last-minute changes and high-pressure situations often being the norm. Wrestlers were regularly expected to adapt on the fly, and the whirlwind nature of the production became ingrained in WWE’s culture. For some, including The Undertaker, this high-stakes environment fostered growth and creativity, and it was a driving force behind the show's success.
Speaking on Booker T’s Hall of Fame podcast, The Undertaker expressed his concerns about WWE’s current backstage atmosphere, which he described as being almost “too calm.” According to The Deadman, the shift to a more relaxed environment under Triple H has resulted in a dynamic that feels unfamiliar and, to some extent, unsettling for veterans like him. “It’s crazy to me how calm everything is backstage now,” The Undertaker explained. “Paul’s demeanor is so chill. Every time I see him, he’s got time to sit down and explain something to you. It’s just not that helter-skelter fire drill anymore – which I thrived in. You had to be able to do that.”
The Undertaker, whose real name is Mark Calaway, reminisced about his days in WWE when working under Vince McMahon meant constantly being on edge, ready for last-minute changes to promos or match finishes. “I just remember working on a promo all day long, and then 10 minutes before you go out, it’s completely changed. You had to come up with something, and you gotta go do it. You gotta do it live. It’s so calm, it’s almost too calm for me.”
While the calmer atmosphere might seem ideal for today's generation of wrestlers, The Undertaker believes this approach may hinder the development of talent. He voiced concerns that without the pressure and high-stakes nature of the past, some current superstars might not fully experience the challenges that helped past legends grow. For The Undertaker, the chaos was a crucible that forced wrestlers to think on their feet, adapt, and ultimately become stronger performers. He thrived in this demanding environment, which helped define his Hall of Fame career. Now, he wonders if today’s talent, operating in a more controlled setting, will develop the same resilience. “The fire drill aspect – that’s what made WWE what it was," The Undertaker noted. "You had to be quick on your feet, and you didn’t have time to second-guess yourself.”
Many within the WWE community view the calmer backstage environment as a positive evolution, especially after years of Vince McMahon’s notoriously frenetic decision-making. Triple H’s approach has provided stability and has been largely embraced by talent, as it allows for more thoughtful creative discussions and less stress.
However, The Undertaker’s concerns should not be dismissed. His perspective speaks to the balance needed in WWE – the ability to maintain an environment that nurtures creativity without losing the spark that made the company a global phenomenon. While the current direction is welcomed by many, ensuring that future stars are equipped with the skills to adapt to high-pressure situations will be key to WWE’s continued success.
As WWE continues to evolve under Triple H’s leadership, the calmer backstage atmosphere may appeal to many, but veterans like The Undertaker feel a certain nostalgia for the fire and unpredictability of the past. The challenge now is finding a balance that preserves WWE’s unique energy while fostering the growth of the next generation of superstars.
