Steve Austin's Broken Skull Sessions: Undertaker One More Round FULL RECAP
Steve Austin and The Undertaker go “One More Round” for an unprecedented two-hour sit-down conversation that covers The Phenom’s most iconic matches, his WrestleMania Streak along with more wild tales.
The Undertaker: One More Round Recap
Due to popular demand, Steve Austin invited the Undertaker back for one more round.
Steve asks Undertaker what he’s been up to and responds with, nothing and he’s happy about that. Taker was busy promoting The Last Ride documentary and now it’s Undertaker appreciation month, which he seemed somewhat embarrassed by given the sheer amount of attention he’s receiving.
Steve asks Undertaker how it’s been going from 30 years of Kayfabe to now putting himself out there. Taker reveals that it’s been easier, but there are still those moments where he second-guesses himself since it doesn’t feel natural to break the wall and lived it for so long. He struggles with wondering if he should have kept it in.
Steve notes that he loves it since he’s an actual human being and has so many stories to share.
Steve Austin wastes no time by bringing out the Jack Daniels as the two laugh and joke about it taking so long last time.
Undertaker: “If it were up to me, I would still be living Kayfabe, but it’s been liberating to share some of the things that we’ve done not only in the ring but on tour and overseas.”
Steve notes that by not sharing the stories, what was he going to do.
Steve brings up how he’s been asked recently about the Stone Cold character and notes he would flip the switch on and off or dial it up, so he asks where is the Undertaker and where is Mark Calaway and if he gets the two confused. Taker: “No, absolutely not. 90% of the time I’m Mark Calaway.” He tries to keep up with the look, but he’s giving everyone Mark these days. and comfortable with that. He doesn’t require the extra recognition.
Steve points out a photo of the screen with the two standing in the ring at Madison Square Garden. They point out Jack Lanza.
The two take a shot of Jack Daniels and cheers each other on their careers.
Steve asks if Taker has been kafabing him since he loves Jack Daniels and beer then holds up Undertaker wine. Undertaker: “Hey brother, you’ve got to expand the portfolio.”
Steve brings up Undertaker’s 30-year celebration and remembers his debut then briefly reflects on knowing Mark prior to WWF in the southern territories and WCW while pointing out it’s still the greatest character of all-time.
Undertaker: “30 years, I’m completely humbled I’ve kept my fanbase.” He notes how his Survivor Series debut felt like yesterday and it’s incredible he never burned himself out after 30 years and never burned out the crowd.
Taker notes that it’s not an easy life, so the dates get easier if there’s a big reward attached. Once you get to a high level, your world revolves around the business. If he was still able, Taker would be competing right now.
Austin brought up how he felt selfish and sacrificed some of his relationships because the business was everything to him and how he provided. Undertaker admitted that it’s really difficult to maintain relationships when you achieve the level of success they have and while there are regrets in his personal life, he has asked for forgiveness for the things he has done.
Undertaker: “You have to be totally committed to it. There’s a lot of time I’m not going to get back from my children, but I hope that one day they appreciate the life that they were provided. It doesn’t make up for the time I wasn’t there, but I ask for forgiveness. I was blessed. I hope it works out for everybody.”
Austin asks if Undertaker was consumed by the business while at home thinking about storylines. Undertaker lived the gimmick, kept the gears turning and was always eager to get back on the road. He didn’t know what to do with himself during the days off.
Undertaker feels that something missing from the business now is the competitiveness of reaching the top of the card. When Austin was on top, everyone wanted what he had. Not everyone got there, but they tried. This mentality doesn’t allow you to settle or be middle of the road.
Austin revealed a custom Championship belt that is inspired by the old winged eagle while being all blacked out with some purple stitching and details. Austin joked that Taker can sign it and leave it with him, but Undertaker said, “I’ll probably wear it at the airport.” This popped Austin since the two joked about how they ribbed guys about wearing their first belts to the airport.
Austin asked for Undertaker’s thoughts on a championship belt.
Undertaker: “Honestly, it goes on the guy that’s putting asses in seats. I like the old school mentality of finding that guy and as long as that guy is riding that wave like you do, that’s your guy.”
Undertaker points out that when you think of a world champion, you think of Ric Flair or Harley Race.
Austin brought up how the belt didn’t necessarily make The Undertaker since he had it 7 times but never required the validation. Taker agreed and felt no one really associates him with world champion while being far more compelling when chasing it. A babyface monster champion is difficult to book.
Austin brings up The Streak since they never went in-depth about it last time. Undertaker reveals The Streak actually became a thing until he was 9 and 0 and working with Ric Flair. Austin and Taker both believe Flair is the greatest of all-time. Clips of their match at WrestleMania 18 are shown on the screen. Taker was thrilled to be in the match and believes there’s so much one can learn from Ric. The first time Undertaker made reference to The Streak was counting 10 on his fingers after the victory.
Taker brought up how Vince felt bad for leaving him out of WrestleMania 18 and his two choices were RVD or Ric Flair, to which The Phenom quickly chose Flair. This shocked Vince as the Chairman figured Taker would be working with RVD. Undertaker brings up how Ric Flair thanked him for restoring his confidence, which he never fully understood until the concussion against Brock at WrestleMania 30. He was vulnerable to the business and that match destroyed his confidence.
Austin brings up the 25-2 record of Undertaker while bringing up other records from their peers
Triple: 10-13
Shawn Michaels: 6-11
John Cena: 10-5
Hogan: 8-3-1
Austin: 5-2Austin joked that his record deserves a shot.
Austin turns back to WrestleMania 30 and notes he had the audacity to ask Taker to do a podcast before the biggest match of the year. He then asks Undertaker both professionally and professionally how it felt to see The Streak conclude and how it impacted him:
Undertaker: “I always looked at it like I wanted to save it for somebody who needed it. If we were going to break it, it was for the right person. I personally didn’t think Brock needed it. Brock was made and had beaten me, so I don’t think it would have elevated Brock much more. So, that was my only question. When I got to the building that day, at that point, I was still going over. The finish changed during the course of the day.” He knew the second Vince walked in Undertaker’s dressing room that he knew The Streak would be broken. Undertaker feels it would have meant much more for Roman and helped make him since Brock was already a made man. He loves Brock to death but just didn’t think he was the right guy.
Austin brought up being in the production truck while it occurred and resembling the one gentleman in the front row with the wide eyes. He was a fan of The Streak.
Taker feels that two years later, Roman could have been the right guy at the right time.
Austin brings up Hell in a Cell at Badd Blood in 1997 and wanted to know the origin story of the structure. Taker brought up how the continually interference D-X was one portion, but the main reason was for Kane. Ripping the door off and having the brothers go face to face. Austin brings up that from bell to bell, Shawn Michaels is as good as there ever was.
Undertaker: “Shawn Michaels could have a great match with a broomstick.”
The two put over how Shawn could sell, but also get his stuff in.
Undertaker noted that his best matches were against smaller guys. Shawn, Kurt Angle, Eddie Guerrero.
After putting over the match and the athleticism of Shawn, they put over the size of Kane and how great of a character he was. The little nuance of the look of concern of the Undertaker when face to face with Kane was pointed out.
Undertaker brought up how Kane was previously worked as Unabomber in Smokey Mountain. They faced each other and Taker immediately knew he could make money with him and too good not to be in New York.
After putting over Kane, Austin turns the conversation to WrestleMania 14. Steve was challenging Shawn, who wasn’t in a good place. Taker agrees, laughs and starts to pour Jack Daniels shots for the two. Steve brings up the word of the street that Shawn might not want to do business and drop the title that night. At that point, Michaels was difficult to deal with.
The two take a shot of Jack Daniels and cheers to the story.
Undertaker explains that Shawn was not in a good place mentally or physically and no one knew if he would do business. Undertaker worked with Kane that evening, but Shawn potentially not dropping the belt was weighing heavily on his mind. The transfer of the title to Austin was incredibly important moving forward. Taker sat in gorilla position and watched the entire match. He taped his hands up and noted that some way or another, that belt was going to get switched. Taker noted, there was so much riding on Austin winning the championship and he would have happily thrown him back in the ring. While Undertaker loves and appreciates Shawn now and the two or close, he didn’t care for him back then.
Shawn asked Taker about the rumours many years later when the two became friends. Taker blew it off and lied through his teeth about not being serious about it, but he actually was.
Austin brought up a story about returning from neck surgery and not supposed to be taking bumps, but he proceeded to anyway in a six-man tag match. Taker was the one that asked him, “what the hell are you doing?” Steve would explain that it was obvious Taker cared about his well being.
Going back to the rumoured WrestleMania 14 story, Austin felt it was cool that Taker had his back since they were all in the trenches together. It was about business and Undertaker knew it had to happen since it was Austin’s time and they were in heavy competition with WCW.
Austin brought up The Screwjob. Undertaker confronted Vince in the hallway and demanded that he go talk to Bret since it was bullshit. Austin revealed how shocked he was when Bret was screwed yet years later, he gained a new perspective, as did Taker. They had the friend and the boys perspective, but not Vince’s perspective in mind. Undertaker wanted Vince to come to him about his situation rather than keep it all quiet.
Stone Cold brings up the BSK, Bone Street Krew. They were a band of brothers. Taker noted that there was nothing political about them. Rodney (Yokozuna) is someone he missed daily and taken from us way too early. Taker noted that he and Godfather were inseparable and would call him Bear, his nickname from the street.
Taker and Godfather first met each other in Memphis in the middle of the ring. Godfather was very green at this point, so Taker slowed him down with a heavy chair shot and encouraged him to do things the easy way rather than the hard way. The two were incredibly close following this encounter. Undertaker would joke that when he was drunk, he would offer Godfather his Rolex because of how much he loved him. Godfather would always give it back the next morning.
Steve Austin brings up Wrestler’s Court and Undertaker noted he was first smartened up to it in Memphis courtesy of Dutch Mantel. It was a thought that turned into a huge production in WWF. Undertaker turned into the judge because he was close with everyone and the most tenured. Austin brings up a Teddy Long story, which Teddy himself approved could be shared. Mae Young was involved.
Teddy Long was brought up on charges. He came into possession of Viagra and decided to start selling them to the boys. It came out that he got them for nothing and was making a profit. Related to Teddy Long selling these pills he received for free, Undertaker joked, “you’re not taking any bumps brother, come on.” Mae Young was a witness and more upset that the boys were using “Niagara” if they were young and fresh. Teddy was found guilty as charged.
Wrestler’s Court was a morale lifter, but also served its purpose by handling a situation before one got out of control. It was a way for the boys to let you know, you’re screwing up here before the office got involved.
Austin brings up a story of Ric Flair challenging Undertaker to a drinking contest during a flight back to Chicago. Needless to say, Ric tapped out by going to sleep. Undertaker would lay him across a bunch of seats and crossed his arms and cut out fangs from some napkins, which he placed on him.
Austin brings up the encounter Undertaker and Brock Lesnar had at UFC 121. The interview, which was hosted by Ariel Helwani is shown on screen.
The famous, “You wanna do it?” line was shown.
Undertaker admits he was there to pick a fight and generate buzz. Undertaker would expand on this by noting Brock purposely walked by him and knew he was there, so took advantage of it.
Austin would bring up how Hell in a Cell against Shawn was much better, but Undertaker vs Mankind at King of Ring 1998 is more frequently referenced. The video is shown of the match is shown on screen. Undertaker described throwing Mick of the cage as the closest to an out-of-body experience and that it took forever for Mick to hit the table.
The chokeslam is shown, but only part of the section was intended to give way. Taker stood on the support as opposed to the mesh. Had he stood on the mesh while Mick went through, Taker would have landed directly on top of him. Austin and Taker both put over Mick’s professionalism and the subtle nuance of trying to kick out during the finish out of instinct.
Austin shows a photo of the Undertaker standing over Mick from the top of the cage with officials and Terry Funk treating him. All Taker was watching for is for Mick to move to ensure he was okay and not paralyzed.
Steve noted remembering pieces of the match against Kane, which transpired immediately after, but knew there was no way to top that.
Elimination Chamber 2010 footage was shown with The Undertaker getting burned on stage with pyro. Austin watched this live, but pointed out how he could have been killed. Undertaker managed to stay in character yet adrenaline was running through him.
Taker was forced to sit in the pod for 20 minutes and then compete for another 20 minutes. All he could smell was burnt hair and flesh and witnessed his chest bubbling up. Undertaker revealed he’s pretty forgiving and understanding but understandably wanted to kill the pyro guy. A few weeks prior, Undertaker had a conversation with the pyro guy and brought up his concerns over how close the bursts of flames were to him. This pyro person dismissed the concerns.
Undertaker switched to the duster style coat as opposed to the Hellraiser inspired coat, so the fans could see the championship belt. This decision occurred minutes prior to the burn.
Going back to the incident, the left burst forced Undertaker to turn to his right and he was burned once that burst went off. Fortunately, he had the presence of mind to move forward. He could see his right sleeve and hat on the fire while attempting to remain in character.
If it wasn’t for the decision to switch coats along with pouring a bottle of water over his head prior to making his entrance, the results would have been far more disastrous. Based on the lack of professionalism and care from the pyro guy, Undertaker wanted him permanently gone by the time he got back.
Austin brings up Paul Bearer. Mark’s debut as Texas Red against Bruiser Brody in WCCW saw Paul, as Percy Pringle, come down to manage him. Undertaker noted that two of his proudest moments include taking an ass-kicking from Brody and Harley Race asking him to be his tag-team partner in the Japan tournament.
It was Rick Rude who told Vince about Percy Pringle. Once Vince and Percy met, it was revealed that he had a degree in Mortuary Science. They were searching for a manager for Undertaker, so this worked out perfectly. It was truly meant to be.
Because of Paul’s legitimate background, he provided Undertaker with such great insight into death and burials. It was the perfect contrast of energy.
Austin and Taker put over Paul’s love for the business, sense of comedy and simply being one of the boys.
The Last Ride is brought up and Austin asked if the process was a relief. Steve loved it and felt it provided fans with valuable insight. The Undertaker was extremely proud of the documentary and it started with him wanting footage. He originally believed the match against Roman was going to be it. The purpose was to chronicle interactions with talent and to document his mindset. The documentary stretched out for three years.
Austin asked if the camera crew shadowing him was intrusive. Undertaker had to work through it. There were moments where a camera was over his shoulder and he immediately forgot they were around. His mindset was protect, protect, protect and suddenly, he had to let down his guard. Once he got comfortable with presenting himself to the audience, it was much smoother. He also didn’t want people to feel sorry for him or other wrestlers because he loves the business and has no regrets. He wanted the audience to understand why he loves the business so much.
Austin asked if The Boneyard Match was writing the ideal ending of his story. Undertaker noted AJ is the best wrestler on the roster today and the closest wrestler to Shawn. He was training hard for the match and well ahead of pace, but it was geared towards a match in the ring. Due to COVID, the plans changed and the storyline changed. Undertaker loved that the match transpired outside of the warehouse. After AJ personally attacked him, the match made far more sense to take place outside of a ring. He brought up the Holy Trinity reference which stood for The Undertaker, The American Badass and Mark Calaway.
Steve brings up the death of Undertaker’s brother immediately prior to the match, so not only with that burden, Undertaker’s body felt the physical toll from that match for weeks. The filming of the match took place for hours. While they didn’t take a lot of crazy bumps, they took place on the ground. Undertaker revealed that physically it was difficult, but emotionally it was as well due to the loss of his brother. He soldiered on but revealed having to call his mom and inform her that one of her kids has passed away. Sadly, he was forced to wait because of the responsibility of the match and restrictions due to COVID.
Austin fell in love with The Boneyard Match and suggested that the match came together after their initial conversation on the Broken Skull Sessions with AJ reaching out about a match. Undertaker agreed and noted, “that’s exactly where it came from.” The one guy who is THE guy Undertaker wanted to work with. Again, the original match was intended to be in the ring, but they adapted because of COVID. Undertaker still wonders what could have been in a traditional sense of a wrestling match.
Austin references Undertaker noting that the cowboy has ridden off into the sunset. Undertaker is okay with it only because he can’t physically do it at the level that he wants to perform at. If it were up to him, he would do this forever. He came to a place in a life where he can’t go out and half-ass it. He has more respect than just to make an entrance, hit a chokeslam and a tombstone. It’s disrespectful to all the other performers.
He’s finally at a point where he doesn’t need it. He has the passion to do it but doesn’t have the tools to do it.
Undertaker was asked about saying goodbye at Survivor Series, which he revealed will be very difficult.
Steve asked, “what is your legacy and are you satisfied?”
Undertaker: “I’m definitely satisfied. I think that I can walk away from this business knowing that I did things the right way. That I never had to stab anybody in the back. I think that I have the respect of my peers and that’s the biggest thing with me. Having the respect of my peers and knowing that whatever the situation it was always whatever was best for business.” He hopes the fans understand how much it meant to be The Undertaker for them. If he physically couldn’t do it, he would hear the gong and then turn it on.
Steve points to the crucifixion shot on the screen and pours a shot to one of the all-time greats with one of the top careers in the history of the business.
The sheer amount of respect between these two resonates through the screen and covers you with goosebumps. It was one hell of an entertaining conversation that I hope you enjoyed reliving through this detailed recap.
