AEW star and pro wrestling veteran MVP recently opened up about his time working alongside WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker during a candid appearance on the acclaimed Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze podcast. Offering rare insight into the locker room dynamics and the legendary “Deadman’s” status among WWE talent, MVP highlighted the respect and leadership that defined Undertaker’s enduring legacy in WWE.
During the interview, MVP described the unique atmosphere surrounding The Undertaker in WWE’s locker room, a place often known for competitive egos and alpha personalities. MVP acknowledged that while some wrestlers might have harbored resentment or dislike, the overwhelming majority admired and respected The Undertaker for how he governed the locker room and led by example.
“Not to say that there weren’t people who didn’t resent Undertaker or didn’t like him, but overwhelmingly he was liked and respected,” MVP stated. He further revealed how working with The Undertaker brought a new level of pressure—not to merely perform well in front of fans, but to meet the high expectations of “The Phenom” himself. MVP confessed, “I got to a point where for me it wasn’t fear about messing up in front of the fans, it was fear about disappointing the person I’m working with, and one of the worst things ever was to come back from a match with ‘Taker, and have him just tell you it was bad, or just disappointment” (Marking Out, H/T Wrestling Inc.)[1][3].
MVP’s reflections underscore The Undertaker’s role not only as a performer but as a locker room leader who expected excellence from himself and others. The “Deadman” served as a go-between for wrestlers and management, a steadying presence who ensured business was handled professionally on all fronts.
Highlighting Undertaker’s legendary work ethic, MVP recalled a particularly striking example from an overseas WWE tour where The Undertaker wrestled against Mr. Kennedy (Ken Anderson) despite suffering from taped ribs. MVP recounted watching the “Deadman” endure visible pain, working around the injury to deliver an exceptional match. “Ken had to work around ‘Taker’s ribs, and ‘Taker had to give the best match that he could give, enduring that pain, and a guy that does that earns your respects; that’s leadership by example”[1][3].
This story exemplifies why The Undertaker is held in such high esteem among wrestling professionals. MVP’s account paints a picture of a consummate professional who prioritized commitment to the craft and to his peers, embodying resilience and dedication that earned him locker room leadership organically.
Beyond his praise for Undertaker’s leadership and in-ring toughness, MVP has also shared his strong opinions on some of the more controversial aspects of The Undertaker’s career, including the infamous end of his WrestleMania winning streak. On the same Marking Out podcast, MVP questioned why Brock Lesnar was chosen to break The Undertaker’s legendary undefeated streak at WrestleMania 30. MVP expressed that in his view, “if anybody deserved to have a streak not be broken, it was The Undertaker for everything he’s done for that company,” referencing Undertaker’s grueling matches performed despite serious injuries such as a crushed orbital bone[2][4].
MVP commended “The Phenom” for his professionalism even in the face of such a drastic storyline decision, noting that The Undertaker could have refused to lose, but chose to honor his commitment: “Anybody could have said, ‘No, I’m not doing it.’ Taker is definitely one that could have done that.” This further cements MVP’s portrayal of Undertaker as a wrestler who balanced personal integrity with the demands of the business.
When discussing wrestler attitudes about losing, MVP shed light on the often fragile egos in the industry and openly criticized those who react unprofessionally to losses. He recounted an unnamed wrestler’s negative reaction to being booked to lose, emphasizing that losing is an essential part of pro wrestling. MVP explained, “it’s your job to lose” and that those who temper tantrum or sulk over losses do not understand the realities of the business[2].
This perspective complements MVP’s respect for The Undertaker, who set a standard that transcended personal feelings and put the team and performance first.
Sources close to MVP emphasize that his reflections reveal not only admiration for The Undertaker but also a deeper appreciation for the demanding nature of professional wrestling, where leadership, resilience, and professionalism define a performer’s legacy. Reports from Wrestling Inc., Fightful, and the Marking Out podcast have all spotlighted MVP’s comments as some of the most insightful wrestler perspectives on The Undertaker in recent years[1][3].
In conclusion, MVP’s vivid accounts from his WWE tenure provide fans and insiders alike with a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to share the locker room and ring with The Undertaker. The “Deadman’s” enduring influence as a leader, worker, and icon continues to resonate throughout professional wrestling, as seen through MVP’s honest and respectful lens.
This article is based on MVP’s recent interview on the “Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze” podcast, with transcriptions provided by Wrestling Inc. Additional context and commentary are drawn from reports on Wrestling News, Fightful, and related wrestling media as of August 2025.