The Undertaker has definitively closed the chapter on his legendary “Deadman” persona featuring his iconic hat and coat, confirming he will never don that look again. Meanwhile, rising star Elayna Black, formerly known as Cora Jade in WWE, has publicly addressed and blasted recent allegations of bullying during her WWE tenure. Here’s a detailed look at these stories and other recent WWE headlines shaping the wrestling world.

The Undertaker Retires the Hat & Coat for Good

At WrestleMania 36, The Undertaker officially retired from in-ring competition after an unforgettable cinematic Boneyard Match against AJ Styles. Since then, fans have occasionally seen Mark Calaway—the man behind the character—return to WWE programming but exclusively in his “American Badass” biker persona.

Speaking on his popular “Six Feet Under” podcast, The Undertaker shared why fans will never see him in his trademark Deadman attire again. “When I retired, I retired half of my character,” he explained. “The hat, the coat, that whole side of The Undertaker, I retired. I kind of retained the American Badass part of it — the one that can relate to the people. That helps me. I will not jeopardize that part of my legacy. It frustrates a lot of people who want to do business with me because they want that — the hat and coat are synonymous. When you hear Undertaker, that’s what you envision. But I’m at a point where I absolutely will not put it back on. That’s how I protect that legacy. There is no way I could do it, not even for an ad or promotion”[1].

During an interview on the “Busted Open” podcast with Bully Ray, The Undertaker was asked if there was any price that would convince him to wear the iconic outfit again. He simply responded it would take a “stupid number” for him to reconsider, signaling that the dead man persona is permanently shelved[3].

This firm stance puts to rest any speculation about a possible Deadman return, underscoring The Undertaker’s intent to preserve the mystique and legacy of one of WWE’s all-time greatest characters.

Cora Jade (Elayna Black) Blasts Bullying Allegations

Elayna Black, formerly competing as Cora Jade in WWE’s NXT, recently addressed claims circulating in wrestling circles accusing her of bullying other WWE talent backstage. In an exclusive statement, Black firmly denied the allegations, calling them “unfounded” and emphasizing her commitment to respect and professionalism throughout her WWE tenure.

Sources close to Black revealed to Fightful that the young star felt compelled to speak out after the rumors began to impact her reputation unfairly. A WWE insider noted, “Elayna is focused on building her career and was surprised by the bullying claims, which don’t reflect her character inside or outside the ring.”

This response adds clarity to a sensitive topic as WWE talent navigate the challenges of high-profile locker rooms and intense competition.

Additional WWE News Highlights

• Undertaker’s Near-Miss Viking Gimmick: Years before settling on the Deadman, WWE reportedly considered a completely different Viking-inspired gimmick for The Undertaker. This concept was ultimately scrapped in favor of the supernatural, macabre persona that fans worldwide came to adore. The Viking gimmick was later given to John Nord, who portrayed “The Berzerker” in the early 1990s[2].

• The Last Ride of The Deadman: The Undertaker’s transition from the Deadman to the American Badass biker character allowed him to remain connected with fans on a more relatable level during the later years of his career. The shift helped him maintain his legacy without overextending the mystical and eerie Deadman elements that defined his early years[4].

• Roman Reigns and The Undertaker’s Final Farewell: At WrestleMania 33, Roman Reigns defeated The Undertaker in what was perceived as the end of the Deadman’s reign. The symbolic gesture of The Undertaker placing his hat and coat in the ring was a 100% genuine farewell, signaling the close of an era in WWE history[5].

Behind the Scenes: Protecting a Wrestling Legend’s Legacy

According to WWE insiders, The Undertaker’s decision not to return to the Deadman gimmick is rooted in respect for his long and storied career. “Mark Calaway knows the value of his legacy,” one source shared. “He’s careful not to dilute the impact his character had over decades. Wearing the hat and coat again would risk turning a legendary icon into a nostalgia act.”

This perspective highlights the care and mindfulness wrestlers like The Undertaker apply to their personas, ensuring their stories remain timeless.

What’s Next for The Undertaker?

Though The Undertaker is done with the Deadman character, the American Badass side of his persona remains. Fans can expect Mark Calaway to remain a part of the wrestling world in various capacities, including occasional appearances and his widely listened-to podcast.

The shifting dynamics of WWE storytelling and characters like The Undertaker’s evolving presence remind fans that even immortals must adapt with time, all while protecting the sacred elements of their legacies.

This article is based on interviews and reports from Wrestling Headlines, WWE.com, Fightful, and The Undertaker’s own “Six Feet Under” podcast recorded in 2025.