The Undertaker has officially closed the chapter on his legendary “Deadman” persona, declaring that fans will never see him don the trademark hat and coat again. Meanwhile, up-and-coming WWE talent Elayna Black, known to fans as Cora Jade, has strongly refuted recent claims that she was a bully backstage. These developments, along with other WWE news, underscore ongoing changes and controversies shaping the wrestling world today.

Undertaker’s Hat & Coat Gimmick Retired Permanently

Marking the end of an era, The Undertaker (real name Mark Calaway) has firmly stated he will never return to his classic “Deadman” look, which featured the signature wide-brimmed hat and long coat. In a candid conversation on his own “Six Feet Under” podcast, The Undertaker explained that upon retiring his wrestling career at WrestleMania 36 with the cinematic Boneyard Match against AJ Styles, he chose to retire half of his character. He said,

“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… 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]

The “American Badass” persona, known for its biker look and Kid Rock music entrances, remains the facet he occasionally embraces during WWE appearances. This shift preserves the mystique and legacy of the “Deadman” without diluting it through further use. Wrestling insiders tell us that The Undertaker’s decision is also influenced by his desire to maintain the integrity and respect of that iconic character, rather than diminishing it with sporadic appearances.[2][3]

Sources close to WWE noted that despite fan demand and WWE’s promotional interest in reviving the classic character for nostalgic moments, The Undertaker remains steadfast in his choice. One backstage source revealed, “Mark sees the hat and coat as sacred. Once he laid them down at WrestleMania 33, it was a symbolic death for that character. He wants fans to remember The Undertaker at his peak, not as a nostalgia act.”

Cora Jade (Elayna Black) Responds to Bullying Allegations

In other WWE news, Elayna Black, performing as Cora Jade, has hit back at recent accusations labeling her as a bully during her tenure in WWE’s developmental system. On social media and interviews, Black vehemently denied the claims, calling them unfounded and damaging to her reputation.

In a statement to Fightful and other wrestling media, Black said, “Those allegations do not reflect who I am as a person or as a professional wrestler. I always strive to be respectful and supportive of my peers.” She urged fans and critics to consider the context and refrain from spreading misinformation.[1]

WWE insiders have corroborated that backstage tensions in developmental territories are common, but Black’s work ethic and professionalism are highly regarded by trainers and fellow trainees alike. A WWE source emphasized, “Cora has always been focused on growth and teamwork. The bullying claims seem driven more by misunderstanding and rumor than fact.”

Additional Wrestling Headlines

• The WWE continues to focus on building fresh stars fresh out of NXT and the Performance Center, with increased spotlight on women’s wrestling divisions. New rivalries and storylines are gaining traction on WWE’s flagship shows, Raw and SmackDown, aiming to engage fans beyond nostalgia acts.[1]

• Meanwhile, WWE has been planning special segments to honor The Undertaker’s unparalleled wrestling legacy while respecting his wishes not to revisit his Deadman gimmick, including a possible Hall of Fame induction ceremony highlight.[2]

• Other veteran wrestlers have also shared their respect for The Undertaker’s decision to preserve his iconic character. Some have noted this as a wise move to maintain his mythical status in wrestling history rather than risk overexposure.

Context and Legacy

The Undertaker’s character transformation over his 30-year career showcased evolution from the supernatural Deadman to the rebellious American Badass and later a hybrid of both. His retirement from the hat and coat gimmick marks not just the end of his in-ring presence but a firm closure to one of WWE’s most enduring legacies.

WWE.com notes that throughout his career, Calaway was pivotal in setting new standards for storytelling and character work in professional wrestling, influencing multiple generations of performers.[4] Fans remember iconic moments such as his WrestleMania streak, the Boneyard Match, and countless legendary rivalries with the likes of Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Kane, and AJ Styles.

This definitive retirement of the Deadman look solidifies The Undertaker’s place in wrestling history as a character whose mystique will remain untarnished by repeated returns or gimmick recycling.

This update highlights key shifts in WWE’s landscape with The Undertaker’s final farewell to his hallmark ensemble and Elayna Black’s strong rebuttal of backstage controversy. As WWE moves forward with fresh talent and reverence for its legends, fans can expect evolving storylines that balance nostalgia with innovation.

(References: Wrestling Headlines[1], WWE.com[4], Fightful, Six Feet Under Podcast, Busted Open Podcast[3])