The WWE’s “The Last Ride” documentary series provided an in-depth look at the end of The Undertaker’s legendary wrestling career. The show chronicled the highs and lows of his last few years in the sport, as he contemplated retirement after three decades of wrestling. The series also highlighted Undertaker’s intense workout routines, including a viral video where he throws something towards the trash and utters the name “Kobe” in reference to the late NBA superstar Kobe Bryant.
Undertaker recently spoke about the inspiration he drew from Bryant’s mindset during an interview with 98.5 The Bet Las Vegas. The WWE Hall of Famer praised Bryant’s work ethic and his refusal to accept defeat.
“I just always loved his mindset man. He was a grinder and I always tell people ‘never be content, never be satisfied,’ and he was never satisfied with anything that he did. I just loved it, what he expected from his teammates and what he poured into the Lakers. He was just what I embody a professional athlete to be. He was just a dog man, I appreciate that in people. People that won’t accept defeat and when you do get a setback, to grow from it and come back strong and I always felt that from him.”
The Undertaker
Undertaker also confirmed that he did make the shot in the viral video, dispelling any theories that the camera cut was intended to hide his miss. Despite spending 30 years in the WWE, Undertaker had a background in basketball, having played the center position at Texas Wesleyan University. In fact, he turned down an $80,000-a-year contract in France to continue pursuing his wrestling career.
Undertaker has been known to attend NBA games in full “Deadman” attire, including a Cleveland Cavaliers game in 2016. The wrestling icon’s appreciation for Bryant’s mindset and approach to sports is a testament to the lasting impact that the late basketball superstar has had on athletes across all sports.
H/T to Ringside News
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