On a recent edition of his “Six Feet Under” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker spoke about WWE’s recruiting strategies from the indies and football combines.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On how WWE recruits talents: “There is a quota of guys they take from independents, but I’m pretty sure the objective now is to hit these NFL Combines, the Big 12 Combines, and get those type athletes, and they do have open workouts, too, they had one in Australia when we were over there a month or so ago [for Elimination Chamber: Perth]. It’s a lot different. It’s another layer of the evolution of the product and the athletes.”
On the players at the Big 12 Combine: “Holy crap. That Big 12 combine I went to, man … when I played high school, we didn’t have running backs, wide receivers running 4.5 [second] 40 [yard dashes] and these guys are 300-pound, 6-foot-6, just motoring.”
WWE Hall of Famer, The Undertaker, recently shared insights into WWE’s recruiting strategies during an episode of his podcast, “Six Feet Under.” The legendary wrestler shed light on the company’s approach to talent acquisition, which includes scouting from independent wrestling promotions and football combines.
According to The Undertaker, WWE has a designated number of spots reserved for wrestlers from independent promotions. However, the company’s current objective seems to be focused on tapping into the talent pool available at NFL Combines and Big 12 Combines. These events provide an opportunity for WWE to identify and recruit athletes with a background in football.
The Undertaker also mentioned that WWE organizes open workouts, such as the one held in Australia during the Elimination Chamber: Perth event. These workouts allow aspiring wrestlers to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot in the WWE roster. This approach signifies a new phase in the evolution of the wrestling industry, as WWE aims to bring in athletes from diverse backgrounds.
Reflecting on his experience at the Big 12 Combine, The Undertaker expressed astonishment at the caliber of athletes present. He recalled witnessing running backs and wide receivers running 40-yard dashes in just 4.5 seconds, a remarkable feat. Additionally, he marveled at the physical prowess of players who were 300 pounds and stood at a towering height of 6-foot-6.
The Undertaker’s podcast episode provides valuable insights into WWE’s recruitment strategies and sheds light on the evolving nature of the industry. By actively seeking out athletes from football combines and organizing open workouts, WWE aims to bring in individuals with exceptional athletic abilities, adding a new layer of excitement to their product.
To learn more about The Undertaker’s thoughts on WWE’s recruitment strategies and hear his podcast episode, you can watch the embedded video above.