Current AEW Star Recalls The Undertaker’s Surprising Advice to Leave Wrestling
In a candid revelation, Paul Wight, a prominent figure in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), shared that the legendary wrestler The Undertaker once advised him to consider leaving the wrestling business when he was just starting out. Despite this discouraging counsel, Wight persevered and ultimately achieved legendary status in the industry.
After his successful run in WCW, Wight transitioned to WWE, where he found himself sharing the locker room with some of the biggest names in wrestling history, including The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and, of course, The Undertaker. This experience was invaluable, as it taught him the importance of resilience and the need to develop a thick skin in a highly competitive environment. He learned early on that seeking validation and praise from others was not a path to success.
In an interview with Downunder The Ring, Wight discussed his approach to mentoring younger talent in the industry. He emphasized that he refrains from offering compliments or “atta-boys” when approached for advice. Drawing from his own experiences with The Undertaker, Wight explained that he believes in delivering honest and constructive criticism rather than empty praise. He remarked, “Sometimes you tell talent things and they’re not looking for information; some talent are looking for atta-boys and a pat on the back. I don’t do atta-boys, I don’t pat you on the back. Most everybody that knows me, when they come to me about business, I’m just as brutal and hard to them as Undertaker was to me when I started. ‘Cause I didn’t get pats on the back from Undertaker.”
Wight recounted a specific instance when he sought affirmation from The Undertaker, hoping for guidance to improve his performance. Instead, he received a surprising and blunt response. “Taker used to tell me all the time, ‘Take three weeks off and quit the business,’” Wight shared. He recalled the moment he approached Taker, asking for feedback, and how he was met with a dose of harsh reality. “I was like, ‘Hey, man, I just see anything I can improve on?’ That there typical young guy bullshit. He goes, ‘Yeah, I know something you can do. You can take three weeks off and quit the business.’”
This exchange illustrates the tough love approach that The Undertaker is known for, a method that has shaped many successful careers in wrestling. Rather than sugarcoating feedback, The Undertaker encouraged Wight to reassess his commitment to the business, which ultimately propelled him to prove himself and grow as a performer.
Today, Paul Wight is a respected figure in wrestling, not only for his impressive in-ring abilities but also for the wisdom he imparts to younger wrestlers. His experiences with The Undertaker have influenced his mentoring style, reinforcing the idea that genuine growth often comes from facing difficult truths rather than seeking comfort. Wight’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the challenges and triumphs that define a successful career in professional wrestling, illustrating that perseverance and resilience are key to achieving legendary status in this demanding field.
