Joe Rogan Experience #1598 - The Undertaker

Injury Stories

Wrestling is a physically demanding sport, and Mark Calaway shares some harrowing injury stories from his career. He recounts a match against Brock Lesnar where he suffered a concussion, leaving him with no memory of the event, only to later discover an old neck fracture 1. Calaway also describes a severe eye injury where he lost 90% of his orbital floor, narrowly avoiding blindness 2. Despite these injuries, he continued wrestling, highlighting the toughness and resilience required in the industry 3.

   

Rehabilitation

Recovery from such injuries involves extensive rehabilitation, and Calaway discusses his journey through various medical treatments. He underwent a hip resurfacing procedure that allowed him to walk pain-free the same day, a testament to modern medical advancements 4. His shoulder surgery experience was unique, as the doctor was initially unsure if it could be fixed, yet decided to attempt it due to Calaway's resilience 5. Despite these challenges, he acknowledges the physical limits of his body, stating, "At some point, it's gonna say enough's enough" 6.

   

Holistic Approaches

In addition to traditional medical treatments, Calaway explores holistic wellness approaches like yoga and stem cells. He mentions how yoga has helped strengthen his back, reducing pain without the need for spinal fusion 7. Stem cell therapy is another avenue he has explored, although with mixed results, as he notes that some treatments are more effective abroad due to regulatory differences 8. These alternative methods highlight the diverse strategies wrestlers use to maintain their health and prolong their careers.