The Undertaker Says WWE Stars Are Treated on Par with NFL and NBA Athletes

The Undertaker believes that WWE superstars are finally receiving the same recognition and respect as athletes from the NFL, NBA, and other top-tier sports leagues. As WWE enjoys one of its hottest periods in recent history, stars like Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins have found themselves breaking into mainstream circles more than ever before.

Speaking on the Hall Of Fame podcast with Booker T and Brad Gilmore, the Deadman opened up about how the perception of WWE athletes has changed over the years. No longer viewed as sideshow acts, WWE superstars are now considered on par with elite athletes and entertainers from other industries.

“I think the athletes themselves are treated on the same level as the [stars] from the NFL, NBA, and other genres of entertainment,” Undertaker explained. “I think WWE superstars are looked at in that same light.”

He continued, reflecting on the shift in how WWE talent is perceived compared to when he first started his legendary career:

“A lot of times when we came up, we were treated like circus sideshow things. Now, it’s like, ‘Oh, you’re in WWE?’ It’s crazy the people that are fans. Backstage on any given night, you never know who’s going to show up and tell you their wrestling stories. It’s just like, dang, we have an impact on people’s lives.”

The Undertaker’s comments highlight just how far WWE and its superstars have come in terms of mainstream recognition and respect. With WWE talent crossing over into pop culture, sports, and entertainment, the company’s influence is more visible than ever.

Do you agree with The Undertaker’s take on WWE superstars being on the same level as mainstream sports athletes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!