In WWE, it’s typically discouraged for wrestlers to get tattoos without notifying the company first, mainly due to presentation and marketing considerations.
During a conversation with Chris Van Vliet, The Undertaker recalled getting his first tattoo, inspired by The Godfather, who introduced him to tattoo artist Smiling Paul. After a show, The Undertaker decided to get a small tattoo without intending to build a full sleeve. At that time, his wrestling look included large gloves, and he knew Vince McMahon wasn’t fond of tattoos.
When McMahon first saw the tattoo at a WWF event, he was not pleased and confronted The Undertaker, questioning why he didn’t ask for permission and expressing concerns about how it would impact his character. The Undertaker tried to reassure him, saying it wasn’t a major issue, though neither realized tattoos would become a signature part of his look.
Despite McMahon’s initial reaction, The Undertaker gradually added more tattoos over time, starting with smaller pieces on the inside of his arm, carefully expanding his collection in a way that suited his character’s style.
Here’s what The Deadman said:
“The first one was, uh, this guy on the outside here. Kind of a little Undertaker-esque, like a demony, deadman kind of thing. That damn Godfather, man — I didn’t have a tattoo on me until I met him.
I remember he was, uh… this was before he came in as Papa Shango. He was living in Vegas, and I said, ‘Hey man, talk to your guy Smiling Paul. After the show, I’m gonna get a tattoo.’ And he goes, ‘You sure?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, I’m ready to start a sleeve.’ Actually, no — I wasn’t even thinking of a sleeve at that time.
This was back in the era when I had the big gloves, and I knew Vince hated tattoos, right? Then we get to TV, and that’s when Vince saw it for the first time. He was pi$$ed. Oh, he cussed me out like a dog.
‘What in the hell are you doing? You can’t do stuff like that without asking me first! What about your gimmick? What about your character?’ I was like, ‘It’s fine. No big deal.’ Little did anyone know, it would end up being part of my look through the years.
Oh man, he was pi$$ed. Might’ve digressed there with my tattoo story, but yeah, he cussed me out. Told me, ‘Don’t get any more tattoos.’ So I had to be really low-key about it. I did the inside first, then eventually worked my way around.”
WATCH: Sara (Undertaker’s Ex-Wife) In A Bikini – Part 2:
