WATCH: The Undertaker, who once wanted a career in basketball, channels his inner Kobe Bryant in this perfect shot

For better or worse, we know and love Mark Calaway, the man behind The Undertaker, purely for his work in WWE. But the man has many talents hidden behind the character of The Phenom. For example, before going the wrestling route, Calaway was looking to turn professional in basketball. And years later, it seems like he’s reminiscing about those high school days.

The Undertaker is one of the greatest legends WWE has ever seen. His work ethic and love for the sport are evident in the way he wrestles. Additionally, he was one of a select few wrestlers who completely reinvented himself multiple times. From the Deadman to the American Badass, people often compare the Undertaker to the great NBA legend, Kobe Bryant.

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Kobe Bryant was one of the most decorated players in sports history. At his death ceremony, not only basketball fans but also people from all industries came to honor the legend. He was a true trailblazer and redefined what it took to be an athlete.

WWE legend The Undertaker calls out Kobe Bryant while throwing trash in the trash can

The Undertaker was interviewed for his documentary ‘The Last Ride’, in which he abruptly threw something in the trash saying, “I don’t think it takes too big a brain surgeon to figure out what’s going to happen. Kobe.Even WWE chimed in on the joke, tweeting:

We could trace the love of basketball that The Undertaker has had since he graduated from high school. After attending college on a basketball scholarship, Calaway was on the verge of a career in basketball. But when young Mark was presented with an $80,000 contract, he refused and decided to go the wrestling route.

Recreating WWF moments or impersonating Hogan, The Iron Sheik and Roddy Piper, Calaway found his love for wrestling. And we are very happy that he did. Because without The Undertaker, WWE wouldn’t have become the billion dollar company it is today. While Steve Austin and The Rock may have boosted the ratings, The Phenom was right next to them holding the pillars when they left.

WATCH THIS STORY: LeBron James once refused to meet WWE legend The Undertaker despite being on his doorstep

His continued loyalty and discipline to the sport also attracted many wrestlers to join the brand. Not to mention his over the top theatrics with the character of The Undertaker, which brings fascinating characters like The Fiend or House of Black to life.