The Undertaker Reveals Shocking Origin of WWE’s Iconic Body Bag Gimmick: A Surprising Hall of Famer Behind the Idea
In the annals of WWE records, few characters have left as indelible a mark as The Undertaker. For three a long time, the Deadman has been synonymous with fear, dominance, and an remarkable dedication to his darkish personality. Among the many chilling components of his early gimmick became the notorious frame bag—an eerie symbol of his supremacy inside the ring. Now, in a surprising revelation, The Undertaker has disclosed the surprising source behind this iconic element: none aside from WWE Hall of Famer Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat.
The frame bag became a signature prop in the course of the early Nineteen Nineties, a period whilst The Undertaker was solidifying his legacy as one of WWE’s maximum ambitious forces. After each victory, he would enclose his defeated opponent in a frame bag, a stark representation of his person’s grim undertones. The idea that this sort of macabre function originated from a liked babyface like Steamboat is as sudden as it’s far fascinating.
During a latest episode of his podcast, “Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway,” The Undertaker opened up about the origins of the frame bag idea and the figures in the wrestling international who motivated his storied career. Reflecting on his interactions with fellow wrestlers and the advice he obtained, The Undertaker highlighted the particular views and insights he garnered from industry veterans.
“Guys like Arn Anderson, Bret Hart, and Triple H were instrumental in shaping my understanding of the business,” The Undertaker recounted. “They weren’t necessarily gimmick guys, but their technical expertise and approach to wrestling were invaluable. I always wanted to be more than just a gimmick—I wanted to be recognized as a top wrestler as well.”
In the world of professional wrestling, gimmicks are often the defining element that sets a character apart. Yet, The Undertaker’s aspiration was to transcend the limitations of his supernatural persona, seeking to be acknowledged for his wrestling prowess as much as for his dark mystique. His commitment to this duality—being both a formidable wrestler and a character shrouded in the macabre—led him to seek guidance from those who understood the nuances of the sport.
One such individual was Ricky Steamboat, a name that might seem out of place when discussing the origins of one of WWE’s darkest gimmicks. Known for his clean-cut image and high-flying, technical style, Steamboat’s suggestion to incorporate a body bag into The Undertaker’s act was a stroke of genius that added a layer of fearsome authenticity to the Deadman’s character.
“Ricky Steamboat came up with the idea of the body bag,” The Undertaker revealed with a tone of respect and admiration. “He approached me one day and asked, ‘Hey, did you ever think about doing this?’ I immediately thought it was a genius idea.”
The concept of the body bag was a perfect fit for The Undertaker’s persona. It not only reinforced the character’s narrative of being an unstoppable force who would “bury” his opponents but also left a lasting visual impact on audiences. The image of The Undertaker carrying a lifeless opponent in a body bag remains one of the most iconic and chilling memories from the golden era of WWE.
Steamboat’s contribution to The Undertaker’s gimmick is a testament to the collaborative nature of professional wrestling, where even the most unexpected ideas can come from the unlikeliest of sources. Despite being in the later stages of his career, Steamboat’s creativity and understanding of character development were as sharp as ever. His suggestion added a new dimension to The Undertaker’s act, one that would help cement his status as a legend in the industry.
For The Undertaker, the frame bag became greater than just a prop—it changed into a image of his dominance and an necessary part of his identity because the Deadman. The reality that this concept came from a parent like Ricky Steamboat, a person recognised for his natural wrestling style and easy-cut image, simplest adds to the allure of the tale. It’s a reminder that inside the world of professional wrestling, even the most fearsome characters can be shaped by the creativity and insight of their peers.
As The Undertaker reflects on his storied career, the influence of figures like Steamboat, Anderson, Hart, and Triple H is undeniable. Each of these legends played a role in shaping the Deadman into the iconic figure that fans around the world have revered for decades. And while The Undertaker may have been the face of fear, it was the collective wisdom of his peers that helped him craft a legacy that will never be forgotten.
