Even those with only a passing acknowledgement of the wrestling industry have heard of The Undertaker. Real name Mark Calaway, his persona as The Deadman has dominated the sports-entertainment scene for the better half of three decades, storming through his fair share of highs and lows, this WWE produced documentary, The Last Ride, is a treat for fans of the industry, detailing what could be Calaway’s final years of strapping up his boots and entering the squared circle. For even the most wavering of wrestling fans, the ones who hadn’t touched the product in years like myself, The Last Ride was a tantalising opportunity to dig deep into the life of a childhood favourite, and to see not just the impact he has had on the industry, but what the industry has done to his life.
It’s rather upsetting, frankly. Over five, hour-long episodes (and a bonus episode which feels closer to filler than anything else), The Last Ride dedicates itself to documenting the alleged final years of The Undertaker’s career. He’s hinted at retirement time and time again, but nobody truly believes it. Seeing him go out on his back at Wrestlemania 30 would’ve been the expectation, but six years later and he was still appearing in matches, not just on the grandest stage of them all, but at other events also. These moments are documented well, showing the controversial training Calaway utilises to get himself in shape before matches, highlighting not just the physical pain, but the mental strain on him and his loved ones.
The Last Ride lacks the focus necessary to bring together the final years with the rocky start, though, and for history buffs that want to know more about the Undertaker as a character, you may feel a tad short-changed. A plethora of interviews are the main draw, with Calaway speaking candidly about how he feels the industry treats him, what his thoughts on retirement are, and a whole slew of questions hardcore fans will be dying to hear. Surprisingly frank and honest discussions, they feel straight to the point and don’t mince words for the sake of saving face or defending the actions or inactions of others.
There are tear-jerking moments, for me, they pulled out waves of nostalgia, memories I thought I had completely lost. The Last Ride compelled an inkling of interest in wrestling once again. It’s a documentary that is keen to show that there’ll be nobody quite as incredible as The Undertaker, a character that should have been doomed to fail managed to get over with fans, in an industry where the shift from comic book superpowers to black trunks and spiteful attitudes was in full effect. It’s impressive that the character survived for so long, let alone became one so synonymous with the WWE brand. The Last Ride may not focus on this aspect of the character, but it opens up under the preconceived notion that viewers will know, and love, Mark Calaway.
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