A mourner looks like he’s clinging to his clothes. From his purple gloves and long trench coat to his shirt and rough denim jacket, every outfit has a chance to make his look. One of his most memorable items is his signature hat, which was a big part of his entrance into the ring. However, among all of these iconic looks, there is one look choice that The Undertaker hopes to make history.
Night of Infamy at Survivor Series 2000
In 2000, The Undertaker changed to the “American Badass”, a departure from Undertaker’s previous persona. He would challenge Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship that night at Survivor Series. Instead of wearing his jeans or ring clothes, Undertaker opted for a different look that has plagued him for years: He wore snakeskin pants.
The Origin of the Snakeskin Pants
During a revealing conversation on the podcast “Insight,” The Undertaker, whose real name is Mark Calaway, shed light on the decision behind the snakeskin pants. He admitted that he specifically requested them, much to the disbelief of his gear designer, Terry Anderson.
“It’s one of my biggest regrets. They were horrible,” The Undertaker confessed. “So the rumor for a long, long time was that I forgot my tights, or I forgot my pants and I had to borrow those from The Godfather. They were mine. Terry Anderson, bless her heart, she did all my gear pretty much my whole career… when I told her I wanted a pair of python pants, she went ‘no you don’t.’ I went ‘yes I do.’ I just thought it would be cool looking. They were snakeskin pants. I’m a biker, it didn’t translate well.”
The Aftermath and Lingering Regret
The Undertaker’s decision to wear the snakeskin pants has been a subject of ridicule and regret. He expressed that the pants were so distracting that they tainted his memory of the match against Kurt Angle. Despite the high stakes of the championship bout, The Undertaker finds it hard to appreciate the match due to the outlandish attire.
“I really regret those pants, those are awful, man. I see them every once in a while. They’ll pop up on a feed or something,” he lamented. The decision to wear those pants not only affected his performance but also became a lasting blemish on his otherwise illustrious career.
Reflection on a Legendary Career
The Undertaker’s costume was a big factor in the development of his character. His ability to reinvent himself while maintaining a sense of mystery and terror is unmatched in WWE history. In a career filled with so many popular spots and sports, it’s a common mistake to be disappointed with snakeskin pants.
“The Deadman”
With this show, we see a side of The Undertaker that fans don’t get to see. This shows that even the most famous figures can make decisions they regret, and those decisions can still pay off. The Undertaker’s honest acceptance of his appearance deepens his character, revealing that beneath his exterior is a man capable of contemplation and humility.
The Undertaker’s career has been full of memorable moments, each contributing to The Undertaker’s mythos. Yet even in a legacy like his, there are dark moments. The snake pants performance at Survivor Series 2000 shows that every idol has a weak moment. As a fan, he will appreciate The Undertaker’s victories and want to share his mistakes because it will be better connected and respected.
