Joe Rogan is known for his outspoken opinions and willingness to candidly discuss controversial topics on his hugely popular podcast. However, there was one instance where Rogan seemed to hold his tongue when presented with the opportunity to truly let loose on professional wrestling in front of one of its biggest legends – The Undertaker.
The interaction occurred during Rogan’s interview with The Undertaker As a lifelong wrestling fan, The Undertaker spoke passionately about his storied career and the demands of being a top performer in WWE for over 30 years. Rogan, an ardent supporter of legitimate martial arts and combat sports, has frequently criticized the scripted nature of pro wrestling in the past.
However, when face-to-face with The Deadman himself, Rogan opted for a more diplomatic approach. While he poked fun at some of wrestling’s overly theatrical elements, he repeatedly commended the incredible athletic ability, demanding schedule, and willingness to sustain real injuries that elite wrestlers like Undertaker exhibit.
Rogan seemed almost in awe recounting Undertaker’s infamous concussion injury during his WrestleMania match against Brock Lesnar, where a legit knocked out Undertaker was rushed to the hospital thinking he had broken his neck. Despite his personal misgivings about the predetermined nature of wrestling storylines, Rogan displayed respect for the very real physical toll.
The tension of Rogan striving to validate his guest’s life’s work while struggling against his instinct to bluntly discredit it as “fake” made for a fascinating dialogue.
In the end, Rogan’s niceties won out over his trademark contrarian tendencies out of deference to The Phenom sitting across from him. It was a rare example of the UFC commentator explicitly holding back his most controversial punches. But considering the fact that UFC’s parrent company acquired the WWE it’s not surprising Rogan would soften his stance on, so called, sports entertainment.