Clint Eastwood remains one of Hollywood’s most recognizable tough guys, with an unmistakable presence that has defined his career. One WWE Hall of Famer seemingly carries that same presence in the wrestling world, so much so that he’s been dubbed the “Clint Eastwood” of professional wrestling.
Legendary commentator Jim Ross has compared The Undertaker to the acting icon on several occasions. One such instance came ahead of “The Phenom’s” WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2022.
“[The Undertaker] is Clint Eastwood, man,” Ross said on the “Grilling JR” podcast. “He is special. His legacy in WWE will never be topped. He’s an extraordinary human, extraordinary talent, his longevity. For a guy his size, to have that kind of longevity and still be productive athletically is nothing short of extraordinary to me.”
Standing at 6’10”, The Undertaker commanded attention with his quiet intensity and in-ring toughness for over 30 years. Under the WWE banner, he enjoyed seven world title reigns and an illustrious WrestleMania streak that reached 21-0 before its first defeat. The Undertaker officially retired from in-ring competition in 2020, just months after he conquered AJ Styles in a Boneyard Match at WrestleMania 36. WWE honored him with a formal Hall of Fame induction two years later.
In the present day, The Undertaker (real name Mark Calaway) serves as the head of creative for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, a Mexico-based promotion which WWE acquired in 2025. According to Ross, Undertaker’s backstage involvement isn’t a surprise, as he’s long proven to be a reliable figure in any setting, much like Eastwood.
“Pro wrestlers, at times, have been known not to be as dependable. ‘Taker was always, he was our Clint Eastwood, our John Wayne,” Ross said. “He was reliable and he was dependable. He had plenty of time to help the talent, so he was a leader in and out of the locker room.”
Like The Undertaker, Eastwood’s work put him in front of and behind the camera. In his case, Eastwood stood out in westerns and action films, such as A Fistful of Dollars and Dirty Harry. His directing work also earned him multiple Academy Award wins.
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