WWE legend Mark Calaway, known as The Undertaker, underwent emergency heart surgery in April 2025, just days after WrestleMania 41. The news was revealed on his Six Feet Under podcast, where his wife and co-host Michelle McCool shared the harrowing experience they faced.
McCool explained that although The Undertaker had been experiencing heart issues for weeks prior, they were only discovered by chance during a routine checkup in March. He was diagnosed with chronic atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition where the heart beats irregularly, which can increase the risk of stroke or heart failure. Despite having no obvious symptoms, Calaway had episodes of shortness of breath that were initially mistaken for minor exertion.
Following the diagnosis, medication failed to stabilize his heart rhythm, leading to a hospital stay of four nights where doctors had to cardiovert him using electric shocks to restore a normal heartbeat. Although the procedure initially worked, the irregular heartbeat returned within days.
Despite medical advice that he should not have traveled, The Undertaker attended WrestleMania 41 weekend in Las Vegas, where he inducted his wife into the WWE Hall of Fame. However, the day after returning home to Texas, he was admitted for emergency heart surgery at 6 a.m.
McCool described the period as terrifying and stressful, revealing that she struggled emotionally during her Hall of Fame induction due to worry over her husband’s health. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, and The Undertaker is now recovering well.
The Undertaker retired from in-ring competition in 2020 but remains active in WWE through his podcast and other appearances. His recent health scare highlights the challenges he has faced behind the scenes while continuing to support the wrestling world.
