The Undertaker opened up about the controversial decision to wear snakeskin pants during his match against Kurt Angle at Survivor Series 2000.
Many fans have long believed that The Undertaker, who had transitioned into his American Badass persona, had lost his luggage on a flight which included his ring gear which led him to borrow attire from his friend and fellow wrestler The Godfather.
However, Undertaker revealed that he had planned this attire change in advance of the show, despite facing opposition. In a recent episode of the Six Feet Under podcast, Undertaker recalled his conversation with Terry Anderson, the person responsible for his ring gear throughout his career. He expressed his desire to don python skin pants for the event, believing it would enhance his American Badass character.
However, Anderson firmly advised against it, citing concerns about the pants looking ridiculous on someone of his stature. Undeterred, The Undertaker insisted on his vision, convinced it would be the coolest look he had ever presented.
I remember going to her, I’m the American Badass at this point. I go to her because she was like, ‘Hey, what do you want to do for Survivor Series?’ I said, ‘I want to do python skin pants.’ She looks at me, deadpan, ‘No you don’t.’ ‘They will be badass. Think about it. Snakeskin pants.’ ‘Mark, no.’ ‘Are you kidding me?’ I thought she would love the idea. ‘You’re too big. They will look ridiculous.’ ‘No, this is going to be the absolute coolest look the American Badass has ever presented.’ ‘No, Mark, it’s not.’
As the day of the event arrived, Undertaker realised the gravity of his decision. When he finally put on the snakeskin pants, he couldn’t help but feel that they resembled something that belonged to The Godfather. Despite the doubts and criticism he faced, Undertaker was grateful that the commentary team, including Jim Ross and Michael Cole, showed him respect and refrained from mocking his choice.
That was the one good point of having the respect of JR [Jim Ross], Michael Cole, and those guys. They were so respectful. They could have had a field day with me if they wanted it. I caught some crap that day. A couple of people were like, ‘Are you going to wear those?’
Reflecting on the aftermath, Undertaker acknowledged that even Vince McMahon was taken aback when he saw the pants. McMahon reportedly exclaimed:
There’s no way that can be my World Champion.
Undertaker admitted that it was not his best idea, and the experience taught him a valuable lesson about embracing feedback and considering practicality when making fashion choices.
Also on Six Feet Under, The Undertaker discussed original pans for his final WWE match.
What Other Attire Did The Undertaker Regret Wearing?
Prior to the 1993 Survivor Series, The Undertaker donned a trench coat which had the United States flag inside of it which he said Vince McMahon forced him to wear. Undertaker said that he was not pleased about having to wear that outfit as it wasn’t best for his character at that time.
H/t to Fightful.com