The Undertaker has looked back at his WrestleMania 34 clash with John Cena, admitting the bout was driven by a need to make up for what he felt was a disappointing outing the year before against Roman Reigns. The match itself ended up being a decisive and brief encounter, with The Deadman putting Cena away in under three minutes.

Speaking on Six Feet Under, Undertaker opened up about how seriously he took the preparation for that night, determined to silence any doubts about his condition and prove he could still perform at a high level.

“That was one of those instances where I had really gotten myself because I was really unhappy with my physical condition against Roman. Because I was, I was really banged up, and I didn’t get in the shape, and I don’t feel like I did for Roman what I was supposed to do. I think I had one of my hips done. And I really had something I wanted to prove. Because I’m even at that point in my career, I’m always like, you know, I want to go out and steal the show.”

Heading into the event, Undertaker admitted his mindset was less about storyline and more about redemption inside the ropes. He pushed himself hard in training camp, preparing for what he believed would be a lengthy, competitive showdown. That expectation changed quickly once he arrived and spoke with Vince McMahon.

“I let the old man know, yep, I’m ready to do this. Let’s go full steam. So I’m training like a freaking maniac. I’m not thinking story as much of redemption, as far as my in-ring. And, yeah, I get there, and Vince goes, ‘Yeah. Three minutes.’ I’m ready. Honestly, I was in shape. I could have done holding my breath. I could have done 25 minutes. So I’m like, wait, like I can’t hear. My whole motivation in which it should have been, you know what, Undertaker and John Cena, first time ever at Mania, which should have been, I’m thinking. All I’m thinking is, like, the last time you were in the ring, you stunk it up.’”

Although he was prepared to go far longer, Undertaker ultimately embraced the creative direction and delivered exactly what was asked of him.

“I’m in a whole different frame of mind. I get there and, yeah, yep, it was perfect.”