In an unexpected collaboration that bridges the worlds of football and professional wrestling, Genoa Football Club has partnered with WWE legend Mark Callaway, better known as The Undertaker, to present their new black third kit for the 2024/2025 season.
This marketing move comes as Genoa, under the management of Alberto Gilardino, seeks to expand its brand internationally while also focusing on improving their on-field performance in their battle for Serie A survival.
The partnership was teased when The Undertaker followed Genoa’s social media channels, creating buzz among fans. The American wrestler, who has been a prominent figure in WWE for over three decades, posed with Genoa’s new yellow and black third kit, an image that quickly went viral.
Genoa’s official website released a statement about the collaboration:
“The entertainment thread, including music, artists, and athletes, is enriched with wrestling champion Undertaker. He’s in the pantheon of ring legends in a beloved and transgenerational sport. Photos of Mark William Calaway, his real name, wearing Genoa’s third kit are circling the globe with the firepower of social media and millions of views.”
The club drew parallels between their recent partnerships, mentioning:
“A few months ago, it was singer and actress Rita Ora who conveyed her beauty and the charm of the commemorative jersey, created for the 130th anniversary of the oldest football club in Italy.”
Describing The Undertaker, the statement continued:
“Ding-dong. A life in the ring before a well-deserved retirement and a couple of thunderous returns. An illuminated place in the Hall of Fame. Crowns of titles around his neck like not even a pride of lions. The aura of a hero, of these and other times, travels on shoulders that speak for themselves. Ladies and gentlemen, here’s Undertaker. The man himself. Posing with the jersey after that wink, read ‘follow’, squeezed towards Genoa’s Instagram channel.”
The club emphasized The Undertaker’s legendary status:
“There are those who live seven lives in one, with the blessed reputation of ‘gravedigger’. Yes, that’s the literal translation of his nickname. His story, his face, his 140 kilos, his popularity, are immortalized in films and documentaries, video games and events. Big is big. Also to create (another) bridge with overseas.”
