The passing of Paul Bearer in 2013 was a significant loss for the wrestling world. Known for his iconic role as The Undertaker’s manager and his memorable persona, Bearer’s death left a void in WWE. His passing was also controversially incorporated into the storyline leading up to WrestleMania 29, where CM Punk used Bearer’s death to get under The Undertaker’s skin.
While many believed that WWE had crossed a line by incorporating the deceased manager into the storyline, The Undertaker insists that Bearer would have been all for it. On his “Six Feet Under” podcast, The Undertaker reflected on the controversial storyline and explained why he felt it was not disrespectful.
The Undertaker’s Perspective
The Undertaker described how some people were concerned about discussing Bearer’s passing in the storyline, thinking it might be seen as disrespectful. However, he believed that Bearer would have enjoyed being part of the story even after his death.
“Everybody was a little uptight about bringing that to me, thinking it might be disrespectful. I was like, ‘Are you kidding me?’ Paul would love the fact that even after he’s gone… I don’t think he would have felt like it was disrespectful,” The Undertaker shared on his podcast.
The storyline centered around CM Punk’s attempts to rattle The Undertaker before their match at WrestleMania 29. Punk’s antics included making light of Bearer’s passing and even carrying an urn—Bearer’s iconic prop—during his appearances. Despite the controversial approach, The Undertaker’s win at WrestleMania 29 was his 21st consecutive victory at the event, securing his legendary streak.
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Paul Bearer’s Family Gave Permission
The Undertaker isn’t the only one who felt that Paul Bearer would have embraced the storyline. Bearer’s son, Michael Moody, made it clear that WWE had the family’s permission to use his father’s passing in the storyline. Speaking to TMZ at the time, Moody stated, “We felt that dad would have wanted us at RAW last week and agreed to the angle… We knew Dad wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”
The family’s support added a layer of legitimacy to WWE’s decision to include Bearer’s passing in the storyline. While it was initially met with criticism, the endorsement from Bearer’s family and The Undertaker’s personal perspective helped to ease concerns.
Paul Bearer’s Legacy and Hall of Fame Induction
Although the storyline surrounding Bearer’s passing was controversial, his legacy in WWE remains intact. After WrestleMania 29, Bearer was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame later that year, recognizing his contributions to the industry and his iconic partnership with The Undertaker. The inclusion of Bearer’s memory in the WrestleMania storyline, coupled with his Hall of Fame induction, served as a tribute to his influence on wrestling.
Paul Bearer’s role in wrestling was unique, and his character was beloved by many fans. The Undertaker’s comments on his podcast reinforce the idea that Bearer would have appreciated one last moment in the spotlight, even if it came with a dose of controversy.
