The Undertaker, one of WWE’s most iconic figures, concluded his illustrious career at WrestleMania 36 in a unique and unforgettable Boneyard match against AJ Styles. This cinematic-styled bout, reminiscent of his legendary Buried Alive matches, marked the end of an era in professional wrestling.
In a recent episode of his “Six Feet Under” podcast, “The Deadman” shared his thoughts on this pivotal match and expressed his deep gratitude for AJ Styles’ role in it. “I don’t think that match happens if it wasn’t AJ because he was just somebody that I wanted to work with,” The Undertaker revealed. “Yeah, I think I put him up there with Shawn [Michaels].”
The comparison to Shawn Michaels is no small compliment. Styles, often likened to Michaels for his in-ring prowess, has garnered admiration from fans and legends alike. “The Heartbreak Kid” himself has cited Styles as a dream opponent for a hypothetical WrestleMania match. The Undertaker echoed this sentiment, imagining how spectacular matches between Styles and wrestling greats like Michaels or Bret Hart would have been. “Holy crap, would those have been great matches,” he remarked, underscoring his respect for Styles’ abilities.
The Boneyard match, a pre-taped cinematic spectacle, allowed The Undertaker to perform at his best, leveraging supernatural elements to enhance the storytelling. This format, necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, was a departure from the traditional in-ring action but proved to be a fitting swan song for the Phenom. Reflecting on the match’s format, The Undertaker acknowledged its significance. “I think everything worked out the way it was supposed to work out for that story,” he said.
Despite the perfect ending to his career, The Undertaker has been candid about the challenges of retirement. While he is content with his legacy and the manner in which he concluded his in-ring career, the transition has not been without its difficulties. The Deadman’s honesty about the struggle to adapt to life outside the squared circle adds a poignant layer to his storied career.
As fans look back on The Undertaker’s final match, it is clear that the bout with AJ Styles was more than just a fight; it was a carefully crafted narrative that encapsulated the essence of his character and career. The Undertaker’s appreciation for Styles and the unique circumstances that led to the Boneyard match reflect a deep respect for the art of professional wrestling and its evolving landscape.
The legacy of The Undertaker is not just defined by his victories and championships, but by the moments that transcended the ring and became etched in the annals of wrestling history. His final bow against AJ Styles in the Boneyard match is a testament to his enduring impact on the WWE universe.