WWE legend opens up about dangerous glass incident during iconic Boneyard match with AJ Styles that nearly derailed WrestleMania 36 finale
Wrestling fans remember the final chapter of The Undertaker’s legendary career when he faced AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36 in 2020, but few realize how close that iconic Boneyard match came to disaster. The Deadman has now revealed harrowing details about an injury that forced production to halt for an entire hour during filming of what would become his retirement bout.
Production nightmare unfolds
The Phenom recently discussed the incident on his podcast alongside wife Michelle McCool, who entered the WWE Hall of Fame last year. He described how events turned frighteningly real less than 10 minutes into filming when a significant problem emerged that required immediate attention from medical personnel.
Production crews discovered a triangular glass shard embedded in his arm, forcing everyone to stop work while staff carefully removed the fragment. The injury served as an unwelcome reminder of the previous year’s challenges and the toll decades of performing had taken on his body. The veteran acknowledged feeling particularly amped up during the sequence, admitting his intensity level may have contributed to the incident.
Close call with metal bar
The glass wound occurred during a moment involving a metal bar that The Undertaker wielded during the match choreography. His elevated energy caused him to swing with more force than intended, leading to the injury that threatened to derail the entire production. Styles apparently apologized after the incident, though The Undertaker indicated no hard feelings about what transpired during the intense filming session.
Looking back on the experience, the wrestling icon expressed relief that McCool was not present on set the day they filmed the Boneyard match. He suggested her presence would have resulted in what he colorfully described as a thunder shot, implying she would have reacted strongly to witnessing him injured and bleeding during production.
Body sends clear signals
The former world champion had received unmistakable messages from his body in the years leading up to that final match. Those warnings played a significant role in his decision to conclude his professional wrestling journey after WrestleMania 36. He deliberately chose to end his career following the Boneyard match rather than risk tarnishing his legacy with performances that fell below the standards he set throughout his storied run.
The Deadman repeatedly pushed his physical limits throughout a career that helped transform WWE into a global entertainment powerhouse. His iconic gimmick transcended wrestling itself, becoming embedded in popular culture far beyond the squared circle. That widespread recognition made preserving his legacy even more important as he approached the twilight of his in-ring career.
Continued WWE presence
Following retirement from active competition, The Phenom maintained strong connections with WWE through an ambassador role that keeps him involved with the company he helped build. Industry analysts suggest he continues wielding considerable influence in backstage decisions, which makes sense given his decades of experience and deep understanding of the business.
A legend of his stature naturally deserves consideration when company officials make important strategic choices. Beyond advisory roles, The Undertaker can share his enormous wealth of knowledge with younger talent on the WWE roster who benefit from learning directly from someone who achieved the highest levels of success in professional wrestling.
He has made sporadic appearances since officially hanging up his boots, though these cameos have not involved actual matches. The retired superstar has shown no desire to step between the ropes for competition at this stage of his life, preferring to preserve the powerful memory of how his career concluded rather than risk diminishing it with unnecessary comebacks.
Legacy preserved
The decision to retire after the Boneyard match ultimately proved wise as it allowed The Undertaker to exit on his own terms while still capable of delivering a memorable performance. The unique cinematic style of that final bout masked any physical limitations while showcasing the character’s mystique one last time. Despite the glass incident that temporarily halted production, the finished product became a fitting farewell for one of wrestling’s most enduring personas.
Source: Wrestling News