The Undertaker Opens Up About the Brutal Moment That Ended His WWE Career—And Why WrestleMania 36 Had to Be His Last Match
The Undertaker’s farewell at WrestleMania 36 felt like a perfectly scripted ending to one of the greatest careers in WWE history. The cinematic Boneyard Match against AJ Styles gave fans a chilling, unforgettable final image of “The Deadman” riding off into the night.
But behind the dramatic presentation, the reality was far harsher than most fans ever realized.
After decades of physical punishment, The Undertaker knew his body was running out of second chances. Rather than risk overstaying his welcome or delivering a performance that fell short of his own legendary standards, he made the call to walk away on his own terms. That decision turned the Boneyard Match into more than just a spectacle—it became his final test.
Speaking recently on his podcast alongside his wife and WWE Hall of Famer Michelle McCool, The Undertaker pulled back the curtain on what really happened during the filming of that match. What looked smooth and controlled on screen was anything but.
Just minutes into the shoot, production came to a sudden halt when a spot involving a metal bar went wrong. The Undertaker revealed that a piece of glass became lodged in his arm after he swung with too much force, forcing the crew to stop filming for nearly an hour so the injury could be addressed. The shard was embedded deeply enough to require immediate attention, turning the night into a far more painful ordeal than fans ever saw.
While AJ Styles later apologized, The Undertaker has since laughed off the moment, admitting he was relieved Michelle wasn’t present for the filming. Seeing that kind of chaos unfold, he joked, might have changed everything.
Even though his wrestling days are officially over, The Undertaker remains a powerful presence within WWE. He continues to represent the company as an ambassador, and his influence backstage is still widely respected. For younger talent, his experience and insight remain invaluable.
As for another match, The Undertaker has made his stance clear: the ring is firmly in his past. And after hearing the true story behind his final WWE performance, it’s clear why walking away was not just the right decision but a necessary one.
