AJ Styles landed a career‑defining showdown on April 4, 2020, when he convinced WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker to step into the first‑ever Boneyard Match at WrestleMania 36. The bout, filmed in the empty ThunderDome arena, ended with the Deadman burying Styles, cementing a legendary moment in pandemic‑era wrestling.
How did AJ Styles start pitching legends?
During the COVID‑19 shutdown, most talent were home‑bound, but Styles refused to stay idle. He began a personal quest to line up dream opponents, sending messages to every name he admired. In a candid interview on the Phenomenally Retro Podcast, he admitted jealousy of CM Punk’s résumé and a longing to wrestle icons like Triple H and Shawn Michaels. When those doors stayed shut, he turned to his off‑screen friendship with The Undertaker, hoping the Phenom might finally say yes.
What made the Boneyard Match possible?
Styles’ persistence paid off when he and The Undertaker, with help from Michelle McCool, crafted a cinematic concept that fit the empty arena. The idea was pitched to WWE executives as a way to deliver a marquee match without a live crowd. WWE approved, and the production team built a graveyard set, complete of fog and tombstones, turning the bout into a horror‑film‑style spectacle that aired on WrestleMania’s main card.
What happened during the match?
The Boneyard Match unfolded as a brutal, weapon‑laden brawl. Styles used a shovel, a steel chair, and even a chainsaw‑like prop to keep the fight chaotic. The Undertaker, ever the ominous presence, countered with his signature chokeslam and a final, devastating Tombstone Piledriver that sent Styles crashing into the dirt. The Deadman then covered the grave, symbolically burying his opponent and closing a 30‑year career chapter.
Why does this matter for AJ Styles’ legacy?
Securing a match with The Undertaker added a marquee credit to Styles’ résumé that few modern wrestlers can claim. It demonstrated his ability to shape his own narrative, turning a pandemic‑induced lull into a career‑highlight moment. Six years later, the same Undertaker announced Styles’ induction into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame class, tying their stories together in a full‑circle tribute.
What’s next for AJ Styles?
With Hall of Fame honors on the horizon, Styles is expected to transition into a mentorship role while still appearing in high‑profile bouts. Fans anticipate more cinematic matches, perhaps revisiting the Boneyard concept with new opponents. As the wrestling world watches, Styles’ knack for creating unforgettable moments suggests his influence will linger long after the final bell.