The Undertaker Wins Boneyard Match Against AJ Styles in Historic WrestleMania Showdown

The Undertaker secured a dramatic victory over AJ Styles on April 4, 2020, when the two legends faced off in WrestleMania 36’s inaugural Boneyard Match. The Deadman buried Styles in a grave-yard setting, ending the bout with a decisive burial and marking a rare on-screen showdown between two of wrestling’s most iconic figures.

How did the Boneyard Match come together?

AJ Styles spent the early months of the COVID-19 shutdown hunting opponents for a comeback, pitching ideas to anyone who would listen. After a string of rejections, he reached out to The Undertaker, a Hall of Famer he’d befriended outside the ring. Styles recalled that he “weaseled” his way into a meeting with the legend, hoping to finally earn a match that would sit beside his work with CM Punk and Triple H.

What made the match historic?

The Boneyard Match was the first of its kind, filmed in a cinematic style to accommodate pandemic restrictions. Set in a fog-filled graveyard, the bout blended horror-movie aesthetics with classic wrestling storytelling. The Undertaker, known as “The Phenom,” used his signature darkness to dominate, ultimately dragging Styles into the dirt and sealing the win with a burial that felt like a final chapter for both competitors.

Why does this matter for The Undertaker’s legacy?

The victory added a unique accolade to The Undertaker’s 30-year career, showcasing his adaptability in a new match format. Six years later, the same legend announced AJ Styles’ induction into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame class, underscoring the mutual respect forged during that eerie encounter. The match also reinforced The Undertaker’s reputation for delivering unforgettable moments, even as the industry shifted to virtual productions.

What’s next for The Undertaker?

While The Undertaker has stepped away from regular competition, his involvement in Hall of Fame ceremonies and occasional backstage appearances keeps him in the spotlight. The Boneyard Match remains a reference point for future cinematic bouts, and fans continue to speculate whether the Deadman might return for another surprise showdown.

How did fans react?

Social media exploded with reactions to the burial scene, with many praising the match’s production value and The Undertaker’s ability to command the eerie atmosphere. Critics highlighted the bout as a successful adaptation to pandemic conditions, noting that the blend of storytelling and visual effects set a new standard for WWE’s content.

The Undertaker’s win over AJ Styles on April 4, 2020, therefore stands as a milestone-both a tribute to his enduring mystique and a catalyst for the evolution of wrestling’s presentation.