The Undertaker’s storied career stretches across three decades, filled with iconic moments and legendary clashes. While many matches solidify his status as a wrestling icon, others spark debate and linger in the memory for different reasons.
Bruce Prichard, a current WWE executive, recently reignited discussion about one such encounter: The Undertaker vs. Dudley Boyz at the 2004 Great American Bash Concrete Crypt Match.
This particular match was not just a battle between two teams; it was a test of loyalty with Paul Bearer, The Undertaker’s former manager, trapped in a glass crypt suspended high above.
The stakes were clear: victory meant freedom for Bearer, but defeat condemned him to be entombed in cement. While The Undertaker emerged victorious, his final act sent shockwaves through the audience and remains etched in wrestling history.
Instead of freeing Bearer, The Undertaker, in a shocking turn, activated a lever, unleashing a torrent of cement that sealed Bearer’s fate. This gruesome twist resonated with fans and industry professionals alike, with many questioning its creative merit.
On his podcast, “Something to Wrestle With,” Prichard echoed these sentiments, recalling,
“It was one of those ideas that made you scratch your head and wonder, ‘Who approved this?’ It just didn’t make sense creatively.” He further admitted the logistical complications that arose during execution, highlighting the inherent flaws in the concept.
Adding another layer to the controversy, Prichard revealed Paul Bearer’s tragic inability to hold his breath as long as expected, further amplifying the potential harm.
He concluded by critiquing the various alternative endings proposed, ultimately deeming the entire concept flawed from its inception.
However, the match didn’t just spark controversy; it also generated buzz and discussion. The Undertaker’s recent reaction to Triple H’s “Graveyard Escape” attraction in Saudi Arabia, where fans can experience their own simulated entombment, suggests a certain acceptance of the match’s enduring impact. Perhaps it serves as a reminder of the risks and rewards of pushing boundaries in storytelling, even if the execution falls short.
While The Undertaker gears up for WrestleMania 40 and anticipates the unfolding drama between Roman Reigns, The Rock, and Cody Rhodes, the Concrete Crypt Match continues to serve as a testament to the power of controversial moments in shaping wrestling’s narrative.
It reminds us that even matches with flaws can spark debate, ignite conversations, and ultimately contribute to the ever-evolving tapestry of professional wrestling.
