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If a few weeks ago, people were asking what a Boneyard match was, few would have expected that as memorable as it turned out. The match was full of twists and turns with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, making their presence felt and enlisting hooded 'goons' to take on The Undertaker.
The Undertaker, in a return to his American Bada** gimmick, seemed to be in his element as the cinematic presentation covered up the limitations that have started appearing in his aging body. Excellent editing, cinematic music, and usage of props with apt dialogue allowed for a literal 'Cinematic' classic.
Of course, the match does have its roots in The Final Deletion match between Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy on Impact Wrestling. Matt Hardy always believed that this type of pro wrestling match could endear with the right set of characters.
With that said, it does offer intriguing possibilities as to how The Undertaker could continue to work in future WrestleMania or other PPVs. It could become a Network special event. Anything could happen.
Here are 5 Opponents for The Undertaker in future Boneyard matches.
#5 Aleister Black
The idea for the match itself presented several possibilities, and none would be a better fit for it then Aleister Black. The comparisons are quite noteworthy as Black tends to dabble with the dark arts, and a rub from The Undertaker could work in his favor.
It's not necessary that The Undertaker would have to retreat to his biker gimmick every time. The match could be molded to suit the occasion given that a graveyard was present throughout the setting.
There is no doubt that it could make an impact in the short term, assuming that there was a proper build to it. Aleister is a star on the rise and a match with The Deadman would only propel him further.
#4 Finn Balor
This is a dream match in the making. For years, Finn Balor has teased his interest about a match with The Undertaker. While he is currently in NXT, recent events have shown that it is not a barrier to move forward if Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley is any indication.
Seemingly, this match with The Undertaker may have never happened, but the concept for this match opened up several possibilities. And, a few would be hard-pressed not to be jubilant at the idea of it.
Who would have thought that The Demon King could have a competitive match with The Deadman? As noted earlier, the match doesn't need to be specifically gimmick related. It has to have the right set of characters attached to it.
The presentation had a Horror Movie feel to it, and that should provide an idea to fans what Balor could bring to it. While there's no doubting Balor's athleticism, it allows him to enhance his character outside of a four squared circle.
As a bonus, the fans get their dream match, and so does Finn Balor. It'll be interesting to see if it ever happens.
#3 Jeff Hardy
If Matt Hardy hadn't left for AEW, he would have been at the top of this list. But Jeff Hardy has a history with The Undertaker. Think back to 2002 and the excellent match on WWE RAW that The Undertaker had with a young Jeff Hardy at the time in a ladder match. It was possibly one of the best matches in WWE RAW History.
In 2020, the Boneyard match provides intriguing avenues that Hardy could explore. With their in-built history and Jeff's connection to the original Final Deletion match, the storyline tells itself.
Jeff Hardy has proven that he can still move with the best, and his athletic prowess is unmatched. Though he has taken several bumps and bruises over the years, this match could prove to be an elixir for him going forward.
On the other hand, it allows The Undertaker to explore how far he can push himself as he continues to age. In short, the match would make for d*mn good television—the Deadman vs. The Charismatic Enigma would be an entertaining spectacle.
#2 The Fiend Bray Wyatt
While many witnessed this match, the most apparent opponent that many would have thought of was The Fiend Bray Wyatt. The connections are quite visible. The Fiend is supposed to succeed The Undertaker as the most feared presence in the WWE. Moreover, the Boneyard match serves as a way for the pair to face off that will help both their characters well.
While John Cena will be taking on Bray Wyatt in a Firefly Fun House match, the presentation of that is yet to be revealed. If the Boneyard match is any indication, it will have the same cinematic feeling that this one did.
With that said, both Undertaker and Wyatt could have a feud that need not take place in a ring. Their characters are perhaps more suited for something more 'cinematic' filled with stunts, horror movie tropes, and a brawl between two forces of darkness.
Imagine Freddy vs. Jason, but done so much better. The Immovable Object vs. An Unstoppable Force would be how the match would be built. The future couldn't get here sooner.
#1 Sting
With the Boneyard match going down as a hit amongst the fans, WWE may have discovered to deliver on a feud that several people had been waiting on for a long time. Sting vs. The Undertaker has been the rounds for more than 20 years.
The two should have wrestled years ago, but things never quite panned out. With Sting retired from active competition, he can't compete in a ring or take bumps like he used to. But the cinematic nature of the match allows for it to happen.
Imagine Sting not donning the makeup but being Steve Borden and Undertaker just calling him out of retirement to take his one last ride. In this case, one final match that will stand the test of time. Wrestling fans would go giddy at the sheer mention of the idea.
Sting could have a stuntman to take the more severe bumps if required, and a smart cinematographer and action director could be brought in. There are several ways to get around the physical limitations of both men. Perhaps, it's just a fantasy match at this point but never say never in professional wrestling.
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