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It may be safe to say that WWE has outdone itself at this year's WrestleMania. Night 1 of WrestleMania 36 ended with the much-awaited Boneyard Match. This match had the world buzzing even before the event took place, simply because of its name.
WWE didn't disappoint its viewers with the Boneyard Match. The match did live up to its hype and also gave us a chance to relive The Undertaker's biker gimmick. AJ Styles had bitten off more than he could chew and The Undertaker beat him to a pulp and buried him alive to win the match.
The Boneyard Match was one of WWE's unique matches and we couldn't have asked for anything more. A few traditional fans may be disheartened because this match looked more like a movie than a wrestling match or brawl. But given the circumstances the WWE is facing, they've put up more than a commendable effort to send fans home happy after night one of WrestleMania 36.
While the world can't stop talking about this piece of cinematic brilliance by WWE, this match has set the tone for similar matches to come and the future of pro-wrestling.
#5 A deeper build of gimmicks and storylines
Even though this was the first-ever Boneyard Match, wrestling fans have witnessed off-venue matches before. The Ultimate Deletion Match between Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy and even the House of Horrors Match between Wyatt and Randy Orton had paved the path for such a match to take place.
The above-mentioned matches were well received by fans because of one reason: a Superstar's gimmick. These matches need a strong base and there needs to be a compelling story to be told. The reception that the Boneyard Match has gotten is largely due to a near-perfect mix of these two elements.
The setting of the venue and intensity of the match can be attributed to The Undertaker's legacy and AJ Styles' capability of making matches interesting before they happen. WWE needs to build more gimmicks and get fans engrossed in storylines to pull off another match like this one.
#4 The Undertaker gets his stomping ground
The Undertaker has nothing left to prove after thirty amazing years in the WWE. The Phenom has given us countless memories and here he gave us another one. He was the one to give us our first-ever Hell In A Cell match, Buried Alive match, Inferno Match and now the Boneyard Match.
The setting of the Boneyard Match is a unique one and it has so much more potential. This can be a place where The Undertaker gets a chance to build his universe and include different characters to play mind games with his opponents.
Even though The Undertaker returned in his biker gimmick, he portrayed his mystical powers when he appeared behind Styles before The Phenomenal One was going to bury him. This venue could be the place where The Undertaker is portrayed as unbeatable with the perfect cross between strength and mystique.
The Undertaker is easily one of WWE's best creations and WWE wouldn't want to waste a chance to jump in and keep building fans' interest in him.
#3 New era of pro-wrestling
The coronavirus outbreak has forced WWE to make many changes to its schedule and matches. Maybe one of the best outcomes of this situation for the WWE is the success of the Boneyard Match. The match's success is too good an opportunity for WWE to forego.
This match had the perfect mix of characters, storytelling, drama and production value. Such matches would be well received by fans given the right mix. This has to be the future of the business if WWE plays its cards right by not overdoing such matches.
A live audience will be missed in matches like these but it gives promotions a chance to try something new every time and delight fans. An idea such as this one is refreshing whether done right or not. It gives fans a chance to witness something more than locks and holds in the ring.
With time, I hope we see more matches like this one across different promotions with the best of gimmicks,
#2 Annual match
Right after the Boneyard Match ended, Mick Foley was quick to take to Twitter to request Vince McMahon to book him in next year's Boneyard Match. With the reception that the match has gotten, don't be surprised if we see it return next year.
Until WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania was the place where one would challenge The Undertaker to make a name for himself. After The Streak was broken by Brock Lesnar, The Undertaker's appearances at The Show of Shows lacked the excitement that it once did. This is a great way to bring back excitement to the character of The Undertaker.
With time and brainstorming ideas, this match could be bettered with different inclusions and characters every year. This can also be a spot where we see The Undertaker's opponents of yesteryear challenge The Phenom for a shot at redemption.
The possibilities with such a match are endless and if WWE plays its cards right, it does have a winner in the bag. The Boneyard Match may become a mainstay at WrestleMania.
#1 The Undertaker doesn't need to retire
Let's be honest, for the past seven or eight years, we as fans have been worried about The Undertaker's health. This became all too real for most of us when The Deadman faced Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30. WIth every F5, we would cringe and ask ourselves when will this end.
The Undertaker, Mark Calaway, is 55 years old. That is an unbelievable age to be wrestling at. It surely isn't easy. With surgeries the man has gone through, it is time for him to take things slow.
A match such as the Boneyard Match doesn't take place in front of a live audience and thus gives the production team time to reshoot and edit parts it wants to cut out. Something that isn't possible when the match is being telecasted live. This gives The Undertaker the option to wrestle at his own pace.
What was your favorite part of the Boneyard Match? Do you want to see more of these? Let us know in the comments below!
