Undertaker Recognizes AJ Styles as the Shawn Michaels of This Era

The final showdown between The Undertaker and AJ Styles in the cinematic Boneyard Match at WWE WrestleMania 36 left an indelible mark on both men’s legacies. Although their encounter didn’t follow the traditional squared circle format, it didn’t diminish The Undertaker’s admiration for AJ Styles, both as a performer and as a person.

In a recent Patreon-exclusive Q&A edition of his Six Feet Under Podcast, Mark Calaway, known as The Undertaker, didn’t hold back in praising AJ Styles, likening him to the iconic Shawn Michaels of his generation. Calaway commended Styles’ exceptional skills in the ring and his character outside of it.

“[AJ Styles] ticks all the boxes,” remarked The Undertaker. “While I don’t know if there will ever be another Shawn Michaels, AJ Styles possesses the ability to work seamlessly with anyone. Despite not being physically imposing, AJ can elevate any opponent and deliver a convincing, top-notch performance.”

Reflecting on the missed opportunity to face Styles in a traditional match, The Undertaker expressed his deep respect for Styles both personally and professionally, citing this as a driving force behind the creation of the Boneyard Match.

“That’s kind of the reason why the whole Boneyard match happened is because I didn’t get a chance to work with AJ and that lured me. I really do [hold him in such high regard] as a human being and as a performer.”

As the conversation turned to hypothetical matchups, The Undertaker envisioned a clash between Shawn Michaels and AJ Styles in their primes, confident it would have been a show-stealer.

“They would have torn the house down. That matchup would undoubtedly have been a five-star spectacle.”

Since his last official match at WrestleMania 36 in 2021, The Undertaker has maintained a presence in the wrestling world, making appearances such as his cameo at WWE WrestleMania 40 to support Cody Rhodes in the main event. Despite stepping away from the ring, his impact and insights continue to resonate within the wrestling community.

What are your thoughts on The Undertaker’s praise for AJ Styles and his comparison to Shawn Michaels? Do you agree that Styles possesses the ability to work seamlessly with anyone, much like Michaels did? How do you think their hypothetical matchup would have played out? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!