10 Secrets Behind WWE Magic Tricks

10. The Royal Rumble 1998 Fire Spot

At the 1998 Royal Rumble, the Undertaker successfully defended the WWF title in a Casket match against Shawn Michaels (which, infamously, was the match in which Shawn clipped the lid and destroyed his back, and after which was thought forever retired). 

In the post-match angle, Kane and Paul Bearer, after interfering and costing their storyline relative, dragged the casket back up the entrance ramp. Then, with ‘Taker ostensibly still inside it, Kane took an axe to the casket before setting it ablaze. 

Well, that’s yer Undertaker deid. 

Except, no. The Dead Man did not die; if you watch closely, the casket was positioned directly against the ring apron. Ironically, when Kane and Bearer locked down the casket, literally sealing ‘Taker’s fate, they were actually protecting him through misdirection. The time it “took” to make sure ‘Taker could not escape actually allowed him to escape through a gimmicked trapdoor. 

The Undertaker hid under the ring as the stunt was performed next to the set. 

In an additional spot of trivia, Kane didn’t just use an axe for the extra dramatic effect; he did this so that the fire could interact with more oxygen, which supports the chemical processes that occur during a blaze.