10 Times WWE Wrestlers Got Burnt To A Crisp
In WWE, burned is better than buried: ask Undertaker, Kane, and Vince McMahon!
For whatever reason, whenever Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt go head-to-head, there has to be fire involved at some level. Such was true at the 2020 TLC Event, which saw 'The Fiend' take on 'The Viper' in the first-ever Firefly Inferno Match.
Taking the gimmick match to a new level, WWE decided to light most of the ThunderDome on fire instead of just the ring apron, which made for a fantastic visual. The final moments of the bout, on the other hand, were much less praised. For better or worse, WWE left its fans shocked when not only did Orton win the contest, but he proceeded to douse his murder clown opponent in gasoline and set him ablaze.
While the match at TLC might have been one of the most graphic Inferno Matches WWE ever produced, it certainly wasn't the only one, and it was far from the only time fans saw a performer burned to a crisp. In fact, they have witnessed numerous performers fall on the wrong side of fire, although many of these occasions were as equally questionable as the events that unfolded at the December pay-per-view...
10. The Undertaker (Royal Rumble - 1998)
The casket match for the WWE Championship at the 1998 Royal Rumble was notable for many reasons. Firstly, it was during the match that Shawn Michaels suffered a back injury, leading to his retirement after WrestleMania. HBK wouldn't face The Undertaker again until 'Mania 25, and then at 26 where he was retired by his menacing foe yet again.
Secondly, the closing moments saw 'The Deadman' fighting off six other wrestlers single-handedly until Kane came out to make the save. Only, 'The Big Red Machine' wasn't necessarily there to help. Instead, he quickly turned on his 'Brother of Destruction,' Chokeslamming him into the casket. Not only did this cost 'The Phenom' his shot at the strap, but it also led to a long hiatus after his red counterpart set the coffin on fire.
For anyone wondering how the trick was done, just pay attention to the positioning of the casket next to the apron and listen to Jim Ross sell his ass off with lines like, "The casket's on fire! The Undertaker is in the casket!" Such remarks were the equivalent of a magician going, "Hey, look here! Not over there!"
Nevertheless, the act of arson made for a terrific display and cemented Kane as the other undead wizard that summoned fire... you know, with gasoline and matches. It also led to the first-ever Evening Gown - nay - Inferno Match at Unforgiven: In Your House, which would go on to be a staple for most of WWE's spooky wrestlers.