The late Paul Bearer returned to WWE as The Undertaker's manager at WrestleMania XX. Soon after, Bearer was kidnapped by The Dudley Boyz, who were then the current stooges of Paul Heyman. This was set up in order for Bearer to undergo emergency gallbladder surgery after suddenly developing gallstones. In June 2004 at The Great American Bash, The Undertaker took on The Dudleys while Paul Bearer was encased in a glass 'crypt' backstage, covered up to his chest in cement. Heyman demanded The Undertaker throw the match or Bearer would be suffocated in cement. The Undertaker would go on to win the match but would inexplicably pull the lever that sent cement into the crypt, completely burying Paul Bearer and apparently suffocating him. (This didn't really happen, WWE used pre-recorded footage of Bearer and had a stunt double at the event.) WWE received plentiful complaints after they were accused of broadcasting an apparent murder.
