The Undertaker is famous for being perhaps the greatest wrestling character of all time. He turned what would’ve otherwise been another lame duck “x-profession-turned-wrestler” gimmick into an incredible success story. The Undertaker was the only 1990s gimmick that survived all the way to 2020 without ever really faltering, and part of that success came from his many special stipulation matches.
Although Undertaker is perhaps most famous for his Hell in a Cell matches, he is just as well-known for his casket matches. Like the HIAC, the casket match fit perfectly with the Undertaker gimmick, which is why he was able to use them in some of his big feuds without them feeling out of place.
Many people have been unfortunate enough to be stuck facing Undertaker in a casket match, but none have had as much trouble as Mark Henry.
Mark Henry discussed “claustrophobic” experience in facing The Undertaker in a casket match
Speaking to Chris Van Vliet, Mark Henry explained that, because of his size, WWE had to construct a special casket to accommodate him. But even still, it was a highly uncomfortable experience, especially since Henry suffered from claustrophobia.
“I don’t [remember the exact dimensions], but it was probably a foot wider than my shoulders. So back then I was 400 something pounds and, you know, I was 62 [inches] in diameter around me, a 62 jacket. And so I mean, it had to be at least 84 Maybe to be comfortable in there.
And when I say comfortable, there’s no such thing as comfortable in a coffin. I don’t know if you’re claustrophobic or not, but I am. And just to be in there for how long I was in there, it was really rough.
And, you know, I tell people all the time that the greatest and the worst moment in my career happened the same night. Having a co-main event at WrestleMania with The Undertaker, and being put in a coffin and having to be in there for like, 16 minutes.”