Ex-WWE star cried backstage before being replaced for Undertaker spot, JBL recalls

The Undertaker was one of WWE's biggest names throughout his 30-year in-ring career with the company. John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) recently recalled how he once stepped in as a last-minute replacement for Heidenreich in a match involving The Deadman.

Heidenreich worked for WWE between 2003 and 2006. One time, the 55-year-old was supposed to get locked in a casket at a live event. However, his late arrival to the arena prompted an unexpected change of plan.

On Something to Wrestle, Layfield said The Undertaker told him to replace Heidenreich if the wrestler was not in the right frame of mind. The former WWE Champion saw Heidenreich get emotional backstage and immediately decided to take his place:

"He [Heidenreich] goes, 'Man, I'm sorry. I had some problems getting here. I was just late,'" Layfield stated. "I said, 'Okay, all right.' So I'm about to tell him what to do in the match, and I said, 'Okay, here's what you're doing.' And then when I say that, he goes, 'I'm just sorry,' and he starts getting very emotional and crying. I go, 'Okay, you're not going to the ring! You're staying here! Thank God that just happened!'" [1:18:56 – 1:19:16]

Heidenreich held the WWE Tag Team Championship with Road Warrior Animal. He also lost high-profile matches against The Undertaker at Survivor Series 2004 and Royal Rumble 2005.

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How Heidenreich reacted after missing out on spot with The Undertaker

Given The Undertaker's star power, sharing the ring with the WWE icon was viewed as Heidenreich's big breakout moment.

The former tag team champion was determined to be part of the show. However, John Bradshaw Layfield did not want him to compete if he was not emotionally ready:

"He goes, 'No, I gotta go, I gotta go.' I said, 'No, I'm gonna take all the heat for this. I'm making the decision. I'm telling you to stay here, okay? So just stay here.' And I said, 'I'm gonna go to the ring and get put in a casket.'" [1:19:17 – 1:19:28]

Layfield also clarified that Heidenreich is a "good guy" and everyone in the locker room liked having him around.

Do you have any memories of Heidenreich in WWE? Hit the discuss button and let us know.

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Please credit Something to Wrestle and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.