STW - Paul Bearer [Show Notes] (Patreon)

Paul Bearer

William Moody was born on April 10th, 1954, in Mobile, Alabama.

When did you first meet Mr. Moody?

William started off as a fan from a very young age, because both of his parents were wrestling fans, so he literally grew up with wrestling. 

William wrote in his biography on his website, PercyPringle.com - I remember that my Mom and Dad would take me to the local “Wrestling Live On Channel 5” studio television tapings. Needless to say, it was love at first sight 

Did you ever talk to William about his love for wrestling growing up?

William wrote - I remained a wrestling fan throughout my childhood, however my fascination really took off when I received my driver’s license and I was able to go to the matches by myself around the Gulf Coast area. If there was wrestling in town I was there, becoming a fixture at Mobile’s old Ft. Whiting Armory. When Gulf Coast Wrestling moved to the Mobile Municipal Auditorium (now known as The Civic Center), I moved right along with them, missing only a handful of events in seven years. 

Talk about wrestling during those days. Wrestling was huge in the Florida panhandle area back then, which is the area that William was referring to. Did you ever spend any time in those areas?

William started shooting photos for wrestling magazines as well as the local program for the matches in Mobile, which got him in the door at a time breaking into pro wrestling was very difficult. He also hung around at the matches with four other friends, who all had goals of making it in pro wrestling. One of whom became his wrestling cousin, Marcel Pringle, a long-time Alabama independent wrestler, who he managed for years. 

William wrote -  Naturally as time passed I eventually got to know many of the wrestlers, as well as the front office personnel. Four other area young men shared the same dreams as I did. Coincidentally, they all eventually made it into the wrestling business and three are still active in the business today. “Marvelous” Marcel Pringle, my wrestling cousin, is well known in Gulf Coast independent wrestling circles. 

Michael Hayes, one of The Fabulous Freebirds, currently works on the creative team for World Wrestling Entertainment. Robert Gibson gained fame as one-half of the tag-team known as The Rock and Roll Express and currently wrestles on the independent circuits. John Frenkle III, known as “Hollywood” John Tatum, retired from the ring and now manages his Family’s business at The Pensacola Florida State Fair.

Since photography was one of my hobbies, I was able to get my foot into the wrestling door as a ringside photographer. I furnished photos for the arena program, wrestling magazines and even the Mobile Register newspaper. As time passed, I picked up a few wrestling lessons from Gulf Coast Wrestling Legends. I have many heroes that are now my friends, such as the late Lee Fields and his son Ricky, Terry Lathan, Ken Lucas, Cowboy Bob Kelly, Don Fargo, Mike “The Hippie” Boyette, the late Tony “The Medic” Gonzales, The Wrestling Pro and there

Did William or Michael ever share any stories about their younger days as friends?

William wrote - When I was five, my Dad was transferred to Bogalusa, Louisiana. I went to Annunciation Catholic School there from Kindergarten to the 6th grade. In the 7th grade we returned home to Mobile, where I continued my education in the Catholic School system, attending St. Dominic’s Elementary School, and graduating from McGill Institute in 1972. 

After graduation, I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, completing basic training at Lackland AFB, in San Antonio, TX. I was stationed, at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS for the entire four years of my active duty enlistment, as the Vietnam War was winding down. Following active duty, I served an additional two years in the inactive Air Force reserves. Fortunately I was able to continue my addiction with the world of professional wrestling, along with another occupation that few people are aware of. I am a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. Licenses which I maintain to this very day. 

A lot of people might not realize that the future Paul Bearer actually was a funeral director in real life. Talk about William's experiences in that and in the Air Force

William wrote - I was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1976, and immediately went to work as a licensed apprentice Funeral Director/Embalmer at Mobile’s old Higgins Mortuary. At the same time, I attended night classes at The University Of South Alabama, and wrestled whenever I could. It was during this time that I met Dianna Lynn, whose family had moved to the Mobile area from East Liverpool, OH 

Did you ever meet William's wife? She courageously battled breast cancer, she beat it twice, but unfortunately it returned. Sadly, she passed away on January 31st, 2009.

They had two sons together, Michael and Daniel. Daniel wrestled on the independent circuit as DJ Pringle. 

William wrote about his family - Michael, our eldest son, is married and is working in medical computer programming. He and his wife Beth, presented us with our first Grandchild Troy Mitchell, on April 11, 2003. Tragically, Troy passed away the next day. 

On a happier note, Grace Elizabeth Moody was born at 1:20 pm, on July 26, 2004; and her little sister, my third granddaughter, Hope Abigail entered this world 7-years later on May 19, 2011.

Daniel, our youngest son, is also married, his lady's name is Jami, and they live in the Pensacola, FL area. They had our second grand-daughter, Danielle Marie, on Valentines Day 2008. Daniel works in private security, and also wrestles on the local Gulf Coast independent circles as "D.J. Pringle."

My parents live in West Mobile, and I also have a sister, as well as many other relatives and friends in the area. I lost my brother "Bubba" to brain and lung cancer on October 28, 2006.

Did he ever talk to you about his family?

William wrote - My actual pro wrestling debut came in June 1974, wrestling as “Mr. X”, in Greenville, AL. Yes, I actually wrestled for a few years. I even went as ‘The Embalmer’ and ‘The Mortician’ for a while, wrestling in southern independent organizations. In those days they called them outlaw groups. But it didn’t take me too long to realize that managing was the place for me to be. My first big break in wrestling came on April 10, 1978, in Vicksburg, MS. 

Thank goodness I made quite an impression on Promoters George Culkin and Frankie Cain (The Great Mephisto). I was asked to come to Biloxi’s then brand new Mississippi Coast Coliseum the very next night. That night, I went to the ring with a tag team known as The Mongolians, and manager Percival Pringle III was born! I immediately put my college education and Funeral Service on hold, and went on the road living my wrestling dreams. 

Did you ever see William wrestle in his early days in the business?

About the same time I married the love of my life Dianna, on December 22, 1978. Then on July 28, 1979, the day after returning to the U.S. following a five-week tour of Japan, my first son Michael Thomas was born. What a wake-up call that was, I soon realized that along with the extra responsibilities of being a father, I needed a solid career to fall back on. Eventually, I quit wrestling full time, and returned to the funeral profession and college. 

William wrote - Graduating on The Dean's List, I received my Degree in Mortuary Science, and Funeral Director/Embalmer’s Certification from San Antonio College, in San Antonio, Texas. By the way, I still maintain my Funeral Service licenses to this very day. While in college, attending class during the day, I worked at night and on the weekends at San Antonio's premier Funeral Home, Porter Loring. Being the largest facility in the "Alamo City," I received plenty of experience in all areas of the industry.

Did William ever share any stories about working in a funeral home?

William wrote - On January 15, 1985, I returned to wrestling full time. Taking the wrestling world by storm, my flamboyant antics entertained fans in the Florida Championship Wrestling area, and with The Von Erich Family’s World Class Championship Wrestling Association in Texas. Through the years I have been fortunate enough to be associated with more than 40 of the top names in the business.

Such as, The late “Ravishing” Rick Rude, The Assassin, Blackjack Mulligan, Matt Borne, Buzz Sawyer, The Great Kabuki, Eric Embry, and the list goes on and on. Notwithstanding managing Lex Luger, in Lex’s first pro wrestling match; The Dingo Warrior, later to be known as The Ultimate Warrior; and “Sugar Bear” Harris, well known as Kamala “The Ugandan Giant”. 

I was also proud to be instrumental in another young man’s career, Steve Williams, known as Stone Cold Steve Austin. Believe it or not, I even managed The Undertaker in his first professional match at The Sportatorium against Bruiser Brody. At that time he was called ‘Texas Red’. A complete list of the wrestlers that I have been associated with can be found in the STORY TIME ARCHIVES of this website. While in Dallas, my youngest son Daniel Joseph was born on January 8, 1987. 

How amazing is that, that William actually managed the future Undertaker in his first match against the legendary Bruiser Brody

William also managed Lex Luger, in Lex's first match

William worked with a lot of future legends of the business. Did he ever share any stories with you about the early days in the buisness of any of those guys? 

William wrote - In 1989, I co-authored a book with Dennis Brent called, "Inside Secrets on How to Enter the Exciting World of Pro Wrestling!". The book became very popular during that time, and can still be found on Ebay now and then.

I enjoyed 5-years as the writer and publisher of the WCCW and USWA programs that were sold at the live events. Few fans knew that I handled all of the merchandising, as well as The WCCW Fan Club. I even ventured into promoting my own shows in many Texas and Oklahoma venues. 

Also, during Paul's time in WCCW, he wrestled Chris Von Erich, when Chris started wrestling. He even wrestled a tag match once, teaming with Steve Austin to take on Chris Von Erich and the man who trained Steve for wrestling, Chris Adams

What did you think of Chris Von Erich being a professional wrestler? Chris was about 5'3”. It's been said that his growth was stunted because of asthma medication that he had to take during his life

After being a babyface to the fans as a television announcer and working with the promotion, he was brought back as a babyface manager of Eric Embry when Embry booked and built the promotion around himself in the angle where they turned the World Class promotion heel. Embry and Pringle rebelled against the promotion, building to an angle where they were allowed to destroy all mentions of the company and change its name to being affiliated with USWA, at the time Jerry Jarrett was running things. 

What was your feelings on USWA buying WCCW. Did you think they had a chance to make it, or do you think it was a World Class territory and nothing USWA could do would replace WCCW in those fans eyes?

From there, William got the call to come to the World Wrestling Federation

At the time, you were managing The Undertaker, he had just debuted at the Survivor Series 1990, with you as his manager.

First talk about how you became his manager

Why was it decided to end that pretty quickly?

Why was it decided to have William come in and become Paul Bearer

Bill wrote about him coming to the WWF - I called my friend “Ravishing” Rick Rude, who was working for the WWF at the time. I told Rick exactly what was going on in my life, and that I planned on moving back home to Alabama and go back to work in the funeral industry. He was very sympathetic, and asked me not to make any quick decisions. In fact, Rick told me that he would call me back before the end of the day.

When we talked again a couple of hours later, he said “Vince wants you to call him at home.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Now, let me know what he has to say.” Rick concluded. I immediately fell back onto the sofa, dropping Vince McMahon’s telephone number to the floor. 

After about twenty minutes, I finally realized that it wasn’t a dream, and gathered the strength to dial Mr. McMahon’s private home number.

“Where have you been all these years?” I remember Vince asking me, and after some small talk he told me that he would certainly like to meet with me after the holidays. The conversation still didn’t solve my Christmas problems, but I did have a sleepless night thinking that I may finally make it to “The Fed”.

Early the next morning, my phone rang, and it was Mr. McMahon’s right hand man, Pat Patterson. Pat wanted to know if I could catch an early afternoon flight to New York, because Vince wanted to see me sooner than expected. Of course, my answer was positive, and he provided the flight information I needed. Things were happening so quickly, I could hardly digest them.

Darkness was falling over the New York skyline as my American Airlines jet made it’s way into John F. Kennedy Airport. As I walked down the jet way, I spotted a well-dressed gentleman holding a card with my name written across it. I identified myself; he took my bag and told me to follow him to my limousine. “Limousine! Hell, I don’t even own a car.” I thought to myself.

I actually felt like I was one of the Beverly Hillbillies as the limo driver took me through New York City and into Connecticut. Finally, we arrived at a majestic five-star hotel in Stamford, where I was whisked away to my penthouse suite. I wasn’t in the room five-minutes before my phone rang, and it was Pat Patterson. “Percy, Vince want to see you at 10 o’clock in the morning.” Pat told me, “I’ll pick you up at 9:45. In the meantime, you can eat, drink, and do anything you want to do. Just sign your name, it’s all courtesy of Titan Sports.”

To say that I was nervous is an understatement. I was scared to death, as I entered Vince McMahon’s office the next morning. Which, by the way, was my wedding anniversary, December 22, 1990.

We talked about everything under the sun. It didn’t take long for Vince to make me feel right at home. As he looked over my resume, he began to laugh. I didn’t have a clue what was going on. “You have a degree in Mortuary Science?” 

Mr. McMahon questioned me, “This is just too much.” Little did I know that they were looking for a manger for The Undertaker, and Vince wasn’t aware that I had a background in Funeral Service, as well as being a wrestling manager. It was a match made in heaven, and when I left Titan Towers, I had a WWF contract in hand.

We made it through the holidays; the WWF contract was a suitable anniversary gift for Dianna and myself. I went on the road in January 1991, as the WWF character known as Paul Bearer, managing The Undertaker.

William completely changed his appearance from Percy Pringle. He had a pasty white face, his jet black hair (he was bleached blond as Percy Pringle), holding the urn that gave Undertaker magical powers

Where did the appearance for Paul come from, whose idea were those things?

One of the things Paul was famous for was yelling “Ohhh yesss” from ringside, when Undertaker would be beating up his opponents. Where did that come from, was that William's idea?

Talk about Bill's early days in the company. How did he fit in with everyone, what did Vince think of him and what did he want the Paul Bearer character to be?

Paul also hosted the talk show segment, The Funeral Parlor, which included memorable segments such as the Ultimate Warrior being locked inside a casket, Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair's first face to face confrontation on TV and Undertaker jumping him from behind, to name a few.  

Talk about how the idea for the Funeral Parlor came to be

They were heels for awhile before they turned babyface, and started feuding with Jake Roberts, culminating in a match between them at WrestleMania 8, which Taker won

How did they both feel about turning babyface?

Over the next 4 years, Paul and Undertaker remained a constant on WWF TV, as top guys

Talk about some roles that Bill might've had behind the scenes during the years of 1992-1996. Also, do you have any road stories involving him or ribs he was involved in?

That takes us to SummerSlam 1996. Undertaker was involved in a feud with Mankind at the time. In fact, a few months earlier at the King of the Ring, Mankind actually defeated The Undertaker, and it lead to their Boiler Room Brawl match against each other at SummerSlam 1996.

To win the match, either man had to take the Urn from Paul in the ring. Undertaker was about to get it, but Paul was hesitant to give it to him and finally, Paul hit Undertaker in the head with it and handed it to Mankind, which gave Mankind the win

Talk about the decision for Paul to turn on Undertaker, thus turning heel and becoming Mankind's manager

When Mankind would do interviews after this, he'd often refer to Paul as “Uncle Paul”

How do you think they worked off of each other as a pair? Compare and contrast them to Paul and Undertaker

We also saw The Executioner, who was Terry Gordy under a mask get involved in the feud and become managed by Paul, but he didn't stay with the company very long

What was the plan with that and why did Terry not stay long?

At the Royal Rumble 1997, Paul helped Vader pin The Undertaker and from there, he became Vader's manager.

Talk about the Paul Bearer & Vader pairing

Bearer said that he would reveal Undertaker’s deep, dark secret unless Undertaker joined back with him. Undertaker did, reluctantly, but eventually broke away from him. Bearer then claimed that Undertaker started a fire which killed his parents and his younger brother and that’s where Undertaker and Bearer’s association started.

Undertaker claimed in different stories that it was really his brother who set the fire, or that the fire was an accident. This story was to build up the debut of Undertaker’s brother, Kane, played by Glen Jacobs

Talk about this storyline and how it came to be

Bearer later claimed his younger brother, Kane, was still alive, which led to the introduction of the Kane character. Later, it came out Kane was Bearer’s son, so only Undertaker’s half brother, after Bearer had an affair with Undertaker’s mother. The story was that Bearer had raised Kane in secret, since Kane had suffered permanent scarring from the fire making him unsightly, which is why he had to wear the mask. 

Was it decided from the start that Paul was going to be Kane's father, or was that added later?

Kane eventually showed up at the first Hell in a Cell match at the Badd Blood pay per view in 1997, causing Undertaker to lose to Shawn Michaels 

In 1998, Undertaker turned heel & started feuding with Steve Austin, with Paul, as Paul turned on Kane. Later Undertaker & Kane became a heel team with Paul as their manager

Paul was named the manager of the year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated

In 2000, Paul was taken off the road. Why was that?

William wrote - When not active on television programming I stayed busy backstage during the events as an agent and stage manager. I also assisted in the federation’s Talent Development Department, where I scouted future ring talent, several of which are on the top of WWE's active roster today. 

Talk about his work involving that

William was released from the WWE on October 14th, 2002. Talk about what led to his release

After that, William went to TNA where he became Percy Pringle the 3rd again. 

Did you ever talk to him about his time in TNA and how he felt about it?

Meltzer wrote - WWE wanted him back with Undertaker, but he at first refused, before signing a contract in October, partially due to Jim Ross agreeing that the company would give him a signing bonus that would allow him to pay for his needed Gastric bypass surgery. After recovering, he returned at WrestleMania XX, in Undertaker’s corner for his match with Kane. 

He returned pretty much exactly one year later; he was released in October or 02 and returned in October of 03. What led to his return?

William wrote - I made my first appearance back on WWE television on March 14, 2004 at WRESTLEMANIA-XX. Reuniting with my long-time business associate The Undertaker at Madison Square Garden. 

I proved that ‘kayfabe’ is still alive and well for 5-months, as my return wasn’t leaked to the ‘dirt sheets’ until 7-days prior to my reappearance. Of course if you asked me, I was in denial until the moment the pay-per-view audience around the world heard that first chilling “gong” in The Undertaker’s entrance music. 

It was certainly one of those priceless moments when the spotlight takes away life's shadows. I underwent Gastric Bypass Surgery on November 25, 2003, and Emergency Gallbladder Surgery on May 24, 2004 

In spring of 2004, Paul Bearer was kidnapped by The Dudley Boyz under the direction of Paul Heyman. This was set up in order to temporarily write Bearer out of WWE story lines because he had to undergo emergency gallbladder surgery after suddenly developing gallstones, a common side effect of gastric bypass surgery. 

William wrote about his surgery - On May 24, 2004, one year ago today, I underwent a cholecystectomy, a surgical procedure for the removal of the gallbladder. I had just returned from a WWE tour with The Undertaker in California and Las Vegas, and was sitting at this very computer keyboard in my home office. Suddenly, I felt as if someone had stuck a flaming pitchfork into my right side. The pain was excruciating, to say the least. I was in denial for a couple of hours, but I knew it was my gallbladder. Cholecystitis is a significant complication of gastric bypass surgery. After a call to my physician and a trip to the emergency room, I found myself back “under the knife” once again.

Gastric bypass is not an easy way to get control over weight problems. The surgery is not a solution in and of itself. There is a difficult recovery that is very painful. Aside from the pain of surgery, patients may experience nausea or severe gastric distress and the recovery time is extremely long. Many patients may not be able to return to work or normal pursuits for months, with frequent incidents of vomiting to identify unsuitable foods and to learn the new limits of their reduced stomachs and digestive systems.

When I signed a new deal with WWE in October 2003, the weight loss surgery was in the plan, which resulted in my return with The Undertaker at WRESTLEMANIA-XX. Four months after my body altering operation, I was walking down that proverbial aisle of Madison Square Gardens. I was losing weight at an unbelievable rate. In fact, I had lost 120 pounds in the 4-months prior to my reunion with “The Deadman.” That’s one pound per day!

Although it differs from patient to patient, rapid weight loss following gastric bypass surgery results in many possible physiological problems. My primary complaint was a generalized weakness, especially in the legs. This is directly contributed to the lack of the ability to consume and digest adequate amounts of protein. The weakness is expected, and passes with time. However, time is not on your side when traveling with the premier sports Entertainment Company in the genre.

William went on to write - I continued to travel, dealing privately with my physical problems, until the gallbladder attack. Hindsight being 20/20, the cholecystectomy was a blessing in disguise for Bill Moody, but not for the Paul Bearer character. While I was convalescing, Paul Bearer’s absence had to be explained on television. 

Thus the kidnapping of Bearer by Paul Heyman and The Dudleys, including The Undertaker “doing the right thing” storyline. I was flabbergasted by the news that my character was going to be buried in a crypt of concrete.

Notwithstanding the pleas from my supporters within the company to the contrary, Mr. McMahon was determined that The Great American Bash would mark the end of Paul Bearer. I had no choice but to follow the script, even though at the time I was blind to the fact that it was all happening for my personal well being. Being such a successful businessman that he is, Vince McMahon truly cares for his faithful employees. 

That fact has been proven with many talents through the years, over and over again. He was concerned that something might happen to me on the road while I was struggling to regain a normal life during my weight loss. After an almost 14-year relationship, Vince knew me better than I was willing to admit.

William wrote - On Sunday, June 27, 2004, during THE WWE GREAT AMERICAN BASH - PPV, at The Scope Coliseum, in Norfolk, Virginia. The Undertaker himself, attempted to destroy The WWE Paul Bearer character. Bearer was encased in a glass crypt, filled with concrete. It was said that Paul Bearer, was the conscience of The Undertaker, his only weakness. Based on the fact that his feelings for him demonstrated what remained of "The Phenom's" mortality.

In the match at the Great American Bash, The Undertaker won the match but proceeded afterwards to pull the lever that sent cement into the crypt, completely burying Paul Bearer, suffocating him. On the following week's Smackdown, Bearer was acknowledged to be alive, although gravely injured, for storyline purposes. 

The rehearsal taping earlier in the day of the Bash – with Undertaker ad-libbing and only half of the stunt complete, in an empty arena – was leaked onto the internet dirt sheets and actually broadcast live by accident in many of the television markets 

William wrote - My regular WWE talent contract that I signed on October 3, 2003 expired on July 10, 2005. However, on June 8, 2005 I signed a multi-year "Legends" agreement with World Wrestling Entertainment, that was extended for another 5-years in 2011. This unique new deal allows me to work outside the company, while continuing to maintain my strong bonds with the organization.

He returned to working at a funeral home in 2006, and also promoted independent wrestling around the Mobile area. 

William wrote - During the summer of 2005, I was opened and promoted GULF SOUTH WRESTLING, Inc., only to close the company on May 16, 2006, due to circumstances beyond my control. I immediately reorganized and rebounded with my own independent group, GREATER GULF COAST WRESTLING, which has since closed too. My career has now come full circle, as I am promoting the sport I love so dearly in my home area. I feel that independent wrestling is the grass roots of our industry. If the roots die, the tree dies. I am on a personal crusade to protect our business on the local levels. 

Did you keep in touch with Bill over the next few years?

William wrote - On August 1, 2010 I re-signed with WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, making my re-debut with The Undertaker on SMACKDOWN, which was taped on September 21, 2010 in Bloomington, IL, and aired on Friday evening, September 24, 2010; which by the way was the final SMACKDOWN on The MyTv Network. 

This led to Kane beating Undertaker in a Buried Alive match due to help from Bearer and The Nexus. This wrote Undertaker out for months, where he returned for WrestleMania. Bearer stayed as Kane’s manager, for a goofy feud with Edge, one of the worst of recent years. Edge, the babyface, would continually torment and torture Bearer. Edge would use a dummy Bearer over and over, until Kane, thinking it was a dummy, pushed Bearer off a ladder onto concrete, writing him out again.

In 2012, Bearer returned as Kane’s manager against Randy Orton, and Orton kidnapped him and put him in a freezer while tied up in a wheelchair. Kane came and Bearer celebrated as his son was there to save him, only to put him back in the freezer and kill him off once again.

William wrote - I am very true to the proud tradition of the “old school” wrestling that I was brought up on. I am very blessed to be able to live out my dreams, and I have a great respect for the business I am in. Especially for the legends that traveled the roads before me, they are the ones who made all this possible. 

I’ll never forget where I came from, and that my home is forever Sweet Home Alabama! 

Sadly, William Moody passed away on March 5th, 2013 at 58 years old. He had suffered a blood clot three days earlier while at the Gulf Coast Wrestling Reunion that took place at the International Speedway in his home city of Mobile. Those close to him had reported that he had not been feeling well for several days before the reunion, having caught an upper respiratory infection while appearing in Chicago the previous weekend 

William was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014. At the ceremony itself, Kane inducted Bearer, and his sons Michael and Daniel Moody accepted the induction. Afterwards, The Undertaker came out in character and paid tribute 

What do you think is William's legacy in professional wrestling?