William Alvin Moody was born on April 10, 1954, and died tragically on March 5, 2013. He was a licensed funeral director and an American professional wrestler manager. He is most remembered for his time with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, subsequently WWE), when he wrestled under the ring name and gimmick of Paul Bearer, The Undertaker's manager, and guiding light. He presented The Funeral Parlour, a talk show feature, as Paul Bearer.
Moody, as Paul Bearer, is also renowned for managing his narrative son/Undertaker's fictional half-brother, Kane, as well as The Undertaker's archnemesis, Mankind. While battling with The Undertaker, Vader also acted as Bearer's protégé for a brief time. Outside of WWE, Moody wrestled as Percival "Percy" Pringle III in different regional territories and companies, as well as World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW).
| Name | William Alvin Moody |
| D.O.B | b. April 10, 1954, d. March 5, 2013 |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Occupation | Professional wrestler manager |
| Professional Debut | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Ring name | Paul Bearer |
| Wife | Dianna Lynn McDole (m. 1978–2009) |
READ MORE: The Undertaker
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Let us embark upon this odyssey by venturing back to the early days of Paul Bearer, known to the mortal world as William Alvin Moody. Born on the tenth day of April in the year 1954, in the city of Mobile, Alabama, Moody’s affinity for the mesmerizing realm of professional wrestling manifested itself from a tender age. The larger-than-life characters, the grandiose tales woven within the squared circle—they enraptured his imagination, beckoning him toward a destiny intertwined with the performers who graced the hallowed canvas. Thus, Moody forged a path as a wrestling manager, employing his distinct persona and commanding presence to elevate the in-ring exploits of the grapplers under his tutelage.
The inception of Moody’s wrestling journey materialized during the twilight of the 1970s, as he ventured into the tumultuous realm of World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), a promotion that reigned supreme in the wrestling hotbed of Texas. Carrying the mantle of “Percy Pringle III,” this audacious individual etched his presence upon the wrestling landscape, assuming the role of a nefarious heel manager, orchestrating the victories of various athletes under his watchful eye. Moody’s innate ability to invoke a kaleidoscope of emotions within the audience, weaving intricate layers of depth into the tapestry of storytelling, rendered him an invaluable asset within the hallowed halls of professional wrestling.
However, it was not until the dawning of a new decade, the year 1990 to be precise, that Moody would experience a metamorphosis that would irrevocably transform the trajectory of his career. Within the confines of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now known as WWE), Moody shed his mortal skin, emerging as the sinister being we now know as Paul Bearer—the ethereal guardian of The Undertaker, the epitome of all that is macabre. Draped in funereal attire, a vessel of darkness, Bearer assumed a haunting countenance, captivating audiences with his pallid visage, ghostly makeup, and unforgettable, spine-chilling voice. Thus, Paul Bearer became an enigma, revered and feared in equal measure within the realm of professional wrestling.
The tale of Paul Bearer intertwines seamlessly with that of The Undertaker, their union birthing an infernal alliance that transcended the boundaries of our mortal realm. Bearer’s role as The Undertaker’s manager became an alchemical fusion of heaven and hell, blending narratives of darkness and enigma around the very essence of The Deadman. With Paul Bearer’s eerie aura and the mystical urn he clutched—a vessel believed to house supernatural forces—an otherworldly dimension pervaded The Undertaker’s persona. Together, they forged an indomitable partnership, captivating audiences and etching their names upon the annals of wrestling mythology, forever solidifying The Undertaker’s place as one of the most iconic figures in the pantheon of the squared circle.
Bearer’s malevolence was not confined solely to his association with The Undertaker. Throughout his illustrious career, he engaged in a multitude of memorable feuds and storylines, leaving an indelible imprint upon the tapestry of professional wrestling. From the tempestuous relationship he shared with The Undertaker’s half-brother, Kane, to the alliances he formed with other formidable competitors such as Mankind and Vader, Bearer’s involvement injected depth and intrigue into the ever-evolving narratives. A master manipulator, an orchestrator of chaos, Bearer wielded psychological warfare with unparalleled finesse, asserting his dominance as a formidable antagonist within the pantheon of professional wrestling.
Yet, Paul Bearer’s legacy transcends the confines of the squared circle, stretching far beyond the boundaries of his on-screen persona. The echoes of his malevolence reverberate throughout the industry, as his influence continues to permeate the performances of subsequent generations of wrestlers. His macabre persona and enigmatic manager role remain a wellspring of inspiration, guiding the endeavors of those who dare to follow in his chilling footsteps. The union between Paul Bearer and The Undertaker endures as one of the most revered and enduring alliances in the rich tapestry of wrestling history—a testament to their symbiotic relationship and the lasting impact they forged.
However, it is vital to traverse beyond the veil of darkness, to explore the man behind the macabre façade. Beyond the ring, William Alvin Moody was revered for his passion and dedication to the world of professional wrestling. He toiled tirelessly behind the scenes, contributing his creative genius to the intricate process of crafting unforgettable stories. Moody’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering love for his craft endeared him to his peers, who revered his generous spirit and willingness to extend a helping hand.
