Debunking or confirming some longstanding urban wrestling legends. This page will be updated periodically with additional stories that need to be debunked or confirmed.
Was Vince Russo Sent by WWE to Destroy WCW?
This is a popular conspiracy theory, but widely considered false. While Vince Russo’s booking decisions during his time in WCW (starting in late 1999) are often criticized and blamed for contributing to the company’s decline, there’s no credible evidence he was deliberately sent by Vince McMahon and WWE as a mole to sabotage their competition. Russo himself has dismissed the theory. WCW’s problems were complex and involved many factors beyond Russo’s influence. (Note: Russo did have a brief, tumultuous return to WWE creative in 2002, but this was long after WCW’s demise and unrelated to the WCW-era theory).
Was The Montreal Screwjob A Work That Bret Hart and Vince McMahon Planned Out?
Despite persistent rumors and theories suggesting the infamous 1997 Survivor Series incident was secretly planned (“a work”) between Bret Hart, Vince McMahon, and possibly Shawn Michaels, the overwhelming evidence and consensus view is that it was not a work involving Bret Hart. While the exact level of awareness among others backstage is debated, the core situation – Vince McMahon changing the planned finish without Bret Hart’s agreement to ensure Hart didn’t leave for WCW as WWF Champion – is generally accepted as a real betrayal, not a collaborative script with Hart.
Did Kerry Von Erich Only Have One Foot?
Yes, this is true. Kerry Von Erich lost his right foot following a serious motorcycle accident in June 1986. Although the initial injury didn’t necessitate amputation, complications arose (reportedly from trying to walk on it too soon), leading to the foot being amputated. He wrestled for several years afterward using a prosthesis, keeping the amputation a secret from most fans and many colleagues, famously even showering with his boots on to maintain the illusion.
Are Chair Shots Real In Wrestling?
Yes and no. The chairs themselves are typically real metal folding chairs, not props made of foam (though some sources mistakenly suggest softer materials). However, the way chair shots are delivered is designed to minimize serious injury while maximizing visual and sound impact. Wrestlers are trained to take the shots across the back or shoulders, often use their hands to block or absorb some impact, or the chair might be swung to make contact with the flat side rather than the edge. Headshots with chairs were once common but are now largely banned in major promotions due to concussion risks. So, the impact is real, but technique and target area are crucial for safety.
Were There 2 Ultimate Warriors?
This is a long-standing urban legend that is false. The theory proposed that the original Ultimate Warrior (Jim Hellwig) died sometime after his initial WWF run and was replaced by another wrestler when he returned in 1992 and later in 1996. This rumor was fueled by changes in his physique, hair, and perceived attitude. However, it has been thoroughly debunked. The man who returned was indeed Jim Hellwig, who unfortunately passed away in 2014, shortly after his WWE Hall of Fame induction. There was only one Ultimate Warrior.
The Iron Sheik Was Offered $100K to break Hogan’s Leg
Yes, according to accounts (including from The Iron Sheik himself before his passing), this is true. After Sheik defeated Bob Backlund for the WWF Championship in December 1983 (serving as a transitional champion), Verne Gagne, the owner of the rival AWA promotion (where Hogan had previously worked), allegedly offered The Iron Sheik $100,000 to legitimately injure Hulk Hogan during their upcoming title match, break his leg, and bring the WWF title to the AWA. Sheik refused the offer, remained loyal to Vince McMahon’s plan, and lost the title to Hogan as intended, kicking off Hulkamania.
Did Macho Man Lock Elizabeth in a closet?
This is a persistent rumor, but Randy Savage’s brother, Lanny Poffo, has publicly denied it. Specifically addressing claims made on a WWE DVD that Savage locked Miss Elizabeth in locker rooms, Poffo stated this was false and that he knew because he was often there. He suggested Elizabeth preferred privacy away from other wrestlers, implying any seclusion was her choice for comfort, not Savage imprisoning her. While Savage was known to be protective and possessive, the specific “locked in a closet/locker room” story is disputed by his family.
Tommy Lee vs. Shawn Michaels
There is a backstage rumor of an altercation between Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XI (1995). At the event, Lee’s then-girlfriend Pamela Anderson accompanied Michaels’ opponent, Diesel, to the ring. The story goes that Michaels was allegedly hitting on Anderson backstage, leading to a jealous Lee confronting and possibly attacking Michaels, with Sid Vicious reportedly intervening. However, sources like WhatCulture classify this as an unverified rumor, suggesting it might have been exaggerated or even planted for publicity. Without confirmation from the involved parties, it remains speculation.
Did Goldust get breast Implants?
No, Dustin Rhodes (Goldust) did not actually get breast implants. However, according to Bruce Prichard, Dustin Rhodes pitched the idea of getting implants around 1997/1998 when the Goldust character’s direction was unclear. He reportedly saw it as a way to revive the controversial character. Vince McMahon, having heard the pitch indirectly from others, ultimately rejected the idea and talked Rhodes out of it, feeling the gimmick had already “jumped the shark” enough.
Did Macho Man Randy Savage Punch Hulk Hogan In The Eye Before WrestleMania 9?
This is a popular theory but unconfirmed. Hulk Hogan arrived at WrestleMania IX (1993) with a noticeable black eye. The storyline explanation was an attack orchestrated by Ted DiBiase. However, rumors immediately circulated that the real cause was a backstage altercation with Randy Savage, possibly fueled by Savage’s anger over his recent divorce from Miss Elizabeth and suspicions involving Hogan. WWF officials at the time attributed the injury to a jet ski accident. While the animosity between Hogan and Savage was real, whether Savage actually punched Hogan causing that specific injury remains speculation.
