Author: Mike Bryan
On February 26th, 1997, Owen Hart and The British Bulldog faced one another on this day to determine the inaugural WWE European Championship. In early 1997, the World Wrestling Federation’s European following was reaching an all-time high. The match was only a prelude to something greater. A reunion of a foundation, a Hart Foundation. Since Summerslam 1992 at Wembley Stadium in London, England, European fans have been craving the WWF’s unpredictable action. The British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith was adopted as their hero. Like a knight to the Queen of England, Davey Boy Smith could do no wrong. The WWF…
In the late 1990s, pro wrestling was one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world. Larger-than-life stars gave everything they had to the fans night in and night out. One of the major highlights of both World Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment was their variety of talent showcasing their skills. A new breed of fast-paced, high-flying lucha style was featured on both WCW and WWE. They called this style the Cruiserweight division or Light Heavyweight division. One of the standouts in both companies was Billy Kidman. Kidman brought to fans a style of wrestling that was…
On February 16th, 1997, the WWF presented In Your House Four. Imagine the four most popular superstars in the World Wrestling Federation, one match, with one goal, the WWF Heavyweight Championship. That is exactly what happened on this day in wrestling on February 16, 1997. The event was In Your House Final Four. Held in Chattanooga, TN, this event was arguably the most anticipated In Your House of all time. This pay-per-view was designed to settle the controversy created at the Royal Rumble 1997. During the match, Bret “Hitman” Hart eliminated Stone Cold Steve Austin. However, the referees didn’t see…
Shelton Benjamin is a pure athlete. Hailing from Orangeburg, South Carolina, this WWE Superstar is the epitome of what a wrestler should be. He’s agile, quick, and a great worker. Unfortunately, Shelton does not always get the credit he deserves. At the WWE Money In the Bank ladder match every year, Benjamin pulled out some new, innovative way to wow the fans. Many don’t remember that on his RAW debut, he actually defeated Triple H three times in route to becoming WWE Intercontinental Champion. Let’s also not forget his association with Kurt Angle. As the World’s Greatest Tag Team, he…
Ron Simmons was a unique athlete. He excelled at everything he did. On the football field, he became an All-American twice. At the time, in WCW, he became the first recognized African-American World Heavyweight Champion in history. In the WWE, he led a Nation into greatness and had a beer with his best friend on the way to winning tag team gold on three different occasions. He continued to give back to wrestling even though he had hung up the boots. The wrestling universe will never forget a true pioneer, Ron Simmons’s legacy. ___________________ Ron Simmons Football Years Ron Simmons…
Butch Reed was a pioneer in wrestling. Reed was a heatseeker like no other, not only as an African American but as a heel. Unfortunately, his time in the WWF does not do his career justice. If you want to see a natural heel at his best, watch his classic confrontations in Mid-South Wrestling with the one and only Junk Yard Dog. Reed was a Mid-South NWA Heavyweight Champion, NWA North American Tag Team Champion, and WCW Tag Team Champion. Butch Reed – Kansas City Born and Bred Reed was a natural athlete. Originally his aspirations were not in the…
On February 5th, 1988, Ted DiBiase made a million dollar purchase! Everyone has a price for the Million Dollar Man. This was Ted DiBiase’s motto in 1988. The Million Dollar Man claimed to have everything except the WWF Championship. In Indianapolis, Indiana, on a special WWF The Main Event, DiBiase made a giant purchase. He bought the services of the legendary Andre the Giant. The Eighth Wonder of the World and a crooked referee helped The Million Dollar Man embezzle the WWF Championship from Hulk Hogan. Million Dollar Purchase – Money, Money, Money Hot off their clash at last year’s…
In the 1990s, there were many underutilized and underrated pro wrestlers. Chris Candido was one of those talents. He never really had the opportunity to shine on the main stage in WWF and WCW. However, his peers and fans knew that Candido was a technical master in the ring. Chris Candido’s tagline was no gimmicks needed. That statement has never been more true. His ability to put on a 5-star match spoke for itself. He was a multi-time champion, including the NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Many people do not realize that Chris Candido’s grandfather was also a pro wrestler. ________________…
On January 23rd, 2000, the epic street fight between Triple H and Cactus Jack took place at the Royal Rumble. In 1997 Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Mankind first crossed paths. Arguably, his wars with Mankind/Mick Foley/Dude Love/Cactus Jack made Triple H the ruthless, relentless competitor he became. He and Hunter waged war in street fights, steel cages, and hell in a cell. Triple H and Cactus Jack – The Epic Street Fight Between Them Most notably, Triple H’s 1997 King of the Ring win was by defeating Mankind with a little help from Chyna. They also had a classic steel…
He was what he said he was …..absolutely perfect. Mr Perfect Curt Hennig was the perfect combo of technique and charisma that does not often come along. His matches with the likes of Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair, and Bret Hart are wrestling clinics. He had the innate ability to make fans despise him or love him. He also made any opponent he stepped in the ring with a better competitor after their match. Born into the business, Curt Hennig carved a legacy that very few superstars have matched. He was one of the few competitors that did not need the…