The 2001 King of the Ring event featured one of the most brutal and chaotic encounters in WWE history—a Street Fight between Shane McMahon and Kurt Angle. This match is widely remembered as a highlight of the Attitude Era for its sheer intensity and physical risk. Veteran WWE referee Mike Chioda, who officiated the bout, recently opened up about the intense backstage drama as WWE Chairman Vince McMahon vocally expressed his anger during the match, especially over a dangerous spot involving glass panels that didn’t break as planned.
The Brutality of Shane McMahon vs. Kurt Angle
The Street Fight between Shane McMahon and Kurt Angle lasted about 25 minutes and pushed both men to their physical limits. Known for their willingness to take extreme risks, Shane and Angle unleashed relentless aggression using weapons and high-impact moves. The match spilled out of the ring and onto the entrance stage, where a pivotal and dangerous sequence occurred.
Kurt Angle, an Olympic gold medalist famed for his suplexes, repeatedly tried to belly-to-belly suplex Shane through large glass panels. These glass panels were intended to be gimmicked sugar glass, designed to shatter safely. However, multiple attempts failed as the glass refused to break, resulting in Shane McMahon repeatedly slamming into a solid surface rather than a breakaway prop. This miscue turned what was a choreographed stunt into a legitimate and hazardous situation, raising immediate concerns of injury[1][3].
Vince McMahon’s Furious Reaction
Mike Chioda recounted on the Insight with Chris Van Vliet podcast the moment when chaos erupted backstage as the dangerous glass spot unfolded. According to Chioda, Vince McMahon was exasperated to the point of screaming obscenities into his earpiece, demanding the match be stopped immediately.
Chioda explained, “I was getting screamed at by Vince, like Vince was screaming in the background, cussing, Jerry Briscoe, everybody was cussing. But I wasn’t going to stop the match, that’s for sure… I was shouting at Kurt, ‘Don’t do it again. Don’t do it again.’ Later Kurt was surprised I was yelling in his ear and said he was kind of deaf, so I had to confirm which ear it was”[1].
Backstage sources close to the event confirmed the tension was palpable, with Vince fearing for his son Shane’s safety after the failure of the glass panels to shatter. “It was the angriest we’d ever seen Vince,” a WWE insider revealed. “He was genuinely scared but also furious that things were spinning out of control”[2].
The Role of Mike Chioda as Referee
Referee Mike Chioda found himself in the unenviable position of managing not only the wrestlers but also the escalating pressures from management. Chioda’s primary concern was the safety of Shane and Angle, and despite warnings from Vince and backstage officials, he had to balance the continuation of the match with caution.
By imploring Kurt Angle to avoid repeating the hazardous spot, Chioda tried to navigate the situation underwater between performer safety and on-screen continuity. According to the accounts, Chioda’s quick thinking and communication likely prevented even more dangerous consequences during the match[1][3].
Linda McMahon’s Backstage Appreciation
Interestingly, after the event, Linda McMahon—Vince’s wife and a key WWE executive—personally thanked Mike Chioda for his judgment and handling of the tense situation. Given the level of risk on display, her gratitude underscored the seriousness with which WWE regarded the internal management of such brutal matches, despite their theatrical nature[1].
King of the Ring 2001: A Showcase of WWE’s Edgiest Era
This match stands as a testament to the gritty, boundary-pushing style that defined WWE’s Attitude Era. While Vince McMahon’s on-screen persona often embraced the reckless spirit of the show, behind the scenes, the commitment to performer safety was paramount—albeit sometimes tested to extremes.
The Street Fight itself is remembered not only for the wrestling but for the chaotic atmosphere surrounding it—brutal weapon use, high-risk maneuvers, and the volatile drama between those running the show. Fans still regard it as one of the most intense matches ever seen on WWE pay-per-view[3].
What Happened After the Match?
Though the glass spot went awry, the match continued to deliver a violent spectacle lasting roughly 25 minutes. Both men endured considerable punishment in one of the night’s most physically demanding bouts. Sources close to WWE describe the event as a mix of adrenaline and genuine concern that permeated backstage for hours afterward.
From a safety perspective, incidents like this influenced WWE’s increased caution and stricter backstage protocols in years that followed, aiming to avoid the kind of dangerous miscues that took place that night[2][3].
Final Thoughts and Impact on WWE History
The Shane McMahon vs. Kurt Angle match remains a milestone in WWE history—a blend of incredible athleticism, storytelling, and raw physicality under extraordinary pressure. Mike Chioda’s reflections provide rare insight into the behind-the-scenes intensity, revealing the fine line WWE walks between spectacle and safety.
According to a WWE insider, “Matches like that are why referees like Mike are invaluable. They handle the chaos we don’t always see and keep things as safe as possible while letting the show go on”[2].
As WWE continues to evolve, the legacy of such matches acts as a reminder of both the daring athleticism of wrestlers and the indispensable role of officials and management in safeguarding performers while delivering unforgettable moments.
This deep dive into one of WWE’s most infamous King of the Ring bouts sheds light on the real human drama backstage, illustrating the passionate but sometimes fraught dynamics between talent, referees, and Vince McMahon himself.