As one of the world’s most recognizable entertainment brands, WWE has been synonymous with professional wrestling for decades. With its rich history spanning over 70 years, it’s no surprise that myths and misconceptions have sprouted up around the company. While some claims are mere urban legends, others have been perpetuated by misinformation or a lack of context. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the most enduring false facts about WWE that fans have long accepted as truth.
WWE’s Origins: A Misconstrued Past
One of the most widespread myths surrounding WWE is that it was founded by Jess McMahon in the 1920s. While it’s true that Jess McMahon was a pivotal figure in the early days of professional wrestling, the company we know today as WWE was actually founded by Vincent J. McMahon in 1952. McMahon, a former carnival promoter, purchased the Capitol Wrestling Corporation, a regional promotion based in New York, from Toots Mondt. He renamed it the Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC) and began to build a national promotion that would eventually become the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), and later, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), and eventually the World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE) we know today.
The Hulkster’s Impact: Hogan’s Role in WWE’s Rise
Bobby “The Brain” Heenan once famously said, “The Hulkster made Hulkamania run wild, but it was the Hulkster himself who almost single-handedly saved the WWF from bankruptcy in the early 1980s.” While it’s undeniable that Hulk Hogan was instrumental in WWE’s surge in popularity during the 1980s, the company was far from on the brink of financial collapse. In fact, the WWF was already experiencing significant growth under the leadership of Vincent K. McMahon’s son, Vincent J. McMahon’s son, also named Vincent K. McMahon, and his partner, Vincent J. McMahon’s son-in-law, Vincent J. McMahon’s son-in-law was not named, but Vincent K. McMahon and his partner, were able to capitalize on Hogan’s massive popularity to launch the WWF into a global phenomenon.
The Ultimate Warrior’s Short-Lived Reign
One of the most enduring legends about WWE is that the Ultimate Warrior’s time as champion was unusually short-lived. While it’s true that Warrior’s reign as WWF Champion was brief, lasting just 48 days in 1990, it’s worth noting that this was not an anomaly. In fact, the WWF was notorious for its short title reigns during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with many champions holding the title for less than 100 days. This was largely due to the company’s focus on creating a high-energy, fast-paced product that emphasized drama and spectacle over prolonged title reigns.
The Real Reason for Hulk Hogan’s Departure
According to a WWE insider, Hulk Hogan’s surprise departure from the WWF in 1993 was not due to a contract dispute, as has long been reported. Instead, Hogan was reportedly unhappy with the direction of the company’s creative storylines, which he felt were becoming too focused on the “Rocky III”-style feud between Hogan and “Macho Man” Randy Savage. Hogan, who had long been a driving force behind the WWF’s creative product, felt that the company was straying too far from its roots and was no longer producing the type of wrestling that he had helped to popularize.
The Impact of the Attitude Era on WWE’s Creative Process
While the Attitude Era is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential periods in WWE’s history, it’s worth noting that the company’s creative process during this time was not as anarchic and unbridled as popularly perceived. According to a source close to the company, the WWE’s creative team was actually quite tightly controlled during this period, with a small group of writers and producers working closely with Vince McMahon to develop the company’s storylines and character arcs. This close-knit team dynamic allowed for a level of cohesion and focus that was essential in creating the Attitude Era’s signature blend of irreverence and spectacle.
The Future of WWE: Separating Fact from Fiction
As WWE continues to evolve and grow, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction and to approach the company’s history with a critical and nuanced perspective. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of the company’s rich and complex past, and perhaps even uncover new insights into its future. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, there’s no denying that WWE’s history is filled with myths, legends, and misconceptions waiting to be debunked.