The world of professional wrestling is filled with legends, myths, and misconceptions. Over the years, various rumors and unverified claims have been passed down as gospel truth within the WWE universe. However, not everything you thought you knew about the company is accurate. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the most common false facts about WWE and set the record straight.
The WWE Was Originally Founded as a Regional Promotion
For decades, fans have believed that WWE was founded as a regional promotion, operating primarily in the northeastern United States before expanding nationwide. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. WWE was, in fact, founded by Vincent J. McMahon in 1963 as the CWA (Capitol Wrestling Association) in New York City, but it already had a national scope from the start. McMahon’s vision was to create a global wrestling empire, and he achieved this through strategic purchasing and partnerships.
WrestleMania Was Originally Meant to Be a Free Event
It’s often said that WrestleMania was initially intended to be a free event, held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. However, this is an oversimplification of the event’s conception. Vincent J. McMahon did envision WrestleMania as a major, high-profile event that would showcase the best of the WWF (World Wide Wrestling Federation, later renamed WWF Entertainment, Inc.) roster. While it’s true that the first WrestleMania in 1985 was held at the Garden, it was not meant to be a free event. In reality, tickets were sold, and the event was a commercial success.
The Undertaker’s Winning Streak Was a Marketing Ploy
The Undertaker’s legendary undefeated streak at WrestleMania has become a beloved aspect of WWE lore. However, many fans believe that the streak was a clever marketing ploy created to boost ticket sales and interest in the event. According to a WWE insider, “The Undertaker’s streak was indeed a carefully crafted narrative, but it wasn’t entirely fabricated. The idea was to create a mystique around the character, making him a formidable force that fans wanted to see succeed. The actual streak was a combination of real matches and scripted outcomes, all designed to build the character’s mythology.”
Hulk Hogan’s Feud with the Ultimate Warrior Was a Real Breakdown
The legendary feud between Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior has been romanticized over the years as a genuine, intense rivalry. However, sources close to the situation reveal that the tension between the two superstars was largely manufactured for the sake of storytelling. While Hogan and Warrior did have a real-life disagreement, it was not as intense or dramatic as fans have been led to believe.
WWE Had a Major Role in the Career of the Hardy Boyz
The Hardy Boyz, composed of Matt and Jeff Hardy, were one of the most influential and beloved tag teams in WWE history. However, many fans believe that WWE actively contributed to their development as a duo. In reality, the Hardy Boyz were already well-established in ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling) and OVW (Ohio Valley Wrestling) before joining WWE. While WWE did play a significant role in showcasing their talents, the Hardy Boyz were already a well-oiled machine when they arrived in Stamford.
The Attitude Era Was a Major Turning Point for WWE
The Attitude Era, which spanned from 1997 to 2002, was a pivotal moment in WWE’s history. However, many fans believe that the era was solely responsible for WWE’s newfound success. While the Attitude Era certainly contributed to WWE’s resurgence, it was not the sole cause. According to a WWE executive, “The Attitude Era was a response to the changing landscape of the wrestling industry. We were reacting to the success of ECW and the emergence of WCW as a major player. The Attitude Era was a calculated risk, but it also allowed us to tap into the darker, edgier side of our audience.”
The WWE Championship Was Originally Meant to Be a Regional Title
It’s often said that the WWE Championship was once a regional title, held by wrestlers who competed primarily in the northeastern United States. However, this is a misconception. The original WWF Championship, introduced in 1963, was a national title from the start. The championship was held by wrestlers from various regions, reflecting the WWF’s national scope.
The McMahon-Helmsley Era Was a Major Flop
The rise of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon as the top power couple in WWE has been criticized by many fans as a misstep. However, according to sources close to the situation, the McMahon-Helmsley Era was not as poorly received as fans have been led to believe. In reality, the era was a calculated attempt to create a new, more modern dynasty, one that would appeal to a changing audience. While it may not have been as successful as some fans hoped, the McMahon-Helmsley Era still played an important role in shaping the WWE universe.
In conclusion, the world of WWE is full of misconceptions and myths that have been passed down through the years. By separating fact from fiction, we can gain a deeper understanding of the company’s history and its evolution over time. Whether it’s the Undertaker’s streak or the McMahon-Helmsley Era, the truth is often more complex and nuanced than fans have been led to believe.