WWE legend Kane has lifted the lid on a shocking and intense incident that occurred during the house show matches between the Big Red Machine and Shane McMahon in 2003. In an explosive revelation, Kane revealed that Shane’s relentless use of a kendo stick left him battered and bruised, ultimately leading to a loss of composure and a brutal chokeslam that left McMahon unconscious.
A Kendo Stick Fiasco
Kane, whose real name is Glenn Jacobs, has been open about his grueling schedule in the early 2000s, often performing multiple matches a night. However, it was during one of these grueling house show runs that things took a dark turn. According to Kane, Shane McMahon, who was a rising star at the time, had taken to using a kendo stick to punish him during their matches.
“He was hitting me in the back with that thing repeatedly,” Kane explained in a recent interview. “I mean, I’ve been in some tough situations before, but this was something else. The welts on my body were so bad that I got stared at in a gym by a stranger who asked me if I was okay. It was like, ‘Dude, I’m trying to work out here, not get beaten up by a kendo stick.'”
Kane’s frustration grew with each passing match, and eventually, he reached his breaking point. During a particularly intense bout, Shane attempted to use the kendo stick on Kane once again, but this time, the Big Red Machine had had enough.
A Brutal Chokeslam
“I just snapped,” Kane said, recalling the incident. “I ripped the kendo stick out of Shane’s hands and slammed him to the mat. It was a chokeslam, and I don’t think he was even conscious for a few seconds afterwards.”
The incident left a lasting impression on both Kane and Shane McMahon, who has spoken publicly about the physical toll of his in-ring career. While the exact details of the chokeslam remain unclear, sources close to Shane have revealed that he suffered a significant concussion during the match.
“Shane was shaken up for a while after that,” a WWE insider revealed. “He had to take some time off to recover from the concussion, and it took him a while to get back to full strength.”
A Legacy of Violence
Kane’s revelation serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll that WWE’s house show schedule can take on its performers. While the company has made significant strides in recent years to prioritize its talent’s well-being, the early 2000s were a different time.
“It was a brutal era for WWE,” longtime wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer said in a recent interview. “Guys like Kane and Shawn Michaels were pushing themselves to the limit every night, and it took a huge toll on their bodies. It’s a miracle that more of them didn’t suffer long-term damage.”
Kane’s legacy as one of the toughest men in WWE is well-documented, but this revelation offers a glimpse into the darker side of his in-ring career. While he may have snapped in that moment, Kane’s resolve and toughness ultimately defined his career as a top WWE superstar.
As for Shane McMahon, the incident may have served as a wake-up call for the veteran performer, who has spoken publicly about the importance of prioritizing his own well-being in recent years.
“It’s a lesson learned,” McMahon said in a recent interview. “You’ve got to take care of yourself, both in and out of the ring. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary if you want to make it in this business.”
In the end, Kane’s brutal chokeslam on Shane McMahon serves as a reminder of the physical and emotional toll that WWE’s house show schedule can take on its performers. While the incident may have been a low point in their careers, it also speaks to the toughness and resilience that defined both men’s in-ring careers.