342. Frank Gotch vs. George Hackenschmidt
For wrestling historians, this is one of the most famous matches in pro wrestling history. Sometime in 1911, Gotch had beaten Hackenschmidt three years earlier and was universally recognized as the world heavyweight champion and this was the first ever rematch of the century. Weeks before the match took place, a sparring partner of Hackenschmidt's by the name of Ad Santel had done some damage to his partner's knee in training. It later turned out that Santel was paid $5000 by the Gotch camp to do a number on it. A record breaking crowd was expected for the show so the promoters kept the injury quiet from the media (who actually cared about wrestling back then). Gotch obviously knew about the injury told Hackenschmidt, who wanted to pull out, that he would carry him to a credible match and give him one fall in the best-of-three falls. Once the match started though, Gotch double-crossed him and started to shoot quickly won two straight falls. (thanks to Rob Harvey & TPWW.net)
343. Ed Don George vs. Strangler Lewis
Promoter Billy Sandow (who basically worked with Lewis) worked closely with another promoter called Paul Bowser were making big bucks with a former football player called Gus Sonnenberg as the world champion. Sonnenberg, who supposedly couldn't wrestle a lick, was beaten up in the street by a middleweight wrestler in a set up organised by rival promoters. At this time, the heavyweight champion had to be looked as being the toughest man in the world because people still thought wrestling was real so Bowser then had Sonnenberg drop the world title to George, who was a great Olympic wrestler, without consulting Sandow or Lewis (who was meant to be next in line for the world title). George was then later booked in a match with Lewis where he was meant to win. However, it didn't quite go down like that because while they were in the ring, Lewis told George he was taking the belt and they could either do things the easy way (George doing the job) or the hard way (Lewis beating the living piss out of him and taking the belt). He took the easy way. (thanks to Rob Harvey & TPWW.net)
344. Strangler Lewis vs. Henri DeGlane
Three weeks after the Lewis vs. George match, Paul Bowser booked Lewis to defend the title in Montreal (sound familiar?) against the 1924 Olympic gold medalist. Lewis went into the ring knowing he was going to win the match by 2 falls to 1. Back in these days, wrestlers would return to the dressing rooms after each fall. After the second fall, DeGlane bit himself in the arm until he drew blood and then came out for the final fall with the arm covered. Within seconds of the third fall starting, DeGlane starting screaming like he'd been shot. Lewis then backed off not knowing what happened but the referee then saw the bite marks on DeGlane's arm and then DQ'd Lewis and awarded the belt to DeGlane. Lewis then went backstage to beat the shit out of Bowser but he had six bodyguards armed with baseball bats waiting for him. (thanks to Rob Harvey & TPWW.net)
345. Wendi Richter vs. Spider Lady
November 25, 1985 at Madison Square Garden. Minutes before going to the ring to defend the WWF women'' title, Richter was given a contract by Vince McMahon which included a clause to sign away all her merchandise rights. Richter said she wanted to look at the contract after her match. McMahon then demanded she sign the contract but Richter stuck to her guns and said she would look at it after the match. However, Spider Lady wasn't the same lady who had played the character previously. It was Fabulous Moolah. During the match, Moolah rolled up an unsuspecting Richter and held her tight for the pin. Richter never worked for the WWF again. Moolah claims that she wasn't aware of the double-cross and she didn't expect the referee to count the three. Again, does it sound familiar? (thanks to Rob Harvey & TPWW.net)
346. Vince McMahon vs. Kevin "Nailz" Wacholz
Some of you older fans may remember Kevin Wacholz as Nailz, the former convict, in the WWF back in 1992. Story goes that Wacholz, who was in line for a program with the Ultimate Warrior before he left the company, was pissed at Vince McMahon because of his pay off from SummerSlam 1992 which was, and still is, the highest attendance ever for a WWF event. Wacholz confronted McMahon about the pay off and reportedly, McMahon blow it off which angered Wacholz more so he attacked McMahon and choked him until he was turning blue. Wacholz was fired because of that incident and aside from one pay-per-view appearance in WCW against Sting, he hasn't worked in the big time since. To add another chapter to this story, later at the Vince McMahon steroid trial, Wacholz gave evidence against Vince McMahon but he came off so badly on the stand (including continuously contradicting himself) that word is that his evidence probably was what kept Vince from doing time. WINNER: Nailz, for doing what so many others have dreamed of. (thanks to Rob Harvey & TPWW.net)
347. Rick Steiner vs. Corporal Cajun/Big Vito/Konnan
On three straight Nitro's prior the to sale of the WCW to WWFE, Rick Steiner took blatant liberties with all three men during singles match. Steiner, who has a reputation for being a tough guy, had no clear reason to shoot on these three men. For the record, all three of his opponents on these nights stayed professional and tried to work their parts in the match. Rumor has it that prior to the news that the WWF had bought the company, many people backstage were planning on running in during a Steiner match on the final Nitro to beat him down live on the show. Whether it would have happened or not we will ever know. WINNER: Steiner. I'm afraid to call him a loser. (thanks to Rob Harvey and TPPW.net)
348. New Jack vs. Brian Pillman
On June 1, 1996, Brian Pillman returned to the ECW Arena just week after breaking his foot in a Humvee accident. Pillman cut a promo in the ring where he made a reference to the NWA (the rap group, not the wrestling organization). To this day nobody expect New Jack is 100% on what he thought but it's believed that New Jack either misheard the comments or was misinformed by someone backstage but he went nuts backstage anyway talking about the infamous N-word. When Pillman came backstage, in his wheelchair mind you, both men got into a very heated confrontation where many believe New Jack would attack the crippled Pillman. To his credit, Pillman never backed down to anything. New Jack threatened to leave the company over the incident and Pillman never went back to work for ECW ever again. Days later, Pillman signed the first ever guaranteed contract issued by the World Wrestling Federation. (thanks to Rob Harvey and TPPW.net)
349. Andre the Giant vs. Ultimate Warrior
During their series of matches. They had a spot set up where warrior would charge Andre w/ a clothesline knocking the Giant back into the ropes to be tied up. Problem was, that Warrior would charge at Andre going at full speed. Now it didn't hurt Andre, but pissed him off royaly. When he was hit by the clothesline, Heenan would hear Andre grunt. This went on for a while, match after match, same thing. Warrior at full speed and Andre grunting. Finally Andre had enough. The spot came up and Warrior charged full speed at Andre, but the Giant simply held up his fist which connected and Warrior was knocked senseless. Next match, spot comes up, Warrior goes for the clothesline and basically goes in slow motion and connects with the clothesline. Andre gets tied up in the ropes and leans over to Bobby and says "He's learning." (thanks to Dazraven)
350. Curt Hennig vs. Brock Lesnar, 2002
Can't believe I forgot to list this one. On the "Plane flight from Hell" earlier this year on the European tour, Curt was loaded up on booze and challenged Brock to take him down. Brock, new to the industry, didn't know what to make of it. Heyman reportedly told him if he doesn't do anything about it now, he'll nevnever live it down. So Brock did take his ass down, and nearly burst a hole through the plane in the process. I'd love to have seen this one. Hennig lost his job over his behavior on this flight. WINNER: Lesnar. (thanks to Matt Phillips and Steve Vendeland)
351. Bill Watts vs. Scott Steiner In the early 90's, Bill Watts and Scott Steiner had been hating each other backstage. I believe Steiner began requesting title shots, and Bill Watts told him that he could have the TV title (which Steiner eventually would win). Scott apparently went ballistic on Watts (possibly due to roid rage as well), and a number of superstars had to pull him off. (thanks to Steve Vendeland)
351. Scott Steiner vs. DDP, Part 2
I think that Scott Steiner and DDP had another fight a week before Superbrawl 2001. This was a different fight, but DDP got his ass kicked, and Kevin Nash left with him afterwards, thus changing the format of the whole show. I remember Steiner said some trash about DDP and his wife in the ring. Backstage, the two got into a fight where DDP jumped Steiner, got beat up, and a bunch of wrestlers had to pull them apart. To make up for some time lost, Mike Sanders and the Natural Born Thrillers went to the ring and improved for a little bit on the stick. I'm not 100% sure when this was, but it must have been before early 2001/late 2000. That's all I can remember. (thanks to Steve Vendeland)
352. Kevin Nash vs. Jean Pierre Lafitte, 1995
Need more info on this one. Apparently Pierre didn't want to lose in when the WWF was touring Quebec, so Nash may have given him a beating. I think Kevin Nash referenced to that incident in late 2000. This was at a house show. (thanks to Steve Vendeland & Martin Filion)
353. Steve Austin vs. HHH, 1999
I remember hearing something at the Summer Slam '99' taping. After the main event witch included Mankind, HHH and Austin, Austin confronted HHH about the way he was hitting him with chairshots. I heard they got in a heated conversation but don't know if any fists were thrown. (thanks to Melissa Munoz)
354. Bill Goldberg vs. Evan Karagias, 2000
Before the 9/5/00 Nitro, Goldberg was backstage with Kevin Nash when Karagias walked up to shake Goldberg's hand. Bill was slow to acknowledge Karagias and apparently Evan took offense to it and said something to Goldberg. So, Bill grabbed him by the throat and pinned him on the floor, choking him out. Goldberg later tried to apologize but Evan refused, which made Goldberg angry again but nothing came of it. This was during the time period that Goldberg was going through major heat with Russo and obviously couldn't control his temper throughout the duration. On a side note, 3 Count was told by management they would go over Kronik to make up for the incident, but Kronik, when they heard this, again refused to sell for the smaller guys. Winner: Goldberg and anyone with a big man/bad management fetish. (thanks to Troy Anthony)
355. Steve Austin vs. Raven
Steve Austin once exchanged heated words in a locker room with Raven. Debra was cutting a promo near the showers backstage, when Raven came out wearing nothing but a towel. Austin confronted him, grabbing Raven and verbally laying into him, feeling that Raven was showing off in front of his wife. Raven claimed he didn't know Debra was there. The situation was quelled quickly, but wrestlers have said Austin was always over-protective of Debra. Austin later apologized. Winner: None, but is there any doubt that Austin would have whipped his ass? (thanks to Troy Anthony)
356. Sabu vs. a Fan
I also recall an incident when Sabu kicked the shit out on some fan for pulling off his turban while Sabu was walking to the ring. This happened in Japan, I have it on tape somewhere. Anyway, after the fan pulled off the turban, Sabu hopped the railing, chased him down, then knocked him out with a few punches and some wicked ass knees to the face! Afterwards Sabu continued to the ring and proceeded to wrestle Eddie Guerrero like nothing ever happened. (thanks to Troy Anthony)
357. Mike Awesome vs. a Fan, 2000
At Halloween Havoc 2000, Mike Awesome knocked a fan out with one punch during a crowd tour with Vampiro. The fan tried to jump in and give Awesome some clubs to the back when Awesome laid him the F out. (thanks to Troy Anthony)
358. Bill Johnson vs. Tony Galento
State police arrested Two-Ton Tony Galento, former heavyweight boxer, on an assault - and - battery charge. The charge was filed by Bill Johnson, a wrestling promoter in nearby McKeesport. Johnson said the Galento knocked out four of his teeth after a wrestling show in an altercation over a split of the proceeds. Johnson later dropped the charges when Galento agreed to pay him $250 for hospital bills. The 41 year old Orange, N.J. saloon keeper appeared on a wrestling card at McKeesport. (thanks to Bob and Associated Press)
359. Ric Flair vs. Eric Bischoff, 2003
On the night of a recent Raw taping, Bischoff and Raw exchanged a few words about their past in WCW. Words got heated up and it led to blows. The scuffle was quickly broken up, but while it lasted, Flair got the better of it. Suspiciously, WWE officials, Flair, and Bischoff have been extremely tight-lipped about this. WINNER: Flair, I guess. Go figure, the guy finally stands up for himself, about 15 years too late. (thanks to Scott Ryan Czasak & several others)
360. Chris Jericho vs. Bill Goldberg, 2003
Yet another recent incident at Raw. Goldberg mouthed off to Nash about Jericho, stemming from their real-life feud in WCW years back. Word got to Jericho what Goldberg said, and he confronted him about it. Seconds later, they were rolling around on the ground (violently, not lovingly, you jokesters). It was broken up before any punches really landed. Jericho was quite the hero for this, with Hurricane reportedly being his biggest mark. Don't these guys know their fights will be broken up right away? Knowing that, even I'd pick a fight with Goldberg just to look brave for 2 seconds. Both guys ended up shaking hands when it was over. WINNER: Neither, but this incident showed the Balls of Jericho. (thanks to Scott Ryan Czasak, Ronnie Pruitt, & many others)
361. Ric Flair vs. a Backstage Guy named Richard Fullerton
Ric said hello to Richard and Richard said Flair was too old to be wrestling, and that his wrestling has always stunk. So Flair attacked him and the two got in to a major punch up for about 3 minutes, until others broke it up. It was believed that Flair won the fight (thanks to Michael Gawith)
362. Kevin Nash & Scott Hall vs. a Bunch of Stupid, Drunk Kids, Spring Break Nitro, 1997
Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Syxx (Sean Waltman) were guests on stage as a part of MTV's annual spring break coverage. The three were there to punish losers of a talent contest I think and to build up the annual Panama City Nitro that Monday. Anyway a drunk guy in the crowd was causing trouble and threw something at the stage. The NWO guys asked security to get a grip on the rowdy crowd, but were blown off. When the guy threw something else the NWO guys astonished their MTV hosts by leaping off the stage, grabbing the guy themselves, and turning him over to security. They then threatened to walk out if security didn't get the crowd under better control. MTV usually shows the footage annually as a "wildest ever moment" while building up spring break coverage. (thanks to Tamalie, wrestlingclassics.com, & the Meatball)
363. Great Sasuke vs. Dirtbike Kid, 1999
It was in July of 1999, in the Michinoku Pro promotion. They were having a "Mask Tournament" where all the competitors were, well, wearing masks. One of the first matches was all-time-asshole (and owner of M-Pro) Great Sasuke vs. the Dirtbike Kid. The match starts out normally, and a minute or so in Dirtbike Kid is hitting all the offense. After taking a few moves, Sasuke starts to become a little lethargic, not no-selling stuff, but kind of half-assing it. Anyway, something Dirtbike did must have pissed him off or maybe he just wanted a sandwich or something, because about 2 minutes in he stops taking offense and starts kicking the hell out of Dirtbike in the legs and in the torso. I've read some reports that Sasuke may have cracked the dude's ribs. Then after kicking the snot out of him for a bit, he picks the Kid up and puts him in a standing choke-hold. Dirtbike Kid starts flailing around like crazy and the ref calls for the bell. Then Sasuke kind of stands around, stares at the kid for a minute, and then heads straight for the back. (thanks to Ed Reese)
364. Tommy Lee vs. Shawn Michaels, 1995
Apparently there was some sort of altercation backstage at Wrestlemania 11 with Shawn Michaels and Tommy Lee in which Tommy Lee tried to jump Michaels from behind, causing Sid to intervene and pin him against the wall. Pamela Lee Anderson's face during the match was like she didn't want to be there. (thanks to John Regent & Powerslam magazine)
365. Bradshaw v Steve Blackman, 1999/2000
WWF was in between shows at the local airport, and the wrestlers were waiting by the baggage collection bay and Bradshaw decided to dick about trying to push Blackman onto the moving luggage belt. Blackman turned around unflustered and planted a crescent kick flush on Bradshaw's jaw, knocking him clean out, picked up his bag and walked on. Both shook hands when it was done. (thanks to Steven & Chris)
366. Bradshaw vs. Duke Droese
There was a scene between Bradshaw and Duke the Dumpster Droese, that has gained some fame. Apparently, Droese was making homemade GHB, and slipping it into girls drinks and raping them. The wrestlers backstage had told him how distasteful it was. But someone got word of it, and told Bradshaw to take care of it. So he essentially tied Droese up in the shower, and the stories vary from there. The most widely told version would be that Droese ended up raped in some way shape or form. I am more likely to believe that Bradshaw just made him think he was going to get raped. (thanks to Chris)
367. William Regal vs. Bill Goldberg, 1998
Regal had the moment with Goldberg where he did a little unscheduled mat wrestling. I think the only reason why this is considered, is because Goldberg didn't know what was going on. Regal could lead a dead man through a believable sequence, and I believe that is what he was trying to do. But Goldberg flopped around, and ended up looking like an idiot. I remember watching this live on Nitro, and didn't know about it, but it sure looked like something was wrong. (thanks to Chris & codytheimpaler.com)
368. William Regal vs. The Giant (Big Show)
Regal came to near blows with Paul Wight. Wight was complaining about selling for Rey Misterio Jr, and Regal got in his face and told him he was a fat slob, and that the only difference between Wight and Ron Reis was a push (ouch, that hurts). They were broken up quickly after that. (thanks to Chris)
369. Nobuhiko Takada vs Trevor Berbick
Berbick (ex (WBC I think?) Heavyweight Boxing Champion) was brought into UWF-I to have a worked match with Takada, but Takada double crossed him in the ring and started kicking him in the knee. Berbick protested to the ref about these being illegal blows (below the belt), but the ref said go on and fight. Berbick tried to fight back, but Takada's leg kicks and footwork were such that the Bozer couldn't get position to throw, let alone land, a punch. He backed into the corner, Takada kicked him some more, and Berbick left the ring and ran away. WINNER: Takada (but this is the only real fight he won in his life) (thanks to Alex Boothroyd)
370. Torrie Wilson vs. Chyna & Trish & Debra
According to numerous reports during the Alliance-era, Torrie Wilson was not very welcome by three WWE Divas apon her hiring. Apparentally Chyna was caught backstage mocking Ms. Wilson by Torrie herself. And if you didn't read at least one report about Trish and Torrie not getting along backstage then you must have been living under a rock. Finally Debra got the impression that Torrie had the hots for Stone Cold and was being a little too nice to the then-WWF Champion. Looking down the score card.... Trish and Torrie have reportedly patched up their difference while Chyna and Debra were both eventually released/left. WINNER: Two out of a three-- Torrie Wilson. (thanks to Lita Maivia)
371. Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Kevin Nash
Nash had been talking smack backstage during his first tour of New Japan and supposedly made some derogatory comments to Fujinami. Fujinami, taking exception to it, walked over and hit Nash (who was seated at the time) with a palm strike (open hand slap). Nash didn't say anything to Fujinami the rest of the tour. (thanks to Nick)
372. Jim Duggan vs. Balls Mahoney
Balls Mahoney tells a story on his shoot tape about Hacksaw Jim Duggan. At the time Balls is still doing the fire breathing gimmick. He was working all the tops faces that came in to work shows. Before the match they go over some stuff they want to do in the match, including the fire gimmick, which Duggan will duck. So they got the match going and Duggan screws up the first two planned spots. So Balls decides to just finish it and get over it and Duggan agrees. As they are going for the finish, Balls get the fluid in his mouth, lights the lighter, gets ready to blow..... Duggan just knocks the lighter out of his hand. Mahoney ends up just spitting fluid. No fire. Balls stops. Flips Duggan off in the ring. Drops and rolls out of the ring and goes to the back. Mahoney gets in the back and is ready to kill. Some of the guys lock him in an office. At the time Mahoney was working in Puerto Rico and carried a knife at all times. He was ready to come out swinging. Someone got to Duggan who was blaming Mahoney for everything going wrong and told him if he didn't leave it would be bad for his health. By the time Mahoney got out of the office. Duggan got his stuff and had left. (thanks to WJD and wrestlingclassics.com)
373. Tatanka vs. Max Moon, 1992
From what I've heard, Tatanka and Max Moon got in a fight backstage at the '92 Rumble after Tatanka found out Moon was hitting on his wife. They were separated and even locked in different dressing rooms, and then during the Rumble itself Vince made sure the two would not wind up in the ring at the same time. (thanks to Bishounen No Kawai)
374. Big Bossman vs. Sam Martelli, 1993
Back around the middle of '93, Big Bossman and Nailz did a series of shows for the AWF. On one particular night during their match, Nailz flung Bossman into the turnbuckles, which came loose and caused half the ring ropes to collapse. When the ring crew came out to fix it, Bossman and Nailz brawled around them and some words were exchanged between Bossman and Sam Martelli (one of the ring crew and also local wrestler). After the match, as Bossman was passing Martelli, a few more words were exchanged before Bossman abruptly put his hand in Martelli's face and pushed him to the floor. He received a huge cheer and he even came back later to pose for pics. (thanks to Stan Zanesky)
375. Nathan Jones vs. Cremator
A lot of Aussie wrestlers resented Nathan Jones when he got the WWA gig and a few were very vocal about it. The Cremator, who worked for a rival organization to Jones, would get on radio every week and bad mouth the big man. Jones finally had enough one morning and called in from his car saying he was on his way to the studio to put cremator in his box. When the show went off air they said he hadn't arrived at the station but I heard there was a confrontation in which Cremator took a beating. Might be true because he didn't appear at the next 2 shows for the company. (thanks to Rudy Zarzoff)
376. nWo vs. a fan, 1996
A Hogan fan jumped the railing, got into the ring, and is immediately met by a punch from Kevin Nash that sends him to the floor. Upon noticing this, Scott Hall advances and lays a thunderous kick to the mans head. (thanks to Rudy Zarzoff)
377. Hogan & nWo Sting vs. a fan, 1997
A fan in a Sting mask scaled the cage and was immediately tackled by nWo Sting. Hogan noticed the kid in the corner and went over with Savage and beat on him outside the ring. He then dragged him into ring and continued his attack until security broke it up. Savage looked like he was trying to calm the fan down. (thanks to Rudy Zarzoff)
378. Jesse Ventura vs. the Road Warriors
On a local radio show a few months back, a DJ was saying that there was a slight altercation between Jesse Ventura and the then Road Warriors. To keep the story short, Ventura made a comment about how Animal's motorcycle that Animal took the wrong way. And Animal punched Ventura in the stomach so hard that Ventura pissed himself. Hawk called into the show about 20 minutes later and said that the story was true and neither himself or Animal liked Ventura at all. (thanks to HHBX)
379. Jack Victory vs. Sandman, 2000
I don't know the details but supposedly Sandman was drunk as usual and running his mouth. Anyway, they wound up trading blows with Victory allegedly getting the better of Sandman. The fight was eventually broken up single-handedly by Big Sal E. Graziano. (thanks to BurningHammer)
380. Eddie Guerrero vs. a fan, 2002
During an RVD-Guerrero ladder match on Raw, some (presumably) drunk fan ran in the ring and knocked over the ladder right as Eddie was climbing it. Eddie saw the guy coming in and was able to land safely. The ref tackled the jackass and held him up for one free shot from Eddie before being dragged out of the ring. Eddie got in one stomp to the head before security had completely gotten the guy onto the floor. (thanks to BurninghHmmer)
381. Sabu vs. the Yakuza
On the Mike Awesome shoot interview, he talks about Sabu getting jumped by the Yakuza at an FMW show. Apparently, the Yakuza were always present at ringside and the wrestlers were told to avoid brawling where they were. Sabu just didn't care. He threw his opponent out by the Yakuza and proceeded to do one of his suicide dives right into the crowd where they were. When a couple of them got in his face, Sabu started throwing punched at them. They chased Sabu into the back and were beating on him, when Mike Awesome heard the commotion as they passed by the locker room. He opened the locker room door and saw one of the Yakuza standing over Sabu, trying to smash his head in with a chair. Mike knocked him down and threw a couple other guys off of Sabu, then quickly helped Sabu up and they ran into a nearby locker room and locked the door. According to Mike, they were stuck in the locker room for an hour, with security guarding the door, because the Yakuza refused to leave. They were threatening to stab both Mike and Sabu. After a while tensions eased and the Yakuza left. (thanks to EpidemicOfHate)
382. Bruiser Brody vs. Seiji Sakaguchi, 1985
Taken from wrestlingclassics.com: Brody and Sakaguchi got into a legit fight during a singles match the night before. Brody was mad about not getting his promised broker fee in setting up the World Class/New Japan deal, but more likely, probably figuring reprisals may have been coming that night. It wouldn't have been over losing, because Snuka was doing the job, and Brody had no problem working tag matches if his partner was taking the fall. (thanks to Dave Meltzer)
383. Tom Pritchard & Manny Fernandez vs. 2 drunks
Taken from Tom's column on WWE.com: I have only been in two bar fights. I was with Manny Fernandez each time. Manny was the kind of guy who liked to fight. I dont know why, because all it really did was get him banned from places we really wanted to go. One night Manny decided this guy was looking at him. I couldnt imagine why. I mean, here was a guy with big white bandages on his forehead standing by the bar ordering double shots of Jack Daniels and tequila. Hell, nothing wrong with that. But Manny had to ask the guy what the @#$% he was looking at! Without saying a word, this cowboy hauled off and punched Manny right in the mouth. It must have been a glancing blow because Manny shook it off and proceeded to grab the guys cowboy shirt and punch him three times in the face. Immediately, one of the bouncers jumped in to pull Manny off. At the same time, the cowboys friend tried to take a poke at Manny. When he did that, I grabbed his neck in the best rear chinlock I could and pulled him down on top of me. This was great. Now Im on the floor with beer and spit with a 250-pound drunk on top of me. More bouncers arrived and pulled us up. Luckily, the manager (Jim) was a good friend of Mannys and the bartenders all agreed that the cowboy started everything by looking at Manny sideways. Jeez! (thanks to Terry Borsum)
384. Tom Pritchard & Manny Fernandez vs. more drunks
Taken from Tom's column on WWE.com: Another time, same place, Manny and I went in just to say hello to Jim and have the proverbial one drink. Note: Whenever Manny Fernandez or Bradshaw says were only going to have one drink, DONT BELIEVE THEM! Once again, some cowboy was talking too loud for Mannys taste and he wanted to shut him up. This time Manny didnt say anything. He just walked up and punched the guy in his eye! The guy dropped like a rock and someone at the bar grabbed Manny from behind. I made an attempt to help Manny when I felt an arm come across my throat and pull me back. Damn! The same bouncers came and broke it up. This time the police came. Once again everybody vouched for Manny. But when the cops left, Jim told Manny he couldnt come back anymore. I was glad because this time could have turned out real bad. (thanks to Terry Borsum)
385. Adrian Adonis vs. Dan Spivey, 1986 Spivey, for an unknown reason, gave Adonis several black eyes in front of all the wrestlers. This was back when both were in WWF, and if you recall, Adonis briefly wore a veil over his head to cover the marks on his face.
386. Sting vs. Dick Slater, 1986
Don't know much about this, and have heard several versions. Basically, backstage at a UWF show, Slater really gave it to Sting (known back then as Bladerunner Sting). Sting apparently didn't fight back much and just took it like a man.
387. Terry Gordy vs. Dallas Police Department, 1986
Gordy was arrested at a Dallas nightclub after a night of heavy drinking. He didn't hurt any cops, but he destroyed a few patrol cars.
388. Terry Taylor & the Fantastics vs some taunting fans, 1986
Some fans were heckling the babyfaces, who probably had the hearts of the fans' girlfriends. The fans said wrestling was fake and that the blood was fake. Taylor punched the guy to prove the blood wasn't fake, and the wrestlers were arrested in Baton Rouge.
389. Chris Adams vs. a pilot, 1986
Adams caused a disturbance on a flight to Ft Worth, and was arrested upon landing. He apparently made some threats to the co-pilot.
390. Justin Bradshaw vs a drunken fan
This one was on RAW. Bradshaw was in a singles match (I forget who). Anyway the action spills outside into the crowd, and this fan starts taunting Bradshaw. At first he ignores the fan, but he (the fan) still eggs him on. As if that weren't bad enough, the fan throws beer on Bradshaw. Next thing you know the big guy turns around and knocks said fan out. Meanwhile King and J.R. go on with the show like nothing ever happened. (thanks to Ian Anderson)
391. Bubba Dudley Vs Renee Dupre, 2003
It was Dudley Boyz vs. La Resistance. The Dudleys gave Sylvan Grenier a 3-D, and Renee Dupree was meant to break it up, but Renee was out of place, forcing Grenier to kick out of the 3-D. All through the match, after Bubba worked stiff on Renee and some words were exchanged backstage, allegedly it ended in a scuffle with Bubba and Renee. (thanks to Ash)
392. Chris Jericho vs. a fan
Jericho was at the bottom of the ramp and a fan jumped him and clubbed him in the back but security grabbed him and Jericho got in a punch to the back of his head as they drag him away. They just pretended nothing happened and because Undertaker was the next out and the arena went black. (thanks to Lance)
393. Blackjack Mulligan vs. Bob Roop, 1986
After a show at the Miami Marine Stadium, Mulligan (father of Barry Windham) saw Roop in the dressing room and beat him so bad that Roop needed medical attention. This apparently stemmed from years earlier when Roop was booking Florida.
394. Kevin Kelly vs. Sheik Kaissey, 1987
No, this isn't the Kevin Kelly who announced for WWE. These two got into it while taping interviews at an AWA taping, and reportedly "Kaissey was beaten to a pulp."
395. Bruiser Brody vs. Paul Heyman, 1987
From the Wrestling Observer Newsletter: "Brody and Paul E. Dangerously had an out-of-the-ring fracas at the World of Wheels show in Atlanta. Dangerously wasn't hurt although I bet his heart skipped several beats." This show was promoted by Jerry Blackwell (former AWA champ), and Heyman was talking a mile a minute, and Brody exploded and threw him to the ground. There was no "fight," as Brody just wanted to shake Heyman up and scare him (it worked). There was never any heat between them after this. (thanks to Dave Meltzer)
396. Badnews Brown vs. Cuban Assassin, 1987
Assassin showed up at the WWF TV tapings in Wichita, and Brown ended up chasing him around with a chair. There was bad blood between the two from Calgary, when they and their wives all got into a brawl, which resulted in Assassin leaving the territory.
397. George Steele vs. a security guard, 1987
Steele shoved down a security guard during a house show at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. The guard ended up pressing charges.
398. Tennis star Lindsey Davenport filed a lawsuit against USWA charging sexual harrasment.
399. Bobby Heenan and Nick Bockwinkle, if they couldn't find anyone they would kind of help each other out with a knob job from time to time.
400. I've also heard stories about Dick the Bruiser and his penchant for young Japanese girls. Child porn and prepubescent prostitutes were the norm for Japan until what, 2000...Bruiser had his share when he was in Japan with Crusher so it's been alleged.
401. Bruiser has been accused of fiddling with his own grandkids before he died...and from talking to some people who were married into the family at one time or another, it had long been rumored to them but no one ever followed up on it, at least legally.
402. Beulah was a stripper/centerfold/"starred" in a vid before she was spotted at a strip club.
403. Francine liked to flash her implants and got passed around the locker room.
404. Macho's valet, Gorgeous George, also made a *********ion vid, and Denise Riffle, aka Chastity, appeared in the porn flick, "Live Bait."
405. European wrestler Sigi the Swisstank (semi-famous from Chris Hero's Best of the Best IV promo) used to use the internet to get himself male company for lonely nights in hotel rooms.
406. An oldtimer I know who was friends with both Brody & Invader asked Invader why he did it afterwards. He said that he had a grudge with Brody for years, dating back to the first time they met in NYC.Bruiser was mad he had to wrestle the shorter Gonzalez,and called him a fucking midget. That was why he said he did it. He only wanted to teach him a lesson,but Brody had taken 7 aspirin before to get good juice and the Doctor couldn't stop the blood flow.
407. TNA pitched to Macho Man the idea of a worked shoot angle/feud with Lex on the basis that he killed Elizabeth, basically.
408. While this will come as no surprise 90% of the CZW lockeroom smoke reefer.
409. Someone used the term pay for gay, and no more apt a description could be given of the relationship between Dory Funk Jr and Adam Windsor. You didn't think he got put over so much because of his skills did you?
410. I personally know that Richard Arpin of NWA Tristate frequents the "buddy booth" at A to Z adult bookstore in Parkersburg WV for a couple of hours a week.
For wrestling historians, this is one of the most famous matches in pro wrestling history. Sometime in 1911, Gotch had beaten Hackenschmidt three years earlier and was universally recognized as the world heavyweight champion and this was the first ever rematch of the century. Weeks before the match took place, a sparring partner of Hackenschmidt's by the name of Ad Santel had done some damage to his partner's knee in training. It later turned out that Santel was paid $5000 by the Gotch camp to do a number on it. A record breaking crowd was expected for the show so the promoters kept the injury quiet from the media (who actually cared about wrestling back then). Gotch obviously knew about the injury told Hackenschmidt, who wanted to pull out, that he would carry him to a credible match and give him one fall in the best-of-three falls. Once the match started though, Gotch double-crossed him and started to shoot quickly won two straight falls. (thanks to Rob Harvey & TPWW.net)
343. Ed Don George vs. Strangler Lewis
Promoter Billy Sandow (who basically worked with Lewis) worked closely with another promoter called Paul Bowser were making big bucks with a former football player called Gus Sonnenberg as the world champion. Sonnenberg, who supposedly couldn't wrestle a lick, was beaten up in the street by a middleweight wrestler in a set up organised by rival promoters. At this time, the heavyweight champion had to be looked as being the toughest man in the world because people still thought wrestling was real so Bowser then had Sonnenberg drop the world title to George, who was a great Olympic wrestler, without consulting Sandow or Lewis (who was meant to be next in line for the world title). George was then later booked in a match with Lewis where he was meant to win. However, it didn't quite go down like that because while they were in the ring, Lewis told George he was taking the belt and they could either do things the easy way (George doing the job) or the hard way (Lewis beating the living piss out of him and taking the belt). He took the easy way. (thanks to Rob Harvey & TPWW.net)
344. Strangler Lewis vs. Henri DeGlane
Three weeks after the Lewis vs. George match, Paul Bowser booked Lewis to defend the title in Montreal (sound familiar?) against the 1924 Olympic gold medalist. Lewis went into the ring knowing he was going to win the match by 2 falls to 1. Back in these days, wrestlers would return to the dressing rooms after each fall. After the second fall, DeGlane bit himself in the arm until he drew blood and then came out for the final fall with the arm covered. Within seconds of the third fall starting, DeGlane starting screaming like he'd been shot. Lewis then backed off not knowing what happened but the referee then saw the bite marks on DeGlane's arm and then DQ'd Lewis and awarded the belt to DeGlane. Lewis then went backstage to beat the shit out of Bowser but he had six bodyguards armed with baseball bats waiting for him. (thanks to Rob Harvey & TPWW.net)
345. Wendi Richter vs. Spider Lady
November 25, 1985 at Madison Square Garden. Minutes before going to the ring to defend the WWF women'' title, Richter was given a contract by Vince McMahon which included a clause to sign away all her merchandise rights. Richter said she wanted to look at the contract after her match. McMahon then demanded she sign the contract but Richter stuck to her guns and said she would look at it after the match. However, Spider Lady wasn't the same lady who had played the character previously. It was Fabulous Moolah. During the match, Moolah rolled up an unsuspecting Richter and held her tight for the pin. Richter never worked for the WWF again. Moolah claims that she wasn't aware of the double-cross and she didn't expect the referee to count the three. Again, does it sound familiar? (thanks to Rob Harvey & TPWW.net)
346. Vince McMahon vs. Kevin "Nailz" Wacholz
Some of you older fans may remember Kevin Wacholz as Nailz, the former convict, in the WWF back in 1992. Story goes that Wacholz, who was in line for a program with the Ultimate Warrior before he left the company, was pissed at Vince McMahon because of his pay off from SummerSlam 1992 which was, and still is, the highest attendance ever for a WWF event. Wacholz confronted McMahon about the pay off and reportedly, McMahon blow it off which angered Wacholz more so he attacked McMahon and choked him until he was turning blue. Wacholz was fired because of that incident and aside from one pay-per-view appearance in WCW against Sting, he hasn't worked in the big time since. To add another chapter to this story, later at the Vince McMahon steroid trial, Wacholz gave evidence against Vince McMahon but he came off so badly on the stand (including continuously contradicting himself) that word is that his evidence probably was what kept Vince from doing time. WINNER: Nailz, for doing what so many others have dreamed of. (thanks to Rob Harvey & TPWW.net)
347. Rick Steiner vs. Corporal Cajun/Big Vito/Konnan
On three straight Nitro's prior the to sale of the WCW to WWFE, Rick Steiner took blatant liberties with all three men during singles match. Steiner, who has a reputation for being a tough guy, had no clear reason to shoot on these three men. For the record, all three of his opponents on these nights stayed professional and tried to work their parts in the match. Rumor has it that prior to the news that the WWF had bought the company, many people backstage were planning on running in during a Steiner match on the final Nitro to beat him down live on the show. Whether it would have happened or not we will ever know. WINNER: Steiner. I'm afraid to call him a loser. (thanks to Rob Harvey and TPPW.net)
348. New Jack vs. Brian Pillman
On June 1, 1996, Brian Pillman returned to the ECW Arena just week after breaking his foot in a Humvee accident. Pillman cut a promo in the ring where he made a reference to the NWA (the rap group, not the wrestling organization). To this day nobody expect New Jack is 100% on what he thought but it's believed that New Jack either misheard the comments or was misinformed by someone backstage but he went nuts backstage anyway talking about the infamous N-word. When Pillman came backstage, in his wheelchair mind you, both men got into a very heated confrontation where many believe New Jack would attack the crippled Pillman. To his credit, Pillman never backed down to anything. New Jack threatened to leave the company over the incident and Pillman never went back to work for ECW ever again. Days later, Pillman signed the first ever guaranteed contract issued by the World Wrestling Federation. (thanks to Rob Harvey and TPPW.net)
349. Andre the Giant vs. Ultimate Warrior
During their series of matches. They had a spot set up where warrior would charge Andre w/ a clothesline knocking the Giant back into the ropes to be tied up. Problem was, that Warrior would charge at Andre going at full speed. Now it didn't hurt Andre, but pissed him off royaly. When he was hit by the clothesline, Heenan would hear Andre grunt. This went on for a while, match after match, same thing. Warrior at full speed and Andre grunting. Finally Andre had enough. The spot came up and Warrior charged full speed at Andre, but the Giant simply held up his fist which connected and Warrior was knocked senseless. Next match, spot comes up, Warrior goes for the clothesline and basically goes in slow motion and connects with the clothesline. Andre gets tied up in the ropes and leans over to Bobby and says "He's learning." (thanks to Dazraven)
350. Curt Hennig vs. Brock Lesnar, 2002
Can't believe I forgot to list this one. On the "Plane flight from Hell" earlier this year on the European tour, Curt was loaded up on booze and challenged Brock to take him down. Brock, new to the industry, didn't know what to make of it. Heyman reportedly told him if he doesn't do anything about it now, he'll nevnever live it down. So Brock did take his ass down, and nearly burst a hole through the plane in the process. I'd love to have seen this one. Hennig lost his job over his behavior on this flight. WINNER: Lesnar. (thanks to Matt Phillips and Steve Vendeland)
351. Bill Watts vs. Scott Steiner In the early 90's, Bill Watts and Scott Steiner had been hating each other backstage. I believe Steiner began requesting title shots, and Bill Watts told him that he could have the TV title (which Steiner eventually would win). Scott apparently went ballistic on Watts (possibly due to roid rage as well), and a number of superstars had to pull him off. (thanks to Steve Vendeland)
351. Scott Steiner vs. DDP, Part 2
I think that Scott Steiner and DDP had another fight a week before Superbrawl 2001. This was a different fight, but DDP got his ass kicked, and Kevin Nash left with him afterwards, thus changing the format of the whole show. I remember Steiner said some trash about DDP and his wife in the ring. Backstage, the two got into a fight where DDP jumped Steiner, got beat up, and a bunch of wrestlers had to pull them apart. To make up for some time lost, Mike Sanders and the Natural Born Thrillers went to the ring and improved for a little bit on the stick. I'm not 100% sure when this was, but it must have been before early 2001/late 2000. That's all I can remember. (thanks to Steve Vendeland)
352. Kevin Nash vs. Jean Pierre Lafitte, 1995
Need more info on this one. Apparently Pierre didn't want to lose in when the WWF was touring Quebec, so Nash may have given him a beating. I think Kevin Nash referenced to that incident in late 2000. This was at a house show. (thanks to Steve Vendeland & Martin Filion)
353. Steve Austin vs. HHH, 1999
I remember hearing something at the Summer Slam '99' taping. After the main event witch included Mankind, HHH and Austin, Austin confronted HHH about the way he was hitting him with chairshots. I heard they got in a heated conversation but don't know if any fists were thrown. (thanks to Melissa Munoz)
354. Bill Goldberg vs. Evan Karagias, 2000
Before the 9/5/00 Nitro, Goldberg was backstage with Kevin Nash when Karagias walked up to shake Goldberg's hand. Bill was slow to acknowledge Karagias and apparently Evan took offense to it and said something to Goldberg. So, Bill grabbed him by the throat and pinned him on the floor, choking him out. Goldberg later tried to apologize but Evan refused, which made Goldberg angry again but nothing came of it. This was during the time period that Goldberg was going through major heat with Russo and obviously couldn't control his temper throughout the duration. On a side note, 3 Count was told by management they would go over Kronik to make up for the incident, but Kronik, when they heard this, again refused to sell for the smaller guys. Winner: Goldberg and anyone with a big man/bad management fetish. (thanks to Troy Anthony)
355. Steve Austin vs. Raven
Steve Austin once exchanged heated words in a locker room with Raven. Debra was cutting a promo near the showers backstage, when Raven came out wearing nothing but a towel. Austin confronted him, grabbing Raven and verbally laying into him, feeling that Raven was showing off in front of his wife. Raven claimed he didn't know Debra was there. The situation was quelled quickly, but wrestlers have said Austin was always over-protective of Debra. Austin later apologized. Winner: None, but is there any doubt that Austin would have whipped his ass? (thanks to Troy Anthony)
356. Sabu vs. a Fan
I also recall an incident when Sabu kicked the shit out on some fan for pulling off his turban while Sabu was walking to the ring. This happened in Japan, I have it on tape somewhere. Anyway, after the fan pulled off the turban, Sabu hopped the railing, chased him down, then knocked him out with a few punches and some wicked ass knees to the face! Afterwards Sabu continued to the ring and proceeded to wrestle Eddie Guerrero like nothing ever happened. (thanks to Troy Anthony)
357. Mike Awesome vs. a Fan, 2000
At Halloween Havoc 2000, Mike Awesome knocked a fan out with one punch during a crowd tour with Vampiro. The fan tried to jump in and give Awesome some clubs to the back when Awesome laid him the F out. (thanks to Troy Anthony)
358. Bill Johnson vs. Tony Galento
State police arrested Two-Ton Tony Galento, former heavyweight boxer, on an assault - and - battery charge. The charge was filed by Bill Johnson, a wrestling promoter in nearby McKeesport. Johnson said the Galento knocked out four of his teeth after a wrestling show in an altercation over a split of the proceeds. Johnson later dropped the charges when Galento agreed to pay him $250 for hospital bills. The 41 year old Orange, N.J. saloon keeper appeared on a wrestling card at McKeesport. (thanks to Bob and Associated Press)
359. Ric Flair vs. Eric Bischoff, 2003
On the night of a recent Raw taping, Bischoff and Raw exchanged a few words about their past in WCW. Words got heated up and it led to blows. The scuffle was quickly broken up, but while it lasted, Flair got the better of it. Suspiciously, WWE officials, Flair, and Bischoff have been extremely tight-lipped about this. WINNER: Flair, I guess. Go figure, the guy finally stands up for himself, about 15 years too late. (thanks to Scott Ryan Czasak & several others)
360. Chris Jericho vs. Bill Goldberg, 2003
Yet another recent incident at Raw. Goldberg mouthed off to Nash about Jericho, stemming from their real-life feud in WCW years back. Word got to Jericho what Goldberg said, and he confronted him about it. Seconds later, they were rolling around on the ground (violently, not lovingly, you jokesters). It was broken up before any punches really landed. Jericho was quite the hero for this, with Hurricane reportedly being his biggest mark. Don't these guys know their fights will be broken up right away? Knowing that, even I'd pick a fight with Goldberg just to look brave for 2 seconds. Both guys ended up shaking hands when it was over. WINNER: Neither, but this incident showed the Balls of Jericho. (thanks to Scott Ryan Czasak, Ronnie Pruitt, & many others)
361. Ric Flair vs. a Backstage Guy named Richard Fullerton
Ric said hello to Richard and Richard said Flair was too old to be wrestling, and that his wrestling has always stunk. So Flair attacked him and the two got in to a major punch up for about 3 minutes, until others broke it up. It was believed that Flair won the fight (thanks to Michael Gawith)
362. Kevin Nash & Scott Hall vs. a Bunch of Stupid, Drunk Kids, Spring Break Nitro, 1997
Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Syxx (Sean Waltman) were guests on stage as a part of MTV's annual spring break coverage. The three were there to punish losers of a talent contest I think and to build up the annual Panama City Nitro that Monday. Anyway a drunk guy in the crowd was causing trouble and threw something at the stage. The NWO guys asked security to get a grip on the rowdy crowd, but were blown off. When the guy threw something else the NWO guys astonished their MTV hosts by leaping off the stage, grabbing the guy themselves, and turning him over to security. They then threatened to walk out if security didn't get the crowd under better control. MTV usually shows the footage annually as a "wildest ever moment" while building up spring break coverage. (thanks to Tamalie, wrestlingclassics.com, & the Meatball)
363. Great Sasuke vs. Dirtbike Kid, 1999
It was in July of 1999, in the Michinoku Pro promotion. They were having a "Mask Tournament" where all the competitors were, well, wearing masks. One of the first matches was all-time-asshole (and owner of M-Pro) Great Sasuke vs. the Dirtbike Kid. The match starts out normally, and a minute or so in Dirtbike Kid is hitting all the offense. After taking a few moves, Sasuke starts to become a little lethargic, not no-selling stuff, but kind of half-assing it. Anyway, something Dirtbike did must have pissed him off or maybe he just wanted a sandwich or something, because about 2 minutes in he stops taking offense and starts kicking the hell out of Dirtbike in the legs and in the torso. I've read some reports that Sasuke may have cracked the dude's ribs. Then after kicking the snot out of him for a bit, he picks the Kid up and puts him in a standing choke-hold. Dirtbike Kid starts flailing around like crazy and the ref calls for the bell. Then Sasuke kind of stands around, stares at the kid for a minute, and then heads straight for the back. (thanks to Ed Reese)
364. Tommy Lee vs. Shawn Michaels, 1995
Apparently there was some sort of altercation backstage at Wrestlemania 11 with Shawn Michaels and Tommy Lee in which Tommy Lee tried to jump Michaels from behind, causing Sid to intervene and pin him against the wall. Pamela Lee Anderson's face during the match was like she didn't want to be there. (thanks to John Regent & Powerslam magazine)
365. Bradshaw v Steve Blackman, 1999/2000
WWF was in between shows at the local airport, and the wrestlers were waiting by the baggage collection bay and Bradshaw decided to dick about trying to push Blackman onto the moving luggage belt. Blackman turned around unflustered and planted a crescent kick flush on Bradshaw's jaw, knocking him clean out, picked up his bag and walked on. Both shook hands when it was done. (thanks to Steven & Chris)
366. Bradshaw vs. Duke Droese
There was a scene between Bradshaw and Duke the Dumpster Droese, that has gained some fame. Apparently, Droese was making homemade GHB, and slipping it into girls drinks and raping them. The wrestlers backstage had told him how distasteful it was. But someone got word of it, and told Bradshaw to take care of it. So he essentially tied Droese up in the shower, and the stories vary from there. The most widely told version would be that Droese ended up raped in some way shape or form. I am more likely to believe that Bradshaw just made him think he was going to get raped. (thanks to Chris)
367. William Regal vs. Bill Goldberg, 1998
Regal had the moment with Goldberg where he did a little unscheduled mat wrestling. I think the only reason why this is considered, is because Goldberg didn't know what was going on. Regal could lead a dead man through a believable sequence, and I believe that is what he was trying to do. But Goldberg flopped around, and ended up looking like an idiot. I remember watching this live on Nitro, and didn't know about it, but it sure looked like something was wrong. (thanks to Chris & codytheimpaler.com)
368. William Regal vs. The Giant (Big Show)
Regal came to near blows with Paul Wight. Wight was complaining about selling for Rey Misterio Jr, and Regal got in his face and told him he was a fat slob, and that the only difference between Wight and Ron Reis was a push (ouch, that hurts). They were broken up quickly after that. (thanks to Chris)
369. Nobuhiko Takada vs Trevor Berbick
Berbick (ex (WBC I think?) Heavyweight Boxing Champion) was brought into UWF-I to have a worked match with Takada, but Takada double crossed him in the ring and started kicking him in the knee. Berbick protested to the ref about these being illegal blows (below the belt), but the ref said go on and fight. Berbick tried to fight back, but Takada's leg kicks and footwork were such that the Bozer couldn't get position to throw, let alone land, a punch. He backed into the corner, Takada kicked him some more, and Berbick left the ring and ran away. WINNER: Takada (but this is the only real fight he won in his life) (thanks to Alex Boothroyd)
370. Torrie Wilson vs. Chyna & Trish & Debra
According to numerous reports during the Alliance-era, Torrie Wilson was not very welcome by three WWE Divas apon her hiring. Apparentally Chyna was caught backstage mocking Ms. Wilson by Torrie herself. And if you didn't read at least one report about Trish and Torrie not getting along backstage then you must have been living under a rock. Finally Debra got the impression that Torrie had the hots for Stone Cold and was being a little too nice to the then-WWF Champion. Looking down the score card.... Trish and Torrie have reportedly patched up their difference while Chyna and Debra were both eventually released/left. WINNER: Two out of a three-- Torrie Wilson. (thanks to Lita Maivia)
371. Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Kevin Nash
Nash had been talking smack backstage during his first tour of New Japan and supposedly made some derogatory comments to Fujinami. Fujinami, taking exception to it, walked over and hit Nash (who was seated at the time) with a palm strike (open hand slap). Nash didn't say anything to Fujinami the rest of the tour. (thanks to Nick)
372. Jim Duggan vs. Balls Mahoney
Balls Mahoney tells a story on his shoot tape about Hacksaw Jim Duggan. At the time Balls is still doing the fire breathing gimmick. He was working all the tops faces that came in to work shows. Before the match they go over some stuff they want to do in the match, including the fire gimmick, which Duggan will duck. So they got the match going and Duggan screws up the first two planned spots. So Balls decides to just finish it and get over it and Duggan agrees. As they are going for the finish, Balls get the fluid in his mouth, lights the lighter, gets ready to blow..... Duggan just knocks the lighter out of his hand. Mahoney ends up just spitting fluid. No fire. Balls stops. Flips Duggan off in the ring. Drops and rolls out of the ring and goes to the back. Mahoney gets in the back and is ready to kill. Some of the guys lock him in an office. At the time Mahoney was working in Puerto Rico and carried a knife at all times. He was ready to come out swinging. Someone got to Duggan who was blaming Mahoney for everything going wrong and told him if he didn't leave it would be bad for his health. By the time Mahoney got out of the office. Duggan got his stuff and had left. (thanks to WJD and wrestlingclassics.com)
373. Tatanka vs. Max Moon, 1992
From what I've heard, Tatanka and Max Moon got in a fight backstage at the '92 Rumble after Tatanka found out Moon was hitting on his wife. They were separated and even locked in different dressing rooms, and then during the Rumble itself Vince made sure the two would not wind up in the ring at the same time. (thanks to Bishounen No Kawai)
374. Big Bossman vs. Sam Martelli, 1993
Back around the middle of '93, Big Bossman and Nailz did a series of shows for the AWF. On one particular night during their match, Nailz flung Bossman into the turnbuckles, which came loose and caused half the ring ropes to collapse. When the ring crew came out to fix it, Bossman and Nailz brawled around them and some words were exchanged between Bossman and Sam Martelli (one of the ring crew and also local wrestler). After the match, as Bossman was passing Martelli, a few more words were exchanged before Bossman abruptly put his hand in Martelli's face and pushed him to the floor. He received a huge cheer and he even came back later to pose for pics. (thanks to Stan Zanesky)
375. Nathan Jones vs. Cremator
A lot of Aussie wrestlers resented Nathan Jones when he got the WWA gig and a few were very vocal about it. The Cremator, who worked for a rival organization to Jones, would get on radio every week and bad mouth the big man. Jones finally had enough one morning and called in from his car saying he was on his way to the studio to put cremator in his box. When the show went off air they said he hadn't arrived at the station but I heard there was a confrontation in which Cremator took a beating. Might be true because he didn't appear at the next 2 shows for the company. (thanks to Rudy Zarzoff)
376. nWo vs. a fan, 1996
A Hogan fan jumped the railing, got into the ring, and is immediately met by a punch from Kevin Nash that sends him to the floor. Upon noticing this, Scott Hall advances and lays a thunderous kick to the mans head. (thanks to Rudy Zarzoff)
377. Hogan & nWo Sting vs. a fan, 1997
A fan in a Sting mask scaled the cage and was immediately tackled by nWo Sting. Hogan noticed the kid in the corner and went over with Savage and beat on him outside the ring. He then dragged him into ring and continued his attack until security broke it up. Savage looked like he was trying to calm the fan down. (thanks to Rudy Zarzoff)
378. Jesse Ventura vs. the Road Warriors
On a local radio show a few months back, a DJ was saying that there was a slight altercation between Jesse Ventura and the then Road Warriors. To keep the story short, Ventura made a comment about how Animal's motorcycle that Animal took the wrong way. And Animal punched Ventura in the stomach so hard that Ventura pissed himself. Hawk called into the show about 20 minutes later and said that the story was true and neither himself or Animal liked Ventura at all. (thanks to HHBX)
379. Jack Victory vs. Sandman, 2000
I don't know the details but supposedly Sandman was drunk as usual and running his mouth. Anyway, they wound up trading blows with Victory allegedly getting the better of Sandman. The fight was eventually broken up single-handedly by Big Sal E. Graziano. (thanks to BurningHammer)
380. Eddie Guerrero vs. a fan, 2002
During an RVD-Guerrero ladder match on Raw, some (presumably) drunk fan ran in the ring and knocked over the ladder right as Eddie was climbing it. Eddie saw the guy coming in and was able to land safely. The ref tackled the jackass and held him up for one free shot from Eddie before being dragged out of the ring. Eddie got in one stomp to the head before security had completely gotten the guy onto the floor. (thanks to BurninghHmmer)
381. Sabu vs. the Yakuza
On the Mike Awesome shoot interview, he talks about Sabu getting jumped by the Yakuza at an FMW show. Apparently, the Yakuza were always present at ringside and the wrestlers were told to avoid brawling where they were. Sabu just didn't care. He threw his opponent out by the Yakuza and proceeded to do one of his suicide dives right into the crowd where they were. When a couple of them got in his face, Sabu started throwing punched at them. They chased Sabu into the back and were beating on him, when Mike Awesome heard the commotion as they passed by the locker room. He opened the locker room door and saw one of the Yakuza standing over Sabu, trying to smash his head in with a chair. Mike knocked him down and threw a couple other guys off of Sabu, then quickly helped Sabu up and they ran into a nearby locker room and locked the door. According to Mike, they were stuck in the locker room for an hour, with security guarding the door, because the Yakuza refused to leave. They were threatening to stab both Mike and Sabu. After a while tensions eased and the Yakuza left. (thanks to EpidemicOfHate)
382. Bruiser Brody vs. Seiji Sakaguchi, 1985
Taken from wrestlingclassics.com: Brody and Sakaguchi got into a legit fight during a singles match the night before. Brody was mad about not getting his promised broker fee in setting up the World Class/New Japan deal, but more likely, probably figuring reprisals may have been coming that night. It wouldn't have been over losing, because Snuka was doing the job, and Brody had no problem working tag matches if his partner was taking the fall. (thanks to Dave Meltzer)
383. Tom Pritchard & Manny Fernandez vs. 2 drunks
Taken from Tom's column on WWE.com: I have only been in two bar fights. I was with Manny Fernandez each time. Manny was the kind of guy who liked to fight. I dont know why, because all it really did was get him banned from places we really wanted to go. One night Manny decided this guy was looking at him. I couldnt imagine why. I mean, here was a guy with big white bandages on his forehead standing by the bar ordering double shots of Jack Daniels and tequila. Hell, nothing wrong with that. But Manny had to ask the guy what the @#$% he was looking at! Without saying a word, this cowboy hauled off and punched Manny right in the mouth. It must have been a glancing blow because Manny shook it off and proceeded to grab the guys cowboy shirt and punch him three times in the face. Immediately, one of the bouncers jumped in to pull Manny off. At the same time, the cowboys friend tried to take a poke at Manny. When he did that, I grabbed his neck in the best rear chinlock I could and pulled him down on top of me. This was great. Now Im on the floor with beer and spit with a 250-pound drunk on top of me. More bouncers arrived and pulled us up. Luckily, the manager (Jim) was a good friend of Mannys and the bartenders all agreed that the cowboy started everything by looking at Manny sideways. Jeez! (thanks to Terry Borsum)
384. Tom Pritchard & Manny Fernandez vs. more drunks
Taken from Tom's column on WWE.com: Another time, same place, Manny and I went in just to say hello to Jim and have the proverbial one drink. Note: Whenever Manny Fernandez or Bradshaw says were only going to have one drink, DONT BELIEVE THEM! Once again, some cowboy was talking too loud for Mannys taste and he wanted to shut him up. This time Manny didnt say anything. He just walked up and punched the guy in his eye! The guy dropped like a rock and someone at the bar grabbed Manny from behind. I made an attempt to help Manny when I felt an arm come across my throat and pull me back. Damn! The same bouncers came and broke it up. This time the police came. Once again everybody vouched for Manny. But when the cops left, Jim told Manny he couldnt come back anymore. I was glad because this time could have turned out real bad. (thanks to Terry Borsum)
385. Adrian Adonis vs. Dan Spivey, 1986 Spivey, for an unknown reason, gave Adonis several black eyes in front of all the wrestlers. This was back when both were in WWF, and if you recall, Adonis briefly wore a veil over his head to cover the marks on his face.
386. Sting vs. Dick Slater, 1986
Don't know much about this, and have heard several versions. Basically, backstage at a UWF show, Slater really gave it to Sting (known back then as Bladerunner Sting). Sting apparently didn't fight back much and just took it like a man.
387. Terry Gordy vs. Dallas Police Department, 1986
Gordy was arrested at a Dallas nightclub after a night of heavy drinking. He didn't hurt any cops, but he destroyed a few patrol cars.
388. Terry Taylor & the Fantastics vs some taunting fans, 1986
Some fans were heckling the babyfaces, who probably had the hearts of the fans' girlfriends. The fans said wrestling was fake and that the blood was fake. Taylor punched the guy to prove the blood wasn't fake, and the wrestlers were arrested in Baton Rouge.
389. Chris Adams vs. a pilot, 1986
Adams caused a disturbance on a flight to Ft Worth, and was arrested upon landing. He apparently made some threats to the co-pilot.
390. Justin Bradshaw vs a drunken fan
This one was on RAW. Bradshaw was in a singles match (I forget who). Anyway the action spills outside into the crowd, and this fan starts taunting Bradshaw. At first he ignores the fan, but he (the fan) still eggs him on. As if that weren't bad enough, the fan throws beer on Bradshaw. Next thing you know the big guy turns around and knocks said fan out. Meanwhile King and J.R. go on with the show like nothing ever happened. (thanks to Ian Anderson)
391. Bubba Dudley Vs Renee Dupre, 2003
It was Dudley Boyz vs. La Resistance. The Dudleys gave Sylvan Grenier a 3-D, and Renee Dupree was meant to break it up, but Renee was out of place, forcing Grenier to kick out of the 3-D. All through the match, after Bubba worked stiff on Renee and some words were exchanged backstage, allegedly it ended in a scuffle with Bubba and Renee. (thanks to Ash)
392. Chris Jericho vs. a fan
Jericho was at the bottom of the ramp and a fan jumped him and clubbed him in the back but security grabbed him and Jericho got in a punch to the back of his head as they drag him away. They just pretended nothing happened and because Undertaker was the next out and the arena went black. (thanks to Lance)
393. Blackjack Mulligan vs. Bob Roop, 1986
After a show at the Miami Marine Stadium, Mulligan (father of Barry Windham) saw Roop in the dressing room and beat him so bad that Roop needed medical attention. This apparently stemmed from years earlier when Roop was booking Florida.
394. Kevin Kelly vs. Sheik Kaissey, 1987
No, this isn't the Kevin Kelly who announced for WWE. These two got into it while taping interviews at an AWA taping, and reportedly "Kaissey was beaten to a pulp."
395. Bruiser Brody vs. Paul Heyman, 1987
From the Wrestling Observer Newsletter: "Brody and Paul E. Dangerously had an out-of-the-ring fracas at the World of Wheels show in Atlanta. Dangerously wasn't hurt although I bet his heart skipped several beats." This show was promoted by Jerry Blackwell (former AWA champ), and Heyman was talking a mile a minute, and Brody exploded and threw him to the ground. There was no "fight," as Brody just wanted to shake Heyman up and scare him (it worked). There was never any heat between them after this. (thanks to Dave Meltzer)
396. Badnews Brown vs. Cuban Assassin, 1987
Assassin showed up at the WWF TV tapings in Wichita, and Brown ended up chasing him around with a chair. There was bad blood between the two from Calgary, when they and their wives all got into a brawl, which resulted in Assassin leaving the territory.
397. George Steele vs. a security guard, 1987
Steele shoved down a security guard during a house show at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. The guard ended up pressing charges.
398. Tennis star Lindsey Davenport filed a lawsuit against USWA charging sexual harrasment.
399. Bobby Heenan and Nick Bockwinkle, if they couldn't find anyone they would kind of help each other out with a knob job from time to time.
400. I've also heard stories about Dick the Bruiser and his penchant for young Japanese girls. Child porn and prepubescent prostitutes were the norm for Japan until what, 2000...Bruiser had his share when he was in Japan with Crusher so it's been alleged.
401. Bruiser has been accused of fiddling with his own grandkids before he died...and from talking to some people who were married into the family at one time or another, it had long been rumored to them but no one ever followed up on it, at least legally.
402. Beulah was a stripper/centerfold/"starred" in a vid before she was spotted at a strip club.
403. Francine liked to flash her implants and got passed around the locker room.
404. Macho's valet, Gorgeous George, also made a *********ion vid, and Denise Riffle, aka Chastity, appeared in the porn flick, "Live Bait."
405. European wrestler Sigi the Swisstank (semi-famous from Chris Hero's Best of the Best IV promo) used to use the internet to get himself male company for lonely nights in hotel rooms.
406. An oldtimer I know who was friends with both Brody & Invader asked Invader why he did it afterwards. He said that he had a grudge with Brody for years, dating back to the first time they met in NYC.Bruiser was mad he had to wrestle the shorter Gonzalez,and called him a fucking midget. That was why he said he did it. He only wanted to teach him a lesson,but Brody had taken 7 aspirin before to get good juice and the Doctor couldn't stop the blood flow.
407. TNA pitched to Macho Man the idea of a worked shoot angle/feud with Lex on the basis that he killed Elizabeth, basically.
408. While this will come as no surprise 90% of the CZW lockeroom smoke reefer.
409. Someone used the term pay for gay, and no more apt a description could be given of the relationship between Dory Funk Jr and Adam Windsor. You didn't think he got put over so much because of his skills did you?
410. I personally know that Richard Arpin of NWA Tristate frequents the "buddy booth" at A to Z adult bookstore in Parkersburg WV for a couple of hours a week.
well, tits, but same general area
on second thought, you're right. No more please.