5 Most Incredible Backstage Controversies In WWE WrestleMania History
'Mania night doesn't always go the way Vince McMahon would like it to...
Enough of the constructed drama and sentimental storytelling - how about a little bit of dirt?
After all, what would the wonderful world of the internet wrestling community be without grit and grime spilling out of the continuous rumour mill? WrestleMania has certainly not been immune to delectable tales, either - the history of the event is filled with incredible stories taking place not too far beyond the entrance facade.
Arguments, fights, disagreements over the booking of the events, you name it: WrestleMania has played host to real-life stories that are just as fascinating as the ones that were written.
Just picking five backstage controversies out of 35 years of history is only scratching the surface of what an intense, high-pressure, acrimonious atmosphere an event of WrestleMania's magnitude can be. But when it comes to the absolute most notable backstage stories of Manias past, these are the ones that come to mind.
So without any further ado, here are the five most incredible backstage controversies in the history of WrestleMania.
5. Ric Flair's Blood Creates An Uproar (WrestleMania 8)
"The Nature Boy" hit quite a gusher in his heated WWF title bout with Macho Man Randy Savage, blading himself after being sent face-first into the guardrail. The big problem was that the loss of blood was not authorised.
In a much more sanitised period for WWF, Flair and Savage had gone into business for themselves, and an irate Vince McMahon fined Flair heavily for cutting himself. Some reports even claim that Flair was almost fired for doing so.
While Bret Hart himself bladed earlier in the night, he was discreet, and he and opponent Roddy Piper passed it off as accidental hardway blood. Flair, however, wasn't so subtle.
Written by Justin Henry
In addition to writing lists and commentaries for Cultaholic, Justin is also a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine, and is co-author of the WWE-related book Titan Screwed: Lost Smiles, Stunners, and Screwjobs.
