History can be a funny thing at times as it can show us where we’ve gone wrong or expose something we may not be so proud of anymore, say like having another company’s top title belt on your shows like on This Day in Wrestling History.
On July 29, 1991, Bobby Heenan announced on a WWE TV taping that Ric Flair was coming to the WWE.
While that was huge news after Flair’s history with the WCW as champion and a decade running alongside Hulk Hogan in the debate of who was the best champion, there’s another tidbit that’s often forgotten or missed.
And that’s the fact Bobby Heenan made the announcement while holding the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, also loving called the Big Gold Belt.
There’s always a twist
While this was unheard of, it was a moment in wrestling history that was brought about by a contract dispute between Ric Flair and WCW’s president Jim Herd.
Herd allegedly wanted Flair to take a substantial pay cut and refused to refund Flair’s $25,000 deposit for the championship belt.
It was a long standing tradition for the NWA to ask for a deposit to ensure the belt would be returned or handed over when a new champion was chosen.
So, Flair kept the belt. Fair exchange ain’t no robbery, right?
In another twist, Flair brought the belt to the TV tapings and the WWE didn’t waste any time in putting it on full display every chance they got.
Remember when
This is one of those moments that doesn’t age well for some, as Vince McMahon was reportedly furious when Alundra Blayze went to WCW (as Medusa) and dropped the WWE Women’s Championship belt in the trash.
Granted, the trash can part was brutal but it’s been reported the whole scenario infuriated McMahon.
That’s understandable, but we’ve seen more and more over the years that he has no problem in adopting what others do or rail if his own tactics are used against him.
Still, it took a lot of guts to do what he and Flair did and that’s one of the reasons McMahon’s managed to survive and thrive over the last forty years, and This Day in Wrestling History is a perfect testament.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get The Overtimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
Remember to stay up to date with the latest news on TheOvertimer. Don’t forget to visit Gamestingr for great videos, news, and gameplay!
