Let's dive into a fascinating moment in WWE history and explore the untold story of a potential heel turn that never was. This tale takes us back to the early '90s, a time when the WWE was navigating a turbulent period, and one of its biggest stars, the Ultimate Warrior, made a bold decision that changed the course of his career.
The Perfect Angle for a Heel Turn
In 1992, WWE was gearing up for a monumental SummerSlam event, with the WWE Championship on the line. The plan was to reignite an old rivalry between the Macho Man Randy Savage and the Ultimate Warrior, with a twist - a potential heel turn for the Warrior. This move would have shaken up the WWE landscape and created a new dynamic, especially with the addition of Mr. Perfect and Ric Flair to the mix.
Warrior's Refusal
According to James Dixon, an author who has chronicled WWE's history, Vince McMahon's initial plan was to have Warrior turn heel and side with Perfect and Flair. However, this idea was quickly shot down by Warrior himself. Dixon believes that Warrior felt McMahon was trying to 'destroy his character', especially given the ongoing business disputes between the two.
What's intriguing is that Warrior's refusal to turn heel might have been a result of his own perception of his character's value. He had just returned to WWE after a brief absence, and McMahon was hoping he'd fill the void left by Hulk Hogan. But Warrior's box office appeal wasn't as strong as expected, and his A-shows were being outdrawn by Savage's B-shows.
Missed Opportunities
A heel turn for the Ultimate Warrior could have been a game-changer for WWE during its down year in 1992. It might have provided the spark the company needed to rejuvenate its storylines and create new, exciting rivalries. Just think about the potential matches and storylines - a rogue Warrior tormenting The Undertaker, or going head-to-head with Bret Hart, who was rising through the ranks at the time.
The impact of such a move is evident when we look at similar heel turns in the industry. Hulk Hogan's turn in WCW and John Cena's more recent turn in WWE both had significant impacts on the companies' trajectories. They added depth to old rivalries and created new, engaging narratives.
The Ramifications
However, the story doesn't end with Warrior's refusal. His subsequent release from WWE just months later, allegedly due to a failed drug test, adds another layer of complexity. With federal investigators looking into steroid distribution within the WWE, a scandalous departure by a WWE Champion could have had devastating consequences for the industry.
In the end, we're left to wonder about the 'what ifs'. What if Warrior had turned heel? How would it have impacted his career and the WWE's trajectory? While we can speculate, the reality is that we'll never truly know. But it's these untold stories and missed opportunities that make the WWE's history so fascinating and worth exploring.
