5 controversial backstage stories behind the biggest WrestleMania matches

#2 Hulk Hogan leaving WrestleMania 9 as WWE Champion

Hogan vs Hart

Bret 'The Hitman' Hart had become a top star by the time WrestleMania 9 came around. He defended the WWE title in the main event of WrestleMania 9 against the Royal Rumble winner, Yokozuna. Hart lost the match and out came Hogan soon after. One thing led to another and Hogan was given a match for Yokozuna's newly-won title on the spot. Seconds later, Hogan was holding the WWE title in a finish that no one had seen coming.

Although it looked like the biggest feel-good moment there could possibly be to end a WrestleMania, things weren't so simple behind the scenes. Bret Hart was absolutely crushed at what had happened. Vince McMahon had assured him that he was a long-term Champion, but things went awry faster than he could process everything.

Vince said, “Don’t get bitter. I still have big plans for you.” Sound bites flashed through my mind of Vince assuring me that I was the long-term champion, and not to worry about Hulk Hogan, who still hadn’t even spoken to me yet.