5 controversial backstage stories behind the biggest WrestleMania matches

#2 Hulk Hogan leaving WrestleMania 9 as WWE Champion

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.

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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.

About the author

Abhilash Mendhe is a pro wrestling journalist at Sportskeeda with nearly five years of experience. He completed his MBA from the Symbiosis Institute of Telecom Management in 2016 and worked with multiple banking institutions, including Tech Mahindra. While he started writing WWE articles for Sportskeeda in 2019 as a hobby, it eventually became a significant part of his professional journey.

Abhilash checks his articles thrice before sending them to the editing team, ensuring his work is highly accurate and reliable.

He has interviewed prominent pro wrestling personalities like Noam Dar, Angry Miz Girl, Brendan Cobbina, and Jesse Lambert. Abhilash is a big fan of AEW star Orange Cassidy, as he believes the former International Champion’s on-screen gimmick of an extremely lazy guy resonates with him.

Given the opportunity to script WWE’s next big storyline, Abhilash would treat fans to the second installment of The Bloodline Civil War. He would book Roman Reigns to re-form The Bloodline with The Usos and Sami Zayn upon his comeback. The angle would see The Tribal Chief-led group go head-to-head with The Rock, Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Jacob Fatu in a blockbuster family feud.

When not reporting on pro wrestling, Abhilash likes to work out, go on walks, read, and explore new eateries.

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Edited by Anurag Sharma