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As WWE fans, we'll never forget the moment we got introduced to the crazy world of professional wrestling. Whether through a family member, a friend, or just discovering it on our own, that memory will stay for the rest of our lives.
There were many aspects of WWE, at a young age, that we thought were real. Of course, growing older, those inner workings become more apparent, but the passion never wanes.
That being said, here are five things in WWE that fans believed when growing up.
#5 Vince McMahon's limousine exploding on WWE RAW
In the mid-2000s, fans got to witness the most shocking conclusions of Monday Night RAW. At the end of Mr. McMahon's Appreciation Night, his limousine exploded just as he got into it to leave the venue.
WWE Universe had never witnessed anything like this before. WWE's official website noted The Chairman to be "presumed dead," sparking a flurry of media interest. Even CNN chimed in to confirm it was just a storyline.
Fans growing up during this particular time were convinced that the whole thing was real. Older fans in the WWE Universe remained skeptical about whether the chairman had been involved in a tragic accident.
Even the former President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, thought McMahon was deceased. He called up Vince's office to get clarity on the situation.
Triple H spoke on The Opie and Anthony show to discuss the segment, including Trump's reaction:
"Oh man, I was scared to death. If I hadn’t seen the pre-tape where he got in and out of the car, you know what I mean. What kills me is so many people called, like Trump called and was like ‘something happened to Vince'," Triple H said. (h/t Republic World)
In the end, it was revealed that it was a storyline indeed. Vince McMahon himself confirmed that it was intended to be a story where he had faked his own demise to see people's reactions.
The storyline was dropped after the real-life passing of Chris Benoit, who tragically killed his family later that month.
#4 Mike Tyson and Stone Cold Steve Austin square-off on WWE RAW in 1998
One of the highlights of WWE's Attitude Era was the introduction of 'Iron' Mike Tyson into the WWE Championship angle in 1998. The boxing legend was embroiled in a rivalry with Stone Cold Steve Austin ahead of WrestleMania 14.
After Stone Cold Steve Austin won the Royal Rumble, Vince McMahon announced Tyson would be the Special Guest Referee at WrestleMania. Austin gave Mike the middle finger, and both men had to be separated from a brawl.
As you'd expect, this moment was covered by media outlets all around the world. For fans, many believed that the square-off between Mike Tyson and Stone Cold Steve Austin was legitimate. Of course, both men were loose cannons, so lines of fiction and reality were blurred when this altercation happened.
Of course, in the end, it was part of a storyline that saw Mike Tyson assist Steve Austin in winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania.
#3 Paul Bearer being buried in concrete at WWE Great American Bash in 2004
Paul Bearer returned to WWE with The Undertaker at WrestleMania 20. The former WWE Champion returned with his Deadman gimmick and his principal aide.
Meanwhile, Paul Heyman challenged The Dudley Boyz to make an impact on SmackDown. The duo decided to abduct Paul Bearer and play mind games with The Phenom. The cunning Heyman told The Undertaker the only way he would see Bearer again as if he were to join him and The Dudley Boyz.
Taker was against this, so a match was created for The Great American Bash: The Concrete Crypt match. Bearer was enclosed inside the crypt near the entrance ramp, and if The Undertaker won, Heyman would pull the lever to bury him in cement.
Although The Deadman managed to defeat The Dudley Boyz and Paul Heyman, the crypt was already half full. In a shocking move, The Undertaker told Paul Bearer he had no other choice but to pull the lever himself. The last image of the pay-per-view was of Paul Bearer submerged in concrete.
Many believed The Undertaker had just committed murder on WWE TV. Fans struggled to work out how WWE pulled off the stunt. Bearer later revealed in 2006 that he committed the dangerous deed himself, but it was pre-taped using a mix of oatmeal and concrete. In the arena, it was a stunt man who did the stunt live.
#2 Kane could create fire in WWE
During the Attitude Era, WWE created an incredible illusion with Kane and his use of fire. He would magically create fire, most notably during his entrance, with all four ring posts set ablaze.
The Big Red Machine incorporated fire in many of his storylines. He used fire to shoot at his opponent in the arena, set WWE commentator Jim Ross on fire, and created one of the most feared matches: The Inferno Match.
The fans who grew up during the Attitude Era genuinely believed that Kane's antics were real. He tricked them into thinking he was beyond human. We suppose that is the magic of professional wrestling, especially for someone growing up in the weird and wonderful world of pro wrestling.
Of course, Kane can't really create fire. WWE's production team brought his power to fruition. They have done a great job over the years of making Kane's character larger than life.
#1 The Undertaker is really a deadman in WWE
The Undertaker is by far WWE's greatest creation when it comes to character. 'The Deadman' gimmick was by far the most successful incarnation. It led young fans to wonder whether The Undertaker was actually a deadman.
The Phenom would rise from the casket after he'd been out of action for a while. He would also return after being put down in Buried Alive matches. With Paul Bearer by his side carrying an urn, seemingly containing The Undertaker's ashes, how could you not buy into the mystique?
WWE backstage worker Bruce Prichard described The Undertaker and his fictional brother Kane as the greatest characters ever:
"Without a doubt, he’s the greatest creation ever in WWE. Second is Kane. They had a deep, good story behind them, and both of the men that portray those characters are those characters. Mark Calaway became The Undertaker, and Glenn Jacobs became Kane. That’s how seriously they took their craft. You’d watch them and believe them. The Undertaker and Kane, both of those were beautiful matches," Bruce Prichard said. (h/t Sports Illustrated)
The Undertaker also fiercely protected his character and was barely seen outside of his gimmick. His dedication led The Deadman to be one of the greatest characters in WWE history.
Let us know in the comments what you thought was real watching WWE when you were younger!
