10 Controversial WWE Moments From 20 Years Ago
9. The Chyna Syndrome
Her sad 2016 passing will likely be the catalyst for her eventual inclusion in the WWE Hall of Fame, but her place amongst industry greats will be richly deserved.
Bursting on to the scene in early 1997, 'The Ninth Wonder of the World' was the irrefutable turning point for a Hunter Hearst Helmsley character that had persistently struggled to gain traction since his 1995 debut.
Given an Intercontinental Title reign after sitting out his Curtain Call punishment period throughout 1996, a flat series with Goldust designed to turn the 'Bizarre One' babyface left him still spinning his wheels.
Having experimented with swimsuit models, Sable and even Curtis Hughes as heaters for the Greenwich Snob, it was the arrival of the amazonian with a brutal attacks on the diminutive Marlena at In Your House: Final Four then again the following night on Raw that made Helmsley a sudden talking point.
She was fearless in her assaults, taking down referees and male performers in her first few weeks before rag-dolling Marlena again at WrestleMania 13.
Her refreshing and dynamic displays would keep the moribund Triple H afloat through much of 1997 until his real life friendship with Shawn Michaels finally bore creative fruit.