10 Things You Didn't Know About Stone Cold & Brian Pillman Gun Angle

Just under 25 years ago, WWE presented an angle so controversial, so shocking, and so adult-oriented that it almost got them kicked off the air.

On 4th November, 1996, Brian Pillman pulled out a 9mm gun on Monday Night RAW and implied its use in defense of his family and home against Stone Cold Steve Austin.

For some, it was far too intense, far too dramatic, and way too real to be considered acceptable viewing for the young audience to which the WWF was supposedly catering to at the time. While the signs were there throughout most of 1996, the promotion and company was changing, and they were heading in a direction that would see them push the envelope as far as possible.

This angle could very well have been the launching point for the shock TV period so fondly remembered as the Attitude Era. It featured two of the company's most intense performers, who had a unique bond and incredible chemistry that lasted throughout their entire careers: Brian Pillman and Steve Austin.

Though much has been discussed about the angle over the years, there's also several little-known facts about the segment. Ranging from the pre-segment opinion of the USA Network to the original role of Brian's wife Melanie, many topics are covered in this article, featuring 10 things you didn't know about the infamous Austin/Pillman angle from Monday Night RAW.

Back in November of 1996, the World Wrestling Federation was in the early stages of a thorough TV ratings ass-whopping at the hands of rival organization, WCW. In an attempt to combat the slump, Vince McMahon had already begun to turn his product into a more adult-oriented program consistent with other contemporary shows like The Jerry Springer Show or the USA Network's own Silk Stalkings, by featuring more risqué angles and characters that, in any other year, would've been completely forbidden.

So when Bruce Prichard came to Vince with an idea that involved Steve Austin storming Brian Pillman's home as a way to finish a job started on the 27th October episode of WWF Superstars (crushing Brian's ankle using a steel chair in a manner that would become known as "Pillmanizing"), McMahon was hesitant. The idea continued that while Austin would be coming after Pillman in his own home, the Loose Cannon would enact castle law and attempt to protect his home and his family with a gun.

McMahon had never allowed the use of a gun on his television before as it was considered taboo and not a family-friendly tactic. But after being persuaded by both Prichard and WWF Magazine editor and future lead writer, Vince Russo, McMahon acquiesced and decided to run with the angle.