2001 will forever go down in pro wrestling history as one of the most monumental years ever. The spluttering ECW finally gave up the ghost, going out of business and leaving a lot of people in the red, being owed millions by the hardcore promotion. In addition, World Championship Wrestling left behind a legacy which had nearly forced Vince McMahon and his WWF out of commission, and it must have been an almighty boost for the infamous McMahon ego when Vince was able to buy his competition. So much happened throughout the year, including an ill-fated Steve Austin heel turn at Wrestlemania X-Seven, one which Austin himself says he wished he had never agreed with, instead stating he should have "called an audible" before shaking McMahon's hand, hitting him with a Stone Cold Stunner instead. Chris Jericho ended the calendar year by becoming the first ever Undisputed Champion, and 2001 was the last full year during which the company was called the World Wrestling Federation, switching to WWE in 2002. Jam packed with interesting stories, 2001 had a lot to deliver, but what about the lesser-known tidbits of information from the year? From backstage arguments, movie roles, walkouts and WWE's foundations nearly changing forever, what news items have flown under the radar a little more as the years have rolled on?
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
