In contrast to The Rock, Kerry Von Erich would have been better as Intercontinental Champion earlier in his career. By the time he was given a run with the title in 1990, he was a shadow of the performer he had been throughout the 1980's. In the then-WWF, Von Erich was known as the 'Texas Tornado', but he was unable to really establish himself in the company. Von Erich was never the original plan to defeat Mr. Perfect at SummerSlam and win the Intercontinental Title. That spot was set to go to Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake, but a freak parasailing accident ruled him out of the match. The big Texan, Kerry was therefore his replacement, and the writing staff adhered to booking plans designed to take the title from Perfect. A shell of the great wrestler fans had watched construct epic bouts against the likes of Ric Flair, the Texas Tornado couldn't perform to his own lofty standards in the WWF. Arguably, he was never the same after getting his foot amputated in the mid-80's. Just a few months after winning the title, he dropped the belt back to Mr. Perfect. When champion, Von Erich rarely defended the title, and couldn't do himself justice.