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

10. It Was Bruce Prichard's Idea

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.