10 Backstage Stories We Learned From Jim Cornette

8. Cornette Got Suspended For Slapping Santino Marella

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26uu4-0kxjA

Cornette's last professional involvement with the WWE was as an authority figure for their farm territory, OVW. While there, the man was instrumental in cultivating many of today's greats: amongst them, John Cena, Randy Orton, and Brock Lesnar. 

At around the same time, the Boogeyman was also in OVW, and since he couldn't wrestle to save his life, Cornette's emotions were on edge. And when Santino Marella no-sold the Boogeyman's schtick, Cornette became enraged. Listen to the audience reaction on this — the man still knows how to work a crowd.

Contributor
Contributor

Kevin is an AP English Language teacher and freelance writer from Queens, NY. His focus is on American pop culture and American issues. He wrote a weekly column for Complex called "Throwback Thursdays," which spotlighted video games and trends from previous console generations. Kevin has also been published in VIBE, Salon, PopMatters, Joystiq, and Racialicious. Follow him on Twitter to learn more.