10 Best Worked Shoots In WWE History
Home truths, low blows, and pipe bombs from some WWE's straightest shooters.
When John Cena and Roman Reigns stood across the ring from each other on 28 August 2017, it's fair to say that the wrestling world was caught off guard by the fiery venom that followed.
With both men happy to trade barbs the likes of which are rarely seen on WWE TV, the blurred lines between fact and fiction made for enthralling viewing. Welcome to the world of the worked shoot promo.
Not entirely real yet not entirely false, worked shoots are the grey area in between, comprising just enough of each to progress the chosen angle while appearing to be stepping over the line. The personal comments that litter these promos are the magic that makes us believe, even in an era where kayfabe has long since perished.
While these sorts of promos can't be done every single week, the sporadic placement of a worked shoot promo, or even just the inclusion of the odd shoot remark, can make a rivalry seem real and add an inherent level of animosity between two foes like nothing else.
Tape up your fists, people. The gloves are off.
10. X-Pac Has A Message For Eric Bischoff
When Sean Waltman, the prodigal 'Kid' of the WWF, returned home in 1998, he did so in style. Jumping ship from WCW, Waltman immediately joined his Kliq buddy, Triple H, in the new and improved D-Generation X. What's more, he did so with a few choice words for his former employers in Atlanta.
After spending 18 months in WCW as a prominent member of the New World Order, Waltman wasted little time before he got down to business. Immediately telling Hulk Hogan that he "sucks", the WWF's newest signing went on to take aim directly at Eric Bischoff himself, with some pretty derogatory remarks for the WCW boss. Waltman even went as far as to name drop Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, saying they "would be standing right here with us, if they weren't being held hostage by World Championship Wrestling."
The promo was edgy, it crossed the line and it was raw - three ingredients the WWF's Attitide Era became known for. The promo got the new incarnation of D-Generation X off to a running start and helped them become a vital part of WWF programming going forward. The promo even incited a rebuttal from Eric Bischoff weeks later on Nitro, prompting Bischoff to tell Waltman to "bite me" in response.