10 Biggest Wrestling Scandals Of The 2000s
7. Steph’s 9/11 Gaffe
Just two days after the September 11th terrorist attacks, WWE hosted a live episode of SmackDown from Houston, Texas. The show was dedicated to the victims of the tragedy and served as a much-needed antidote to the fear that gripped the United States.
This SmackDown is famous for two things. The first is the emotional rendition of the national anthem performed by Lillian Garcia, a beautiful expression of patriotic defiance. The second is Stephanie McMahon making a complete tit of herself.
During a talking head segment, Steph bafflingly compared the deadliest terror attack in US history to her father's steroid trial. "They tried to tear our family apart," she said, speaking directly to a nation that was dealing with the death of thousands of people.
Whether it was Steph's own idea to make these comments or it was an order from higher up the food chain, this was a phenomenally dumb thing to do. It wasn't just tone deaf, it was downright insulting to the very audience WWE were looking to uplift. The whole thing overshadowed what could have been a really special night.