10 Fascinating WWE King Of The Ring 1996 Facts
7. It Was Marc Mero's First Televised WWE Loss
During the roster swapping of 1996, Marc Mero looked to be something of a coup for McMahon. As Johnny B. Badd in WCW, Mero was an energetic presence with a daring athletic style, and a working compatibility with a variety of other workers. The WWE upper midcard needed guys like Mero to add zest and spark, as well as quality performances, to a show that was trying to fend off staleness.
Mero, the recipient of the first guaranteed contract in WWE history upon his March 1996 jump, had not lived up to the super-lofty expectations that he had when the deal was offered. Putting Mero down cleanly to an Austin Stunner was a clear indication of the diminishing faith the office was beginning to have in him, especially as Sable began to overshadow her husband. Although Mero did enjoy a four-week reign as Intercontinental Champion that fall, it would never be that good for him again.