10 Fascinating WWE King Of The Ring 2001 Facts
3. Triple H's Injury Led To Chris Benoit Being Added To The Main Event
With The Rock off filming The Scorpion King, and Steve Austin now presiding as the top villain, the babyface side of the WWE roster was thinner than James Ellsworth on a hunger strike. Enter Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit, who were slotted into the top feud with Austin and Triple H. The idea was to pair them off, with Austin and Jericho warring over the World title, while Benoit and Helmsley would do their own program.
Then misfortune stuck on May 21, 2001. Triple H tore his quadriceps during an incredible World Tag Team title match between the four men, and would be sidelined for eight months. Benoit was then added to the King of the Ring title match involving Austin and Jericho. Jericho admits the hasty move disappointed him, as he had wanted to show that he was capable of carrying his half of an excellent singles main event.