10 Fascinating WWE WrestleMania 11 Facts

5. McMahon Insisted That Diesel Kick Out Powerfully From Michaels' Superkick

Yokozuna WrestleMania 11
WWE.com

No matter what way you look at it, Kevin Nash simply wasn't Hulk Hogan. Both are super-heavyweight performers, sure, but the dry-witted Nash was not equipped to duplicate Hogan's comic book hero electricity, neither in promos nor in theatricality. When McMahon tried to re-purpose Diesel as Hulkamania Version Two (Dubbed "Diesel Power"), it just didn't work.

When directing Diesel and Michaels before the World Championship bout, McMahon wanted the champion to kick out at one from Michaels' superkick. Both Kliq-sters argued against it, fearing it would turn the crowd against Nash, who himself realized he was being pushed way too hard against fan sentiment (like Roman Reigns, without the deafening boos). McMahon insisted, and the spot ran, with Diesel throwing Michaels off of him right at two (as opposed to eking the shoulder up just before three). The fans booed that occurrence, as well as Diesel's double-fist pumping act of rejuvenation.

Michaels would later state that McMahon himself admitted it was a bad call.

Contributor
Contributor

Justin has been a wrestling fan since 1989, and has been writing about it since 2009. Since 2014, Justin has been a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine. Justin also writes for History of Wrestling, and is a contributing author to James Dixon's Titan series.