10 Mistakes That Cost WWE Stars Their Careers

7. Mr. Perfect Plays Part In Infamous Plane Journey

Ken Doane John Cena Mickie James
WWE.com

Back problems were a persistent issue for Curt Hennig throughout his career, significantly slowing down his once-remarkable big-bumping style in the ring. 

By 2002, he had been welcomed back into the fold by WWE, making his first appearance for the company since 1996 at the Royal Rumble. 

Originally, the deal was a one-off, but Hennig impressed officials enough to earn a contract. Mr. Perfect was back, but it wouldn't all be smooth sailing for the man. Shunted out the door in May of the same year, his conduct on a plane journey from the UK back to the United States was cited as the reason for his dismissal.

Known as the 'Plane Ride From Hell', the trip was a decidedly rowdy one. On the flight, Hennig brawled with a young Brock Lesnar, and the pair apparently caused great concern when scuffling near the emergency door release of the aircraft.

That would be Perfect's last run with the company, and he tragically died in February the following year. Continuation of his WWE tenure may not have changed the end of his life, but his behaviour on the trip caused the end of his WWE career.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.