10 More Wrestling Segments That Accidentally Filmed Things You Weren't Meant To See

The Rock and Mankind: Good Enemies, Better Friends.

Kurt Angle Thumb Final 2
WWE Network

It's a miracle that wrestling shows, for the most part, go as planned.

Well, not in WWE's case in 2022; the promotion strangely prides itself on the art of mechanically producing perfect television. That descriptor is of course heavily ironic, and WWE is susceptible to the odd snafu, but mostly, it's a smooth operation now. So smooth it's off-putting; by producing a show that is timed out effectively to the second, where there's almost zero chance of a segment going too long, WWE lacks almost entirely in the crazed energy that makes pro wrestling pro wrestling.

Because it's sports entertainment.

After three years, AEW still hasn't cracked it. Even on this week's Dynamite, the timing was off. After defeating Chris Jericho and Lance Archer, Jon Moxley and Hiroshi Tanahashi stood face-to-face in the middle of the ring. On the outside, various wrestlers brawled to build both Blood & Guts and the trios match at Forbidden Door. It seemed like the scene was meant to convey that Tana and Mox were in a shared state of total focus, unshaken by the bedlam surrounding them. It dragged on for so long however, as a result of a timing botch, that they were having a deeply awkward conversation while their wives got on famously at the other side of the room.

A live show featuring a sprawling cast of egotist characters and untrained extras alike often held in what is effectively a brand new set that isn't really fit for purpose: it's the blueprint for Botch City...

10. The Rock And Mankind Are Filmed Having A Friendly Catch-Up

Kurt Angle Thumb Final 2
WWE

...as rivals.

At Rock Bottom 1998, the Corporation set out a dastardly plan to keep the WWF Championship on the Rock, who was storyline injured and needed certain assistance to thwart the dangerous lunatic Mankind, who had no quit in him whatsoever.

"The Corporate ribs are hurting," the Rock said backstage as the plan was put in place. What a fantastically, stupidly brilliant set of words to put together. The Rock was just inimitably brilliant, at least when he wasn't being horrendous. The plan was thus: having successfully manipulated Mick Foley under various guises throughout 1998, McMahon thought he could convince him to relinquish the contract given to him by Commissioner Shawn Michaels. The contract stated that Foley would win the WWF Title by default, were it not defended on the night. Hardly a babyface move, but elaborate show-long angles were more important than consistent character attributes during that time.

Midway through the show, Vince left "Mankind's" office with a sly grin on his face. The issue is that Mankind was actually spotted in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment down the corridor seconds later...

...with his opponent The Rock.

They were either laying out their match or enjoying a friendly catch-up.

"I just bought my cousin a house."

"I've worn the same belt for 24 years."

In this post: 
Kurt Angle
 
Posted On: 
Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!