10 Most Controversial Wrestling Shows Of All Time

3. In Your House: Badd Blood

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WWE Network

Moments after The Rock had stepped over the Legion of Doom to begin his ascent to stardom at In Your House: Badd Blood, the view switched to the announce desk, where an ashen-faced Vince McMahon had grave news to impart. Brian Pillman, scheduled that night to face Dude Love, had been found dead in his hotel room hours before the show.

McMahon's bombshell had the air of an apology, almost as if Pillman's sudden death was an affront to paying customers hoping to see him in action. After offering brief condolences, the commentator got to the heart of the matter, noting with an air of flippancy that the company had "scrambled a bit to come up with an attraction that I believe you're going to appreciate." In a risible display of tactlessness, out came Mexican minis Mosaic and Tarantula for a comedy match.

News of Pillman's death came too late in the day for WWE to realistically call off the show, but they could have picked a more sensitive replacement. Such as none at all.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation over 7 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back almost 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 60,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett