10 Ravishing Rick Rude WWE Hall Of Fame Moments
2. Mr Monday Night
Rick Rude created one of the more humorous moments in the historic 'Monday Night Wars', when he appeared simultaneously on both Raw and Nitro during the respective November 17th 1997 broadcasts.
Incensed at the actions perpetrated against Bret Hart at the Survivor Series, Rude allegedly rang Eric Bischoff while still in Montreal to inform the WCW head honcho that news of the screwjob was as real as it got. With Rude appearing on a pay-per-appearance contract for Vince McMahon, an opportunity presented itself to take a swipe at WWE in the aftermath of the gross mistreatment of his friend.
Appearing with D-Generation-X as expected for a taped edition of Monday Night Raw, he would also reveal himself as the newest member of the New World Order on the live edition of Nitro, citing the screwjob and the chaotic working conditions alongside the unravelling Shawn Michaels as justification for the switch.
It certainly didn't move the needle from a ratings standpoint, nor halt the incredible shift in momentum that was bubbling under for WWE, but for one night at least, Bischoff got to make Vince look a little silly again.
Adding to the comedy, Rude shaved the beard he'd sported in the taped appearance, highlighting exactly which show was already in the can.