10 Things We Learned From Something Else To Wrestle With: WrestleMania 14
WWE's backup plan if HBK couldn't wrestle? There wasn't one...
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the debut edition of Something Else To Wrestle With on the WWE Network is that the overall quality needs to be better. Not the content, because that's fine, but the video/audio feed must improve if the show is going to be a credit to WWE's subscription service.
Both Bruce Prichard and Conrad Thompson are doing their typical excellent work a clear disservice by relying on a wonky Skype connection, fluctuating audio levels and webcams that appear to be from 2005.
On the plus side, their show is like nothing else on the Network. It has bad language, insight that doesn't tow the company line (by pretending everything was rosy) and a level of chemistry between co-hosts that's both charming and amusing.
The first episode focused solely on WrestleMania XIV, a subject Prichard and Thompson haven't covered before on their regular podcast. Again, the inside knowledge Bruce imparted and the 'leave no stone unturned' approach of Thompson was a joy to witness.
Despite the poor presentation, they had a lot to say about the WrestleMania that changed everything...
10. Austin Vs. Tyson Was Discussed Internally
One of the top major talking points was the notion that WWE wanted Mike Tyson to meet Steve Austin in a 'Boxer vs. Wrestler' match at WrestleMania XIV. This wasn't exactly thrown out there as a serious pitch, but it was ruminated in creative meetings Bruce was a part of.
In the end, Tyson felt the idea wasn't for him. At the time, he'd been forced to take a break from boxing due to the controversy surrounding him, and that was still his first love. The temporary move to wrestling was just a distraction he could use to make some money whilst his main income line was cut off.
Still, Vince McMahon's eyes must have lit up when envisioning the money he'd have made off any Tyson vs. Austin exhibition.
It wasn't to be, and that's because Mike himself wasn't willing to commit to anything of the sort in 1998. WWE could hardly complain, because they wouldn't have even had access to Tyson had he been able to box instead.