10 Times WWE Worked Their Audience Into A Shoot
3. The Gold Record Incident (1984)
Whipping audiences into a shoot-like frenzy was a whole lot easier before the internet was a thing, and WWE provoked an almighty reaction when they decided to film an angle at an MTV awards show in December 1984.
Pop singer and WWE affiliate Cyndi Lauper had just presented Captain Lou Albano with a gold record for his work in raising money for multiple sclerosis research. Roddy Piper appeared mid-ceremony, interrupting Lauper and Albano, then smashing the commemorative award over Lou's head. He even went so far as to bodyslam Lauper's manager David Wolff, and the audience were blown away by his actions.
The angle was so convincing that an on-duty police office rushed Piper, causing him to botch the slam and legitimately injure Wolff - proof that no member of society is above being worked into a shoot.
Hulk Hogan then intervened, prompting Piper to flee. This all led to the 'War To Settle The Score,' which MTV broadcast live the following February, with 'The Hulkster' defeating Piper via disqualification when Paul Orndorff interfered. Hogan's friend Mr. T was ringside, but was attacked by Roddy and 'Mr. Wonderful' after the match, making this the perfect set-up for WrestleMania I's main event.