10 Weirdest Wrestling Moments That Were SO CLOSE To Happening
8. Tito Santana = Bret Hart
Did you know: WWF stalwart and all-round 'Mr. Dependable' Tito Santana was considered for the same internationally-motivated push that Bret Hart received? What's more, ol' Tito was given due consideration first. Vince McMahon chewed over the thought of making Santana his WWF Champion post-Hulk Hogan/Ultimate Warrior years.
This has come up a few times in conversation over the years.
Tito himself has said in shoots that it was on the cards, and Bruce Prichard admitted via his 'Something To Wrestle With' pod that it could've realistically happened; Bruce did also suggest that Vinnie Mac has a habit of painting broad strokes which wrestlers then turn into, 'I'm defo getting the belt'.
The WWF did want to promote somebody with international appeal though, and Santana would've fit the bill. Sure, he had the mic skills of a potted plant, but fans loved the guy. Also, again, Tito was reliable, a fab worker and deserving of the opportunity.
Bret was still the better choice, to be fair.