10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (Aug 11)

7. Mikey Whipwreck Thought His ECW World Title Shot Was A Rib

Part of Paul Heyman's genius when overseeing the original ECW was tapping into stories nobody else had the balls to do. Heyman understood his audience, and he also knew wrestling fans would never see a hapless underdog like Mikey Whipwreck as ECW Champion coming. Mikey himself barely believed it.

Discussing his biggest career win on the Two Man Power Trip Of Wrestling podcast, Whipwreck recalled thinking the idea was one big rib at his expense. He refused to get excited about it, because he couldn't see the title win happening. He didn't even think he'd be booked to beat Rey Mysterio the night before bagging the belt.

It was Steve Austin (then ECW's champ) who told Mikey he'd be doing the honours for him. Again, Whipwreck palmed it off as a joke, but decided to approach Heyman and ask what was going on. When Paul told him it was Austin's idea, Mikey was overwhelmed with happiness.