10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (August 30)

7. Erik Watts Was Used As A Bargaining Chip For Mid-South

Unlike his father Bill, Erik Watts had the personality and natural charisma of a paper towel. He was athletic enough inside the ring without being too eye-catching, but most fans could see through the nepotism that enveloped his WCW run in the early-90s. After that, Erik had a short stint in the WWF as part of Tekno Team 2000.

It bombed, and it killed any and all interest in doing more with Watts.

Years later, Jim Ross (speaking via his 'Grilling Jr' pod) was instructed to purchase the Mid-South tape library from the Watts family for use on the old WWE On Demand service. Though JR felt he was a little too close to the family to conduct business, he was involved in early negotiations. The Watts had one clause: Eric must get a WWE contract.

That was never going to fly, not in 2009. Ross pulled out of things at that stage, and WWE managed to negotiate a deal with the family without giving Erik the full-time run he so badly wanted. In short, his family tried to use him as a bargaining chip.