10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (May 13)

The largest case of 'Spring Cleaning' the company have had in years, this past week saw the release of names like Damien Sandow, Hornswoggle and Wade Barrett from their WWE contracts. In the case of the diminutive Hornswoggle, he claims he can't be bitter about being let go.

Talking to Steve Austin on his ever-popular podcast, Hornswoggle says he was given a chance he probably shouldn't have been in the first place, and also had a few other eye-opening stories to tell. One of those is featured here, along with other facts and tales wrestling fans wouldn't have known about before this week.

On the subject of Wade Barrett, find out which WWE Hall Of Fame inductee feels the promotion did a horrible job presenting him. In addition to that, there are facts related to the likes of The Outsiders, Bob Backlund and even Jonathan Coachman.

Let's look at 10 different wrestling facts that you wouldn't have known about prior to this week...

Everyone will have their own opinions over whether it was a good idea or not, but it can't be argued that booking Lawrence Taylor to headline WrestleMania XI was a bold decision.

Seeing the potential for mainstream attention, Vince McMahon made the call to hire the NFL star, putting Taylor's match against Bam Bam Bigelow ahead of both Shawn Michaels vs. Diesel and Bret Hart vs. Bob Backlund.

Even as business was down in 1995, 'Mania still took pride of place as the largest event on the pro wrestling calendar that year. Amongst those watching was a young Kevin Owens, who was only around 9-years-old at the time. The pay-per-view would leave quite the impression on him, as it turns out.

Talking to ESPN, the ever-outspoken WWE star said that WrestleMania XI was the one event that helped make up his mind about becoming a professional wrestler. The show has never been regarded as one of the best 'Mania cards ever, but it seems it certainly stoked a few fires for the Canadian.