10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (Sept 14)

2. Shawn Michaels Had The Ref Changed Before WrestleMania XXV

Undertaker, Shawn Michaels
WWE.com

Referee Marty Elias appeared on the Pancakes & Powerslams show to tell a story about Shawn Michaels' backstage handiwork. A few days before WrestleMania XXV, Marty was buzzing at the prospect of officiating a match between his friend and The Undertaker.

It almost never happened.

Charles Robinson, much to Elias' disappointment, was the zebra assigned that particular match instead. When Marty shared this news with Shawn, the icon told him not to worry, he'd sort things. The very next day, he had, and Marty was in Robinson's spot as the ref for one of 'Mania's biggest matches. Elias then turned his attention to Charles, because he didn't want there to be any heat for scooping his spot.

Robinson was cool about it, and it's not like he had a choice anyway. One of the biggest stars in the business had spoken, and he had gone to bat for Marty. For the record, Charles got the rematch at 'Mania XXVI, which was HBK's final showing, so things worked out well for everyone.

Advertisement
Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.