10 Wrestling "Shoots" That Were Total Works

Prior to a certain point, every wrestling storyline was believed to be real by the majority of fans, which is why this list focuses so heavily on items from recent years. The Andy Kaufman-Jerry Lawler feud from early 1980s Memphis, however, stands out simply because so many people continued to believe it was real after wrestling was exposed.

Playing the role of a Hollywood elitist, Kaufman came to Memphis to feud with local hero Jerry 'The King' Lawler. Of course, Kaufman was no match for Lawler physically, but he managed to find ways to beguile and harass him - to the point where Memphis crowds called for his head. The two infamously appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, where Lawler smacked Kaufman and the comedian retaliated by throwing coffee at 'The King' before letting loose a profanity-streaked tirade.

Of course, as revealed in 1999's Man on the Moon biopic, Kaufman and Lawler were friends who worked together in order to fool the world - Letterman included. Kaufman's turn as a wrestling heel represented the fulfillment of a long-held entertainment dream.