101 Shocking Wrestling Plans You Won't Believe Almost Happened

Triple H received a monster babyface reaction when he returned from a lengthy injury layoff in early-January 2002. Madison Square Garden greeted 'The Game' like the biggest star in the biz, and everyone could see that he'd win the Royal Rumble then capture gold on the grand stage at WrestleMania X8.

In theory, Chris Jericho was the right heel foil for Hunter, but he was pie-faced to one side so Trips vs. Stephanie McMahon could take the floor. What ensued was a humdrum tale of divorce, who was getting the pet dog etc etc. Poor Jericho (as the first ever Undisputed Champion no less) turned into a glorified lackey for Steph.

Things might've been a tad different had the WWF gone with Jericho and McMahon launching headfirst into a dizzying affair that could've thrown Triple H's head into the clouds before 'Mania. According to legend, it was HHH himself who said the love interest story wouldn't be happening, so it was never brought up again heading into Toronto's showpiece pay-per-view.

Various company writers had tried to book similar tension with Test and Kurt Angle in the past, but Hunter knocked back all of the love interest stuff with Stephanie whenever he got the chance. It's doubtful that 'Y2J' getting the hots for McMahon (and vice versa) could've saved the title headliner from sagging after a pulsating Hollywood Hogan vs. The Rock match at WrestleMania, but we'll never know.

One thing's for sure: Jericho deserved better than becoming Steph's tea boy and sidekick whilst holding the biggest belts.