101 Shocking Wrestling Plans You Won't Believe Almost Happened
14. Chyna As WWF Champ
Vince Russo was pushing hard for a blockbuster Steve Austin vs. Chyna match at SummerSlam 1999. Those who understand Russo's approach to pro wrestling will know why. He typically favoured over the top television and shocking moments over nuts n' bolts tradition, so it might come as no real surprise that he fancied booking an inter-gender clash on top for one of the WWF biggest pay-per-views.
During the build towards SummerSlam, Chyna became number one contender, and it did seem for a while that she'd be going at it with 'Stone Cold'. Realistically, others like Bruce Prichard and Jim Ross have stated on various podcasts that Austin was never going to say yes to a straight 1v1 match with the 'Ninth Wonder Of The World'.
Chyna would have to wait for some more inter-gender magic. She'd eventually win the Intercontinental Title and feud/team with Chris Jericho later in the year. That was one thing. Beating the biggest name in the industry at SummerSlam would've been something else entirely. Russo thought it'd give the entire product a massive shot in the arm.
It sure would've, but he was off to WCW mere months later, and the WWF was probably glad it didn't follow his booking to the letter after all. Austin dropped the belt to Mankind in a Triple Threat with Triple H instead. Jesse Ventura was brought in as the special guest referee for that match, and Chyna had to be content with accompanying 'The Game' to ringside for the bout.
Her title dreams went up in smoke, if they were ever plausible at all.