Mr Perfect returned to a WWE ring at The Rumble in 2002. Perfect, known as Curt Henning to WCW fans, had spent the previous five years down in Atlanta before Ted Turner's organisation was bought by Vince McMahon. Henning entered the Royal Rumble at number 25, and was one of the final three competitors before being eliminated by eventual winner Triple H. His strong showing and connection with the crowd at the event convinced McMahon to offer him a full time deal with WWE. He would go on to have short feuds with both Stone Cold Steve Austin and Rob Van Dam before being released from his contract in May 2002. Henning was released as a result of the infamous 'plane ride from hell' where a number of controversial, alcohol fuelled incidents occurred. Curt grappled with Brock Lesnar at 35,000 feet and ultimately paid the price.
