The most commonly recited version of the infamous Curtain Call story is that the Kliq went into business for themselves in the hallowed grounds of Madison Square Garden, violating kayfabe for their own ends and seriously irking Vince McMahon. But that is not what happened. The truth is, McMahon not only knew about the planned Curtain Call, he approved it. While Vince was in his temporary Garden office making one last pitch to Scott Hall for him to stay with the WWF, Shawn Michaels burst in and asked, Hey Vince, do you mind if Raze and Hunter come out after my match? Vince was distracted dealing with Hall and told Michaels to do whatever he wanted. The problem came with the reaction of McMahons staff, who were apoplectic with the Kliq going into business for themselves at the Garden. Triple H was stood next to McMahon when Hall, Nash and Michaels were already in the ring and asked if he was allowed to go and join them. Because Gerald Brisco and others were pitching fits, McMahon played dumb and didn't respond, so Hunter went out anyway. Seeing the negative response around him, Vince realised he had no choice but to publicly punish those who remained in order to save face. Because Shawn Michaels was his WWF Champion the onus fell on Triple H to take the brunt. During a meeting the following week at Beware Of Dog he told the pair, I know I kinda said okay, but it became something I didnt think it was gonna be. Now the image is out there. Its made me look terrible. I didnt know it was going to go that far. Then he told Hunter he had to punish him by taking away his planned King of the Ring win and having him job to everyone, and that they needed to apologise. Realising McMahon was backed into a corner, they complied with his wishes. As a reward for taking the blame, Hunter was given the Intercontinental Championship before the year was out.
The author of the highly acclaimed 'Titan' book series, James Dixon has been involved in the wrestling business for 25 years as a fan, wrestler, promoter, agent, and writer. James spent several years wrestling on the British independent circuit, but now prefers to write about the bumps and bruises rather than take any of them. His past in-ring experience does however give a uniquely more "insider" perspective on things, though he readily admits to still being a "mark" at heart.
James is the Chief Editor and writer at historyofwrestling.co.uk and is responsible for the best-selling titles Titan Sinking, Titan Shattered, and Titan Screwed, as well as the Complete WWF Video Guide series, and the Raw Files series.
