15. Mind Games Was Originally Called School Of Hard Knocks
By mid-1996, the WWF and Paul Heyman were back on friendly terms and willing to work together again. They soon came to an agreement that would see ECW stars turn up at the WWFs September pay-per-view event in ECWs hometown of Philadelphia and cause a ruckus. For ECW the deal gave them exposure and furthered their rebel outlaw image, while for the WWF it was seen as an unpredictable stunt that would get people talking. The WWF originally named the show In Your House: School of Hard Knocks as a way to acknowledge the relationship. The original main event pitted what should have been the new WWF Champion Vader (he was originally set to win the belt from Shawn Michaels at SummerSlam 96) and his manager Jim Cornette against Shawn Michaels and his mentor Jose Lothario. However, Vaders defeat to Michaels and complete neutering as a credible challenger caused the WWF to change plans. Mick Mankind Foley was drafted in as Michaels opponent instead, with McMahon deciding to change the name of the show to Mind Games in order for it to tie in better with the main event.
James Dixon
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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.
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