7 Times Wrestling Promotions Were Held To Ransom
6. Jeff Jarrett
In the years that followed his controversial company departure, Jeff Jarrett moved to dispel rumours that he held Vince McMahon up for money, but further assessment of both sides' involvement in the No Mercy 1999 controversy reflect a situation in which both sides could have done better.
Jarrett asked for six figures to go out and lose the Intercontinental Title to Chyna on the October pay-per-view, but he genuinely believed it was what he was owed - and believed he wouldn't get - before making a move to WCW the very next night. 'Double J' was vilified for the jump, but he was he was probably as encouraged by Vince Russo's efforts to bring him over as he was dismayed by Vince McMahon's negligence in trying to keep him.
As Talent Relations head at the time, Jim Ross's malpractice was internally blamed for allowing the lapse, but all external fire was pointed in the Jarrett's direction for a perceived lack of loyalty. Having smashed his face up against glass ceilings with backstage rival Stone Cold Steve Austin on top, Jeff presumably felt the company hadn't exactly been that kind to him, either.
Ultimately, he did the job - and was paid handsomely for it.