Professional wrestling, with its larger-than-life characters and dramatic storylines, has captured the hearts of millions around the world. However, behind the glitz and glamour, there are moments that have left wrestlers with regrets, altering the way they view their careers and personal lives. Let’s delve into some of these regrettable stories that have left a mark on the wrestling world.
Cody Rhodes’ Tone-Deaf Patriotism
In the lead-up to Double Or Nothing 2021, Cody Rhodes found himself in a feud with Anthony Ogogo, where patriotism took center stage. As Rhodes embraced the persona of “The American Dream,” he delivered a heartfelt promo on “Dynamite,” expressing his love for the United States and his biracial daughter.
However, the promo was met with criticism, with many labeling it as tone-deaf. In an interview with “Barstool Rasslin’,” Rhodes admitted regretting “almost everything” about the angle. He said, “I can, on record, just go ahead and say I regret almost everything about the Anthony Ogogo angle. Almost everything about it.
Shawn Michaels’ Perfect Retirement Tarnished
Shawn Michaels had an illustrious career, highlighted by his retirement match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVI. Michaels had often scoffed at the idea of coming out of retirement, until the announcement of Crown Jewel 2018, where he would team up with Triple H to face The Brothers of Destruction.
However, the match was marred by injuries and mishaps, leading Michaels to regret his decision. In an interview with the New York Post when asked if he regrets coming out of retirement, Michaels said, “I do. I had no idea that from Mark’s standpoint he was looking at it as that might be one he could walk away on.” In the Undertaker’s Last Ride documentary series, Undertaker admitted he would have ended his career with that match had it been good enough. In response, Michaels said, “That’s something that I think to myself now, ‘oh my goodness I wish that I’d have known that.'”
The Lita, Edge, and Matt Hardy Love Triangle
In 2005, WWE took a real-life love triangle involving Lita, Matt Hardy, and Edge and turned it into a storyline. This deeply personal angle led to a long-term feud between Edge and Hardy, with Lita caught in the middle. The storyline propelled Edge to main event status but left Lita in a difficult place.
In an interview on “Oral Sessions With Renee Paquette,” Lita revealed that the storyline almost led her to quit WWE. She said, “I’ll tell you it was not easy. I almost quit a month into the whole love triangle. At that point, not only was it so hard, it was also out of shame. I was just like, I deserve all of these terrible things that everybody is saying to me. I deserve not wanting to wake up every morning. It was also difficult, as time passed, to let myself off the hook. I felt very alone and isolated and just in a really bad place.”
The Undertaker vs. Goldberg: A Dream Match Gone Wrong
At Super Showdown 2019 in Saudi Arabia, The Undertaker faced Goldberg in what was supposed to be a dream match. However, the bout was plagued with botches and missteps, leaving both men visibly frustrated. The Undertaker later admitted on “The Last Ride” documentary series that the match was close to being “catastrophic, saying
The Undertaker said the match with Goldberg was “really close to being catastrophic,” as both men came very close to injuring themselves while trying to do spots, Undertaker even admitted his back was “jacked up” after the match. On “The Last Ride,” Undertaker’s wife Michelle McCool admitted the match was not what The Undertaker wanted, she said, “It was a train wreck. It was not anything he wanted, it was not anything I’m sure Goldberg wanted or the fans wanted.”
John Cena vs. The Rock: Words Come Back to Haunt
John Cena vs. The Rock was a feud built on the two men’s real-life animosity, with Cena repeatedly insulting The Rock for leaving WWE for Hollywood. Cena vowed he would never do the same. However, years later, Cena made the leap to Hollywood himself. Reflecting on his past comments, Cena expressed regret, acknowledging his criticism of The Rock’s transition to Hollywood was shortsighted and ignorant.
In conclusion, these stories serve as a reminder of the complexities of the wrestling industry and the personal toll that feuds can take. They highlight the importance of empathy, understanding, and reflection. Wrestling is a world that thrives on drama, but it’s essential to recognize the impact that storylines can have on the wrestlers involved. As fans, we should appreciate the dedication and sacrifices wrestlers make to entertain us, even if it means experiencing regret along the way.
Kaira’s Insight
These stories offer a glimpse into the complex world of professional wrestling, where the line between fiction and reality can blur. Wrestlers often put their bodies and personal lives on the line to entertain fans. While some storylines lead to glory, others can leave lasting regrets. It’s a reminder that behind the spectacle, there are real people with real emotions, navigating the highs and lows of the industry.
