10 Shocking WrestleMania Backstage Incidents Fans Never Saw
The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 26
10. Slithering Away — WrestleMania VIII (1992)
At WrestleMania VIII, Jake Roberts faced The Undertaker, but the real drama unfolded moments before the match. There are long-standing claims that Roberts demanded his release from Vince McMahon right before the match, though this Gorilla Position ultimatum is largely unverified. What is confirmed is that Roberts went off-script during the match, calling for an unplanned Tombstone on the floor instead of inside the ring, which angered McMahon because the key moment wasn’t visible to the audience.
9. Sika & Destroy — WrestleMania 31 (2015)
The ending of WrestleMania 31 remains one of WWE’s most shocking, with Seth Rollins cashing in mid-match to defeat Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar. However, reports about Sika Anoaʻi being furious about Reigns not winning the strap backstage are not strongly documented in reliable sources. The finish itself was a closely guarded decision, with many talents unaware until late in the show, making the reaction claims largely speculative.
8. Braying Beast — WrestleMania 34 (2018)
The main event of WrestleMania 34 between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns drew a negative fan response. After returning backstage, footage showed that Lesnar threw the Universal Championship belt toward Vince McMahon in frustration. This incident has been widely corroborated by wrestling journalists and reflects genuine dissatisfaction with the match’s reception.
7. Black Eye of the Tiger — WrestleMania IX (1993)
Behind the scenes of WrestleMania IX, tensions between Hulk Hogan and Macho Man Randy Savage have long been rumored to turn physical over issues involving Miss Elizabeth. However, there is no strong verified evidence that a fight occurred at this event or that it resulted in Hogan having a black eye, making this more rumor than confirmed fact.
6. Time-Cutting Words — WrestleMania X (1994)
The iconic ladder match at WrestleMania X between Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon did exceed its allotted time. While overruns can impact other matches, the claim that Macho Man Randy Savage angrily confronted them and caused a 10-man tag match to be cut is not backed by strong sources and is likely exaggerated locker-room lore.
5. BA Means Back Away — WrestleMania I (1985)
At WrestleMania I, Mr. T teamed with Hulk Hogan but was reportedly nervous about wrestlers potentially going off-script. While the detail of Hogan bringing his entourage backstage isn’t strongly documented, it aligns with the reality of the era, when celebrities often feared “shoots” due to wrestling’s reputation.
4. Worked Into a Near Shoot — WrestleMania 25 (2009)
At WrestleMania 25, Mickey Rourke was involved in a segment with Chris Jericho. Reports that he brought Frank Shamrock and Josh Barnett backstage out of fear are not strongly verified. What is confirmed is that the Oscar-nominated actor took the role seriously and delivered a legitimate punch during the segment.
3. V for Vendetta — WrestleMania 22 (2006)
During WrestleMania 22, Mickie James defeated Trish Stratus in a match that included a controversial moment broadcast live. The "V" gesture was not intended as it appeared on TV, and while Vince McMahon was reportedly unhappy, details of any backstage reprimand remain only partially confirmed.
2. An Anxious Moment — WrestleMania XIX (2003)
Ahead of WrestleMania XIX, Stone Cold Steve Austin dealt with extreme stress and health concerns. While he did not suffer a confirmed heart attack, he experienced serious anxiety and exhaustion. Despite this, he went on to face The Rock in what became his final match for many years.
1. Et These Hands — WrestleMania XIV (1998)
The main event of WrestleMania XIV between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels was fueled by genuine backstage tension. Michaels, dealing with severe back issues and preparing for a hiatus, was at the center of reports suggesting he might refuse to put Austin over cleanly, despite Austin being positioned as the company’s next top star. According to The Undertaker, he was ready to ensure the planned finish went through, even taping his fists backstage as a warning to Michaels. The moment has since become one of the most credible and talked-about examples of locker-room pressure in WWE history.
