WrestleMania 14, which was held on March 29, 1998, was a landmark event in WWE history. Many fans consider it the night the Attitude Era truly began. The event featured a long list of Hall of Famers including Steve Austin, The Undertaker, D-Generation X, Legion of Doom, Mick Foley, The Rock, and Terry Funk to name a few.
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Many fans remember this as the night "the baddest man on the planet," Mike Tyson, became involved with WWE in the '90s. As time passes, many details from the buildup to past WrestleManias can become hazy in the minds of fans. This list will examine 10 things fans forget about the buildup to WrestleMania 14.
10 Owen Hart Was The Last Hart In The Company After The ScrewJob
Owen Hart wrestled Triple H at WrestleMania 14. The buildup to their bout started with Owen Hart feuding with Shawn Michaels after the Montreal Screwjob. WWE never took full advantage of Owen Hart after Bret Hart left to WCW in 1997. Owen ended up feuding with Triple H and the two competed for the European Championship at 'Mania. The two had a basic storyline in what ended up being Hart's last singles match at WrestleMania.
9 Kane Was Undefeated
The story between Kane and The Undertaker is considered one of the greatest and most tumultuous in wrestling history. The Undertaker's relationship with Paul Bearer had soured because Bearer turned on The Undertaker in favor of Mankind. Bearer then claimed that The Undertaker's younger brother, Kane, survived the fire that killed their parents and was seeking revenge.
These claims were proven true when Kane made his shocking debut at Badd Blood by attacking The Undertaker during his Hell in a Cell match. Kane was booked massively strong upon arrival and he had not lost a match before his bout against Undertaker at WrestleMania 14.
8 The Rock Was Gaining A Ton Of Steam
In the mid '90s, WWE fans were seeking a more edgy product and smiling newcomer Rocky Maivia wasn't it. In 1997, Rocky turned heel and joined the Nation of Domination, which was a turning point for his character and allowed him to amass stardom as The Rock.
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He became more confident in the ring and on the mic, which led to him challenging Stone Cold Steve Austin for the Intercontinental Title and winning it twice. In 1998, he solidified himself as a generational talent at the Royal Rumble and became the leader of the Nation after the group turned on Faarooq. He lost at WrestleMania 14, but his rise had no end in sight after 'Mania.
7 Shawn Michaels Had Not Wrestled A Match Since The Royal Rumble
The most well-known injury of Michaels' career took place in a Casket Match against The Undertaker at the Royal Rumble 1998. Michaels herniated three discs and was barely able to walk in the weeks following the match. He didn't return to the ring until his match with Steve Austin at WrestleMania 14 over two months later.
The storyline never made the injury well known and he was clearly in pain during his WWE Championship match against Austin. The injury was so devastating that it kept Michaels out of action until 2002, preventing potential classic rivalries with Austin and others during the Attitude Era.
6 The Light Heavyweight Championship Had Just Arrived To WWE
WWE created the Light Heavyweight Championship in an attempt to compete with WCW's popular cruiserweight division. However, the title became a laughing stock as it was barely defended on the main shows and was relegated to the third-tier shows.
The lack of personnel for a legitimate light heavyweight division was a major factor in the title's failure, despite some champions wearing the title with pride. The Light Heavyweight Championship had just arrived to WWE in December 1997. WrestleMania 14 ended up being the first and last time it was defended at the "Showcase of the Immortals."
5 Goldust And Luna Vachon Impersonated Triple H And Chyna
Although Triple H held the European Championship and defended it against Owen Hart at WrestleMania, some fans forget that Hunter lost the title thanks to a Goldust impersonation. Triple H postponed a championship match due to a "knee injury" but was eventually replaced by Goldust dressed as Triple H. Luna Vachon dressed as Chyna. Hart emerged victorious against "Triple H", and Chyna and was awarded the championship belt by WWE Commissioner Slaughter after the disguise was deemed convincing.
4 Mike Tyson Had His Boxing License Revoked
Everyone remembers Mike Tyson's involvement at WrestleMania 14, but there was a crazy back story that led up to his arrival to WWE. The Nevada State Athletic Commission had permanently suspended Tyson's eligibility to compete eleven days after he bit Evander Holyfield's ears during their heavyweight title match. Despite being a "disgraced boxer" at the time, he was still a huge star. He ended up being a huge draw and was paid millions for his involvement. His license was restored in late 1998.
3 The Legion Of Doom Were Off Television For Over A Month Before They Won At WrestleMania
WrestleMania 14 featured a Tag Team Battle Royal to determine the #1 contenders to the Tag Team Championship. LOD 2000 (Hawk and Animal) ended up winning the match that opened the show.
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LOD were surprise entrants in the match and hadn't been seen in weeks. It was their first televised match since their appearance on the February 23 episode of Raw. The two ended up battling The New Age Outlaws at Mayhem In Manchester after they won the contender spot.
2 Steve Austin Had Never Been WWE Champion Before
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin's first WWE title reign started at WrestleMania 14. After winning the 1998 Royal Rumble, it was clear he was next up to win the World Title for the first time in his career. Austin competed for the title at In Your Houses 13 and 15, but was unable to win the title. Both of those matches were the first televised WWE Championship matches of his career. WrestleMania 14 ended up being the night that Steve Austin became the face of WWE by earning the company's top prize.
1 WCW Was Still Winning The Monday Night Wars
Although many assume that by WrestleMania 14 the WWE had already begun to dominate wrestling television, WCW was still the top program on television in lead up to the show. The WWE hadn't won the ratings war since June 10 of 1996. Even the addition of Mike Tyson only did so much to move the bar in favor of the WWE. April 27, 1998, almost a month after WrestleMania 14, was the point that the WWE began to win the Monday Night War.
