The corporate champion in 1998
By Scott Keith on 8th May 2023
The Rick Rude Q reminded me of something I've been wondering about – in wrestling's hottest period in 1998, the WWF PPVs usually had some combination of Austin against Undertaker, Kane, or Foley in the main event. They patched it together, and Rock was ready by Survivor Series. Still the upper card was threadbare at best.
Who could have been the best, realistic fit in that top heel spot in 1998? Bret Hart. Michaels, and Pillman are no gos, and Austin supposedly refused to work with Jarrett, Owen Hart, and Mero, among others. Ric Flair would have been great if, as rumored, he could have gotten out of his WCW contract, but the one that always got away for me was Hennig if he hadn't left in late 1996. He could have been a realistic threat for the title, and we know from his brief run in 2002 he could have still brought it when motivated.
A motivated Hennig as the Corporate Champion would have been amazing. No notes.