The Ultimate Maniacs were never supposed to exist. According to author James Dixon, who detailed the story in his book Titan Shrinking: How Wrestling’s Muscle Lost Its Power and discussed it on the Shut Up and Wrestle podcast, Vince McMahon’s original plan for SummerSlam 1992 was for The Ultimate Warrior to turn heel during his WWF Championship match against Randy Savage at Wembley Stadium. McMahon wanted Warrior to side with Mr. Perfect and Ric Flair, win the title, and continue feuding with Savage as the new heel champion. Dixon said the plan was presented to Warrior and immediately rejected. “As soon as it was broached with Warrior, it was completely dismissed,” Dixon stated.
Dixon explained that McMahon’s motivation for the turn was that Warrior’s drawing power had dropped significantly. B-shows headlined by Savage were outdrawing Warrior’s A-shows, and McMahon saw the heel turn as a way to create fresh matchups. Warrior refused because he felt it would “destroy his character.” Wi...
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