5 Broken relationships that were brutally turned into pro wrestling storylines
Professional wrestlers have a history of getting involved with other wrestlers, which makes sense enough given the business’s rigorous demands in terms of travel, staying in shape, and maintaining a public persona.
There have been times, however, when real life breakups and turmoil have resulted in wrestling storylines that parallel true events. Sometimes the allusions are subtle. Sometimes, they’re downright brutally honest.
This article takes a look at five times when pro wrestling’s creative direction wasn’t so creative at all but rather mirrored real-life situations in uncomfortable ways.
These storylines not only added intrigue by cashing in on fans’ awareness of wrestler’s personal lives, but also forced the performers themselves into a variety of uncomfortable situations, working with their ex-partners themselves, or even men who’d stolen or otherwise wound up with their previous significant others.
#5 Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth
Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth may be the single most iconic couple in pro wrestling history, both behind the scenes and in front of the fans. While Savage is remembered as one of the best wrestlers of his generation, there’s little doubt the guy was at his best when cast as the defender of Miss Elizabeth’s honour.
Sometimes that meant playing the jealous heel against guys like Hulk Hogan and George The Animal Steele. Sometimes that meant playing the white knight against sleazy Ric Flair or evil Jake Roberts.
After the real-life relationship had dissolved, however, WCW rekindled the pairing, if only for the very purpose of breaking them up on screen when Miss Elizabeth turned heel on Savage. Elizabeth was never known for showing a ton of personality, and the heel role turned out to be a pretty lousy fit for her.