Birthdate: 08/10/1980 (age 34) Height: 6'7" Weight: 246 Ib Stu Bennet was inspired to become a professiona... February -- Viscera dies, no tribute given.
One of the most unique characters of the Attitude era (and beyond) died in February of a heart attack. He had just turned 43 years old.
WWE mentioned the passing on Smackdown, many days after his death, however TNA mentioned his passing on TV before WWE did. There was no tribute video package for the "Love Machine". WWE provided a tribute to him via their website, but the fans expected a proper tribute for him on Raw. We never got one, so I will provide one for us below..RIP Nelson Frazier Jr. (1971-2014)
June -- I'm afraid I've got some bad news.
Bad News Barrett was one of the most entertaining stars in WWE this year. He became Intercontinental Champion, and he looked set to hold the title for a lengthy period. His reign came to a screeching halt after Jack Swagger clumsily separated Barrett's shoulder on an episode of Smackdown.
Also read: TNA Slammiversary XII RecapBarrett is really unlucky. When he begins building momentum, another wrestler gets careless and he ends up on the injured list. Who remembers 2012 when Big Show threw Ziggler into Barrett? I need my fix of bad news. WWE don't sign enough English wrestlers, and we have not seen an English wrestler get (truly) over since The British Bulldog. Not saying Barrett will get over as much as Bulldog, but he is the only active male wrestler we have in WWE. I am really looking forward to my next dose of bad news.
August -- Racism in WWE? #FreeRey.
One of the most shocking events of the year was the handling of the Alberto Del Rio situation. An employee made a racist joke to Del Rio's face, and he retaliated, leading to his release. Del Rio has slandered WWE since his release and labelled them as racist. The funny thing is, no one wants to disagree with him, and no one in WWE wants to address what happened. The employee who made the racist remarks was fired ... eventually, but no details were given about the situation. Del Rio was able to win in a lawsuit against WWE over the 90-day no-compete clause in his contract, and began wrestling for AAA immediately. Del Rio stated he was not allowed to wrestle in the United States for one year. Upon returning to AAA, El Patrón cut a promo about his love for the Mexican fans, and racism in WWE. I have provided the English translation of the transcript below.
"History is made today as the day El Patrón returns home! But the truth is, that after listening to that huge ovation, I think it's clear that El Patrón never really left. Because his heart belongs to all of you; it belongs to Mexico! A lot has been talked about as to why I left and why I returned. Seven years ago I embarked on a dream, an adventure called the United States. And through suffering, blood, sweat and tears, I showed those North Americans and I showed the entire world that when you do things with heart, with love and with passion and staying humble before the eyes of God, our lord, dreams become a reality.
"Of course, it wasn't easy. And there was a day that the dream became a nightmare. And like many of you, and if not you, your family members, that have gone to the other side seeking welfare for the ones we love… I encountered a monster. A monster called "Racism". Racism doesn't distinguish gender, race, religion, color. It doesn't care if you have money or if you don't. But this man that is right here (Dos Caras) that has given me everything and has made me the man I am today, he gave me the grandest legacy that a father can give his son, the honesty and the spirit to triumph. He never lowered his head so that I could learn to never lower mine for anybody. I love you, dad.
"In the United States, they can take my job, but they will never take my dignity and my pride. And tonight countrymen, I promise to you and God, that no one else will disrespect me, my people, and those that I love. Because I am El Patrón, Alberto, and I am Mexican!"
If that wasn't bad enough, Rey Mysterio's relationship with WWE soured. He took time off after Wrestlemania to heal up his wrist, and without permission, WWE extended his contract. It is speculated that WWE do not want Mysterio to leave without fulfilling his contractual obligations, but it sounds too much like an...
