The induction of Mike Tyson is appropriate, considering he brought his much needed celebrity status to Wrestlemania 14. In 1998, the WWE was just coming out of a financial crisis that saw business dwindle in the mid 90s. Considered to be fall-out from the scandalous sexual harassment charges and the famous steroid trial, McMahon's wrestling company almost went out of business in the mid 90s. But the arrival of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin in 1997 brewed a resurgence of popularity for the struggling company. As Wrestlemania 14 approached, McMahon added volatile and ill-tempered Tyson to the Austin versus Shawn Michaels main event.
When it was announced that the legendary Mike Tyson would be a "special enforcer" at Wrestlemania, the mainstream media erupted in fascination. News outlets from all over the world flocked to Tyson, Austin and World Wrestling Entertainment, all chomping at the bit to get some exclusive news. It was a genius marketing move on the part of Vince McMahon.
And it added to the credentials of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin as well. After Austin won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania, Tyson raised the victors hand in celebration. Tyson, considered by many to be the most dangerous man in sports, was giving Austin's tough guy persona a measure of authenticity. Austin went on to carry the WWE to great heights and help the company back from the brink of disaster.
Over the last 25 years, celebrity involvement in professional wrestling has gone through the roof. At one time, celebrities were only used as ring announcers or guest time keepers. Nowadays, many celebrities actually get involved in the matches. But out of all the celebrities to have been involved in wrestling, a list that includes Kevin Federline and Donald Trump, former WBF Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson is the most deserved. He helped usher in a brand new attitude and brought much needed media coverage to a company who needed a shot of adrenaline. Tyson was the adrenaline, and he will forever be remembered that way.
Ryan Drew is a indepedent professional wrestler from Boston. He has followed pro wrestling for the last 20 years.
