5 WWE storylines based on real-life events

CM Punk and Jeff Hardy waged a war in 2009, which focussed on the latter's real-life substance problems.
CM Punk and Jeff Hardy waged a war in 2009, which focussed on the latter's real-life substance problems.

#4: Money Inc butchers the Barber

A masked Beefcake returned to WWE, after a very real parasailing accident.
A masked Beefcake returned to WWE, after a very real parasailing accident.

When Brutus Beefcake teamed with Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania 9, fans quickly noticed a change.

The Barber now donned a protective mask, of course in Hogan red and yellow, and the story had been given that the mask was due to opponent's Money Inc attacking his face.

Whilst the team of Ted DiBiase and IRS did indeed attack Beefcake's face before the Mania tag match, this was only because of Brutus' real-life parasailing accident that happened before.

The accident, which occurred nearly three years prior, saw Beefcake help his friend prepare for takeoff when parasailing, and when the boat-driver mistook that as a cue, Beefcake's pal smashed into his friend's face.

After over 100 metal plates were put in to repair the damaged face, the protective mask was written into the story upon his return to the WWF in 1993.

Quick Links