Sometimes the events and athletes in the world of wrestling make national attention. These are the events in 2005 that had those outside the wrestling community talking.
1. The Death of Eddie Guerrero
This sad event was picked up by all the national media outlets immediately. My only hope is that the attention this event garnished will bring about changes to stop it from happening again.
2. Hogan Knows Best
The debut of the VH1 reality show featuring the daily life of the Hogan family was the second highest rated program in the network's history.
3. Hassan & Daivari are Banned From UPN
On the same day as the tragic London bombings, a pre-taped SmackDown event was broadcast. On this broadcast, they killed the Undertaker with the help of masked terrorists using choking devices used by murderers. In addition, Daivari sacrificed himself and was carried out of the ring like a martyr. UPN immediately banned these 2 characters from appearing on their network again.
4. AJ Pierzynski on TNA
AJ Pierzynski was a member of the 2005 World Series Champion White Sox. When he got involved with TNA, sports outlets throughout the nation were buzzing about his appearance. While he did not do much in the ring, the exposure he got for TNA was huge.
5. The Longest Yard
This Adam Sandler remake of the classic Burt Reynold's movie featured appearances by several wrestling stars including Steve Austin, Bill Goldberg, and Kevin Nash.
6. RAW goes to Afghanistan
This event was covered for several nights by MSNBC and got the WWE some positive press coverage for a change.
7. Ric Flair Arrested
2005 was a bad year for The Nature Boy. His arrest for a Road Rage incident led to a very bad mug shot that has been flying across the Internet. The lesson of this story, don't take a mug shot picture a few days after having a screwdriver used as a weapon on your forehead.
8. RAW is Back on USA
The business and entertainment press has been buzzing about this story for the year. Articles about how this would affect Viacom and NBC were a hot topic for investors.
9. Chyna and X-Pac on the Surreal Life
This embarrassing episode was broadcast nationwide and was picked up by Howard Stern. He interviewed both of them in the past year and while making for interesting radio, made it embarrassing to admit to being a wrestling fan. At least no porno tapes of them were released this year.
10. Go Daddy
WWE Diva Candace Michelle made the news for her Go Daddy ad during the Super Bowl. This TV spot, which spoofed the prior year's Janet Jackson incident, was one of the most talked about commercials on the biggest day for the advertising industry.
