The late Butch Reed was supposed to have a run as Intercontinental Champion in the WWF, according to former manager Slick.
Reed and Slick joined the WWF in 1996, with Reed being billed as ‘The Natural’ and would feud with Intercontinental Champion Ricky Steamboat after WrestleMania 3 in 1987.
Speaking on the “Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw” podcast, Slick revealed plans for Reed to win the title and why it never transpired. He said,
“They bought Butch in to mimic Hogan and dye his hair blonde and he was supposed to become Intercontinental Champion. That’s what they brought him up there for. He started missing shows and then they lost confidence in him and that was the end of that.”
Reed would be part of the main event of the first Survivor Series in 1987 and would be the first person eliminated from the first Royal Rumble the following year.
Butch Reed died in February 2021 following complications from two heart attacks that occurred in January. His relatives attributed his death to COVID-19. He was 66.
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Former WWF manager Slick recently revealed that the late Butch Reed was supposed to have a run as Intercontinental Champion in the organization. Reed, known as ‘The Natural,’ joined the WWF in 1996 and was set to feud with Intercontinental Champion Ricky Steamboat after WrestleMania 3 in 1987.
Speaking on the “Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw” podcast, Slick explained the plans for Reed to win the title and why it never happened. He stated, “They brought Butch in to mimic Hogan and dye his hair blonde, and he was supposed to become Intercontinental Champion. That’s what they brought him up there for. He started missing shows, and then they lost confidence in him, and that was the end of that.”
Despite not winning the Intercontinental Championship, Reed had notable moments in his WWF career. He participated in the main event of the first Survivor Series in 1987 and was the first person eliminated from the first Royal Rumble the following year.
Tragically, Butch Reed passed away in February 2021 due to complications from two heart attacks he suffered in January. His death was attributed to COVID-19 by his relatives. He was 66 years old.
Butch Reed’s potential run as Intercontinental Champion showcases the behind-the-scenes decisions and changes that can impact a wrestler’s career trajectory. It also highlights the importance of reliability and consistency in the wrestling industry.
Reed’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of professional wrestling and how plans can quickly change based on various factors. It also sheds light on the potential missed opportunities that can occur when a wrestler fails to meet expectations or fulfill their commitments.
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Butch Reed’s legacy lives on in the hearts of wrestling fans, and his untapped potential as Intercontinental Champion remains a topic of discussion among enthusiasts. While his time in the WWF may not have unfolded as originally planned, Reed’s contributions to the wrestling world will always be remembered.