On a recent edition of his “Lex Expressed” podcast, former WWE/WCW Superstar Lex Luger discussed the infamous “Curtain Call” by The Kliq at Madison Square Garden in May 1996.
At the Madison Square Garden WWE live event in 1996, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall embraced in the middle of the ring following a match, breaking character while doing so. This event occurred because Nash and Hall were about to leave WWE and head over to its main competitor, WCW.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On the friendships built in wrestling being like a family: “We talked about Stinger earlier, we’ve been the best of friends for over three and a half decades. With the friendships we build, the time we spend more than our own families? They almost become family.”
On not having a problem with The Kliq’s curtain call: “Obviously, there are boundaries you have to do it in: off the air, that was in a hallmark arena, but I didn’t have a problem with it personally, I was okay with that. I actually kind of like what they did in a way.”
The Infamous “Curtain Call” by The Kliq: A Look Back at a Controversial Moment in WWE History
In the world of professional wrestling, there have been many memorable moments that have shaped the industry. One such moment that continues to be talked about to this day is the infamous “Curtain Call” by The Kliq at Madison Square Garden in May 1996. This event, which saw Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall break character and embrace in the middle of the ring, sparked controversy and changed the landscape of professional wrestling forever.
The Curtain Call occurred during a WWE live event at Madison Square Garden. At the time, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall were about to leave WWE and join its main competitor, WCW. This event was their way of saying goodbye to their friends and colleagues in the wrestling business. However, what made this moment so controversial was the fact that it broke one of the cardinal rules of professional wrestling – breaking character in front of the audience.
Traditionally, professional wrestlers are expected to maintain their characters both inside and outside the ring. Breaking character, also known as “breaking kayfabe,” is generally frowned upon and can have serious consequences for those involved. The Curtain Call was a clear violation of this unwritten rule, and it sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling industry.
The fallout from the Curtain Call was significant. Triple H, who was the only member of The Kliq who did not leave WWE at the time, was punished by the company and had his push as a top star delayed. Shawn Michaels, who was the reigning WWE Champion at the time, also faced repercussions for his involvement in the incident. The incident strained relationships between WWE management and the wrestlers involved, and it took several years for those wounds to heal.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Curtain Call, opinions on the incident have varied over the years. Some fans and wrestlers believe that it was a disrespectful act that undermined the integrity of the business. Others see it as a genuine moment of friendship and camaraderie among colleagues. Lex Luger, a former WWE/WCW Superstar, recently shared his thoughts on the incident, stating that he didn’t have a problem with it personally and even liked what they did in a way.
The Curtain Call remains a significant moment in WWE history, serving as a reminder of the blurred lines between fiction and reality in professional wrestling. It sparked a conversation about the nature of the business and the importance of maintaining the illusion for the fans. While it may have been a controversial moment, it also highlighted the strong bonds and friendships that are formed within the wrestling industry.
In conclusion, the infamous Curtain Call by The Kliq at Madison Square Garden in May 1996 continues to be a topic of discussion among wrestling fans and industry insiders. The event, which saw Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall break character and embrace in the middle of the ring, violated the unwritten rules of professional wrestling and sparked controversy. However, opinions on the incident have varied, with some seeing it as a genuine moment of friendship and others viewing it as a disrespectful act. Regardless of one’s perspective, the Curtain Call remains a significant moment in WWE history that changed the landscape of professional wrestling forever.