Shawn Michaels may have cost Ahmed Johnson the chance to become WWE Champion, according to the former wrestler himself. Johnson, who made history as the first-ever Black WWE Intercontinental Champion in 1996, believes that Michaels’ attitude in the ’90s played a significant role in his missed opportunity.
Missed Opportunity
Ahmed Johnson was scheduled to challenge The Undertaker for the WWE Championship at WWE In Your House: Canadian Stampede in July 1997. However, due to an injury, Johnson was replaced by Vader for the match. This missed opportunity left Johnson wondering about the real reasons behind it.
Shawn Michaels’ Influence
According to Johnson, Michaels played a pivotal role in his missed chance. He believes that Michaels and some other wrestlers influenced Vince McMahon’s decision to deny him the championship opportunity. Johnson suggests that Michaels planted doubts in McMahon’s mind, claiming that the audience wasn’t ready for a Black WWE Champion.
Despite Johnson’s previous success as the Intercontinental Champion, Michaels’ influence held more weight in McMahon’s eyes. Johnson states that Michaels was the “head dog” at that time, and his opinions carried significant weight in the decision-making process.
Bitterness and High-Flying Moves
Johnson also recounts an incident where Michaels tried to control his in-ring style. Michaels called him into the office and told him to stop performing high-flying moves. Johnson, however, refused to comply and saw this as Michaels trying to protect his own in-ring act. He felt that Michaels prioritized his own image and moves over allowing him to showcase his abilities.
A Rocky Partnership
Despite their history as partners, Johnson and Michaels had a rocky relationship. They teamed up for a few matches in 1996, including one for the WWF Tag Team titles against The Smoking Gunns. However, their time together was short-lived, and their partnership did not flourish.
Michaels’ Absence and Johnson’s Departure
Michaels missed a considerable amount of time in 1997 due to various reasons, including a backstage fight with Bret Hart. This absence coincided with the Canadian Stampede event where Johnson was originally scheduled to have his title match. Michaels returned to WWE at the end of July as a special guest referee.
Johnson made his final appearance in WWE at the No Way Out of Texas pay-per-view in February 1998. His departure from the company was influenced by the racial tones in an in-ring segment.
In conclusion, Ahmed Johnson believes that Shawn Michaels’ influence and attitude during the ’90s may have cost him the opportunity to become WWE Champion. Despite his success as the Intercontinental Champion, Michaels’ sway in the decision-making process led to Johnson being denied a shot at the championship. Their rocky partnership and Michaels’ absences further complicated the situation. Ultimately, Johnson’s time in WWE came to an end, partially due to the racial tones he experienced.
Source : www.wrestlezone.com