Former Writer Reveals Why Mike Tyson Was Brought Into WWE

The Attitude Era was full of compelling storylines and edgy content. During this time, names such as Steve Austin, The Rock, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, Triple H, and Mick Foley were leading the pack against their arch rival, World Championship Wrestling.

During the Monday Night Wars, both WWE and WCW were pulling out all the stops in order to produce content that would one-up their rival. During the heyday of the New World Order, WCW brought in names such as Dennis Rodman and Karl Malone to add to the nWo storyline, along with Kevin Greene for an angle with the Horsemen.

WWE would have more of a parody direction with some of their characters, namely, Pete Rose. However, they would bring in characters directly intended to boost their ratings. One person in particular in Mike Tyson.

Tyson, who is one of the most notable boxers of all-time, was brought in WWE to add more depth to an angle between Steve Austin and D-Generation X, leading to WrestleMania XIV. While Austin and Tyson were arch-enemies leading into WrestleMania, Tyson would leave the show knocking out Michaels and raising the hard of Austin, as you can see below.

"Iron" Mike Tyson knocks out Shawn Michaels: WrestleMania XIV

In an interview with Austin on The Steve Austin Show podcast, former WWE writer Vince Russo explained why Tyson was brought into the WWE.

Russo explained that the move was to bring a more positive outlook on Tyson, due to his actions of biting the ear of Evander Holyfield during their boxing match. Tyson, who was all for bettering his image, agreed to work with WWE, and the rest was history.

Tyson would also show up in 2010 as a guest host of Raw, knocking out Chris Jericho and donning a DX shirt, ironically the team he turned on to become allies with Austin a dozen years before.

Follow Chris Featherstone on Twitter @chrisprolific and the Pancakes and Powerslams Show @cravewrestling.