WWE Star Recalls ‘Apologising To The Network’ After Infamous WWE Angle

WWE

Back in 2005, WWE found itself in a lot of hot water with the UPN Network for SmackDown after the infamous angle that saw Muhammad Hassan attack the Undertaker in a terrorist themed angle in the aftermath of the London Bombings.

After Hassan was taken off TV, WWE brought out a character to portray Hassan’s lawyer, the man who would go on to become Tommaso Ciampa.

Ciampa appeared on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, where he discussed the angle, and being told to apologise to the TV network live on television for the angle.

He said:

“Yeah, he [Muhammad Hassan] disappeared after this, but they were like, ‘You have to do an apology for his actions last week. And it has to come off sincere and real because we’re actually apologizing to the network on live TV because that’s what they requested.’ And it was just bizarre because, in my head at this point, I’m like, with Jamie [Jamitkowski], the promoter [of Chaotic Wrestling]. I’m like, ‘Why didn’t they just hire an actor? Why didn’t they hire somebody professional?’ And I was like, ‘This is so bizarre.’

“But I was a promo guy. I’ve always been a promo guy. He’s like, ‘It’s just like your penmanship promo. Just go do one of your penmanship promos.’ I’m like, ‘Thank God, I have this script. I can read it.’ And like they were like, ‘You’re reading it. You don’t have to memorize it.’ So I was like, ‘Okay.’ And then I did an in-ring rehearsal with Undertaker, with Hunter [Paul “Triple H” Levesque], and Steph [McMahon], and Vince [McMahon], and everybody watching me.”

Ciampa recently reunited with tag team partner Johnny Gargano on Raw, reforming DIY for the first time on the main roster.

transcription via Wrestling Inc.

Want to know more about what goes on outside the ring? WrestleTalk proudly presents Wrestling Unmasked, a new book that explores the untold stories, the politics, and the endless drama that unfolds behind the scenes. It’s time to experience wrestling like never before! Buy your copy here!

• muhammad hassan
• Tommaso Ciampa
• Smackdown
• wwe

Share this article with friends