3. The WWF Locker room paying Tribute to the 9/11 Victims
Sept. 11, 2001. The day that changed everything — our perceptions, our priorities, even the way we travel our world.
In the chaotic and terrifying days following 9/11, WWF SmackDown was the first public assembly of its size, taking place live from Houston on Sept. 13, 2001. It proved to be not only a gathering in defiance of terrorism but also a reminder that the United States and its citizens remain resilient.
Here’s what WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross said about the tragic incident: “The WWF team was staying in a Houston hotel after Raw in San Antonio and preparing for the taping of SmackDown. We had a 7:45 a.m. production meeting scheduled in Vince McMahon’s suite to finalize our game plan. Vince, from his bedroom, yelled for us to turn on the television. Someone did and we all started witnessing the most tragic incident any of us could ever imagine. Honestly, it was much worse than I could ever fathom.”
Here’s what Booker T said: “I remember I was getting my cup of coffee. I sat down and flipped on the television and the second tower was just getting hit. It was a somber moment. SmackDown was actually cancelled or postponed, and then the big decision was made to go on, and I think it was one of the best decisions WWE ever made. It gave not just us performers a chance to escape for a minute but also the fans.”
