A former WWE writer has recalled the moment Betty White left Vince McMahon absolutely livid after ignoring his on-air instructions.
The late legend – who died on New Year’s Eve just weeks before her 100th birthday – is fondly remembered by the wrestling world after she appeared as the guest host of Monday Night Raw back in 2014.
Now, Tom Casiello – who worked for the company at the time – has reflected on what it was like backstage that night, and how Betty showed her spirit by going against McMahon’s wishes on his own show.
The segment saw Betty and The Big Show – now working for AEW under his real name Paul Wight – introduced fans to the show, with the Golden Girls legend promised to ‘kick some ass’ to the delight of the crowd.
Sharing a picture of them together backstage, he tweeted: ‘To the woman who openly defied Vince McMahon and said “kick some ass” on live TV…
‘I was happy to take the bullet for you, my queen. Didn’t matter how much he screamed and yelled, it was impossible to not leave the arena smiling that night… Godspeed…’
He later claimed Triple H even wanted to segment ‘cut’ because he thought wrestling fans – who aren’t always the most welcoming when it comes to outsiders – would boo her.
Casiello added: ‘Hunter wanted to cut that opening because he was sure she would be booed. I said “nope. Never gonna happen.”
‘And he said “I’ve been doing this a bit longer than you have, Tom. Trust me. They’re gonna destroy her.” Uh-huh.’
Meanwhile, Big Show himself paid tribute to Betty after the sad news of her death, and he described their on-air pairing was one of his ‘all time’ favourite moments in wrestling.
‘Such an amazing woman. Very honored to have met her,’ he wrote. ‘One of my all time personal favorite moments was with Betty on Monday night Raw. My condolences to her family, friends, and fans. #thankyoubetty #WWERaw’
And Vickie Guerrero – who was working for WWE at the time – added: ‘Thank you @bettymwhite for the honor of sharing the camera with you! Thank you for the advice, laughs, and yes, you will always be the #1 Cougar of all time!
‘Betty loved flirting with all the men back stage at RAW! Rest In Peace and you will be forever missed! #cougars’
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