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Curt Hennig, best known as Mr. Perfect, is considered by many to be among the greatest wrestlers who's never won a world championship in WWE. Curt Hennig's not only known for his "Mr. Perfect" persona, which received universal acclaim, but also for his in-ring ability. And even though he never won a world title in WWE, Curt Hennig's contributions to WWE are highly-regarded as he's among the legendary superstars of classic wrestling. It begs the question then of how Curt Hennig's departures from WWE came about.
In 1988, Curt Hennig Began A Great Run In WWE As Mr. Perfect
Curt Hennig returned to WWE (he briefly wrestled with the promotion from 1981-83) on a September 1988 episode of All American Wrestling, picking up a win against an enhancement talent. Arriving near the end of the 1980s wrestling boom period, Curt Hennig took up the legendary "Mr. Perfect" persona. As he played the part well, considering he was a gifted athlete in real life while also having the marketable look of a credible wrestler, there's a reason Curt Hennig's stock in WWE skyrocketed when returning for a second run.
Upon his arrival, Curt Hennig instantly received a massive push that garnered overwhelming success. During his second run with WWE, Curt Hennig won the Intercontinental Championships twice and had his undefeated streak lasting until Wrestlemania 6, establishing himself as a top superstar in the company.
However, as injuries started piling up, Curt Hennig's in-ring career drastically became limited, and he was involved a lot in the color commentary position for the rest of his run. As injuries continued during his run towards the mid-1990s, it appeared that Curt Hennig's full-time in-ring career could be over. Last seen as the mentor for Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Curt Hennig departed from WWE in late 1996 and instead signed with its rival company, WCW, in early 1997.
Curt Hennig Returned To WWE In 2002 For A Disappointing Run
At the 2002 Royal Rumble match, Curt Hennig as "Mr. Perfect" made a surprise appearance, lasting in the match until being among the final four participants along with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Triple H, and Kurt Angle. Because of this, it appeared that Curt Hennig could have a successful third run in WWE, especially as he signed a new full-time deal.
Despite this, Curt Hennig's WWE tenure in 2002 was disappointing, to say the least, due to not being taken seriously as a credible performer by booking. He went on to lose many matches throughout his run, as it was clear that WWE's creative team had no plans to push Curt Hennig as someone credible enough to challenge for the WWE Championship.
'The Plane Ride From Hell' Cost Curt Hennig His Job
Curt Hennig's final televised match was on a May 2002 episode of Heat in a losing effort to Matt Hardy. On May 7, 2002, Curt Hennig was fired by WWE over his involvement in the infamous "Plane Ride from Hell." In specific details, Curt Hennig was involved in a real-life altercation with Brock Lesnar while on a return plane flight from the Insurrextion PPV.
In one of the most told real-life stories of Curt Hennig's career, the altercation started when he pulled a prank on Brock Lesnar by putting shaving cream on his head. Long story short, the two engaged in a scrap where both men got near the plane's emergency exit door and almost opened it. Thankfully, it ended with no one getting harmed, but it did cost Curt Hennig his WWE career.
Curt Hennig's exit from WWE in 2002 was unfortunate, especially as his run in the company that year was a wasted opportunity, unlike his initial run in the company from 1988, when Curt Hennig's WWE departure in 1996 allowed him to leave behind a legendary run.
However, Curt Hennig's legacy in the wrestling business is still beloved by many to this day. While also being inducted into the 2007 WWE Hall of Fame, the wrestling industry remembers Curt Hennig in an overwhelmingly positive light, widely considering him among the all-time greats.