From Traffic Jams in Times Square to Undertaker Surprises: The Unscripted Moments of WWE Filming
Bruce Prichard, a prominent figure in the wrestling world, recently shared some intriguing behind-the-scenes tales from WWE’s on-location production shoots. These stories, filled with unexpected twists and turns, offer fans a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of live filming.
One memorable incident involved JBL, who mistakenly went to the wrong house for a shoot and was nearly shot as a result. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the challenges faced during remote filmings.
Recalling the filming of the opens for “Shotgun Saturday Night,” Prichard mentioned the hurdles they faced due to the lack of permits to shoot in New York. In one instance, they had to bribe a taxi driver to block two lanes of traffic in Times Square during rush hour on a Friday, just so Shawn Michaels could dance atop the taxi. The chaos that ensued was both thrilling and nerve-wracking, especially when Michaels did the one thing Prichard had advised against – dropping his pants in the middle of Times Square!
Another unforgettable moment was during the same shoot when they spotted steam billowing out of a manhole cover in Manhattan. Seizing the opportunity for a dramatic shot, they had the Undertaker, in full gear, descend into the manhole and then re-emerge, creating the illusion of him coming out of the underground. The reactions of the workers, who recognized the Undertaker, were priceless.
Prichard humorously recounted how he would often bluff his way through situations when asked for filming permits. With confidence and a bit of charm, he would convince officials that they had the necessary permissions, even when they didn’t.
These stories highlight the creativity, quick thinking, and sometimes sheer audacity required to pull off successful on-location shoots in the world of professional wrestling.
