Author: In early 1996, just months after the "Trial of the Century" captivated America, the World Wrestling Federation nearly orchestrated one of the most controversial matches in professional wrestling history. At WrestleMania XII in Anaheim, California, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper was set to face off against OJ Simpson in what would have been a surreal clash of sports entertainment and tabloid infamy. The match, which advanced further in planning than many realize, ultimately fell apart—but not before cementing its place in wrestling lore! Here’s the untold tale of how it almost went down.
OJ Simpson vs. Roddy Piper: The Initial Concept
In 1996, an epic confrontation between OJ Simpson and Roddy Piper was on the verge of becoming reality.
This potential face-off at WrestleMania 12 would have been a memorable match-up between a former NFL great and one of the most legendary WWE Superstars of all time, Roddy Piper.
In early ’96, Piper was back on WWF television, referencing OJ Simpson in his promos. OJ had just been acquitted a few months prior, and WWF, always keen for a bit of mainstream press, was thinking about bringing OJ in for a match at WrestleMania.
The concept originated from WWF creative, with writer Vince Russo credited for the initial pitch.
The timing was strategic – Piper was making his return to WWF television, while Simpson’s representatives were actively seeking financial opportunities following the trial. WWF, always keen for mainstream attention, saw an opportunity for what could have been one of wrestling’s most talked-about moments.
Behind-the-Scenes Development
Bruce Prichard, then a WWF producer, spearheaded the negotiations.
"The original plan was for OJ Simpson to have a match at WrestleMania against the Hot Rod,” Prichard revealed on his Something to Wrestle podcast.
“I remember calling Roddy and pitching Roddy the idea, which he was for. We had preliminary talks with OJ Simpson’s people, who, at that point, were looking for anything that had a paycheck attached to it."
Piper embraced the concept immediately, incorporating Simpson references into his television promos. As Prichard noted, "If you go back, in the early time of Piper’s reemergence, he does make comments about OJ Simpson. He makes comments about right and wrong in America and what’s going on and that he’s here to make things right in the WWF."
The match was intended for the fourth spot on the WrestleMania card. The creative direction was straightforward – Piper would decisively defeat Simpson in what was planned as a one-off appearance.
"The end game to that was going to be the one-off and have Piper beat the **** out of OJ Simpson at WrestleMania in Anaheim, California," Prichard revealed.
Immediate Backlash and Fallout
The plan unraveled quickly when word spread beyond Simpson’s inner circle.
"Once that started getting out beyond the inner circle of OJ Simpson’s people and out in Hollywood, the backlash was deafening," Prichard explained. "The people were like, ‘If you do this, you’ll never have another sponsor.’ Just extremely, extremely negative. So, we punted.
"We thought the end game of OJ getting the **** kicked out of him would satisfy some people.
“As those words come out of my mouth, you realize how ridiculous this is today. But you always have to try something on even if it sounds ridiculous."
The Alternative Outcome: Hollywood Backlot Brawl between Roddy Piper and Goldust
Instead of the OJ Simpson match, WWF proceeded with the now-famous Hollywood Backlot Brawl between Roddy Piper and Goldust at WrestleMania XII, filmed three weeks before the event at Universal Studios.
The match began with Goldust arriving in his gold-painted Cadillac, where Piper was waiting with a fire hose. After soaking both Goldust and the entire lot, Piper attacked with a baseball bat, shattering the car’s window and cutting his own hand in the process.
The intensity escalated when Piper threw Goldust into an immovable dumpster, resulting in Goldust suffering a concussion. At Goldust’s request, Piper attempted to bust him open “hardway” with two direct shots to the forehead. The second punch resulted in Piper breaking his hand.
The action continued with Goldust managing a low blow before jumping into his Cadillac. In a planned spot gone wrong, Goldust was supposed to clip Piper’s white Bronco while escaping, but Piper failed to move in time. His knee buckled on the car as Goldust drove past at 10-15 MPH.
Both men required hospital visits after filming. Two weeks later, at Arrowhead Pond, the match concluded with a chaotic entrance sequence where timing issues nearly resulted in serious injury when Piper rammed into Goldust’s car door. The match ended with Piper emerging victorious after stripping Goldust to reveal women’s lingerie underneath his trademark suit.
Throughout the WrestleMania broadcast, the WWF aired footage of the infamous 1994 OJ Simpson police pursuit, presenting it as if it were Piper chasing Goldust.
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Legacy of the OJ Simpson and Roddy Piper Wrestling Match That Never Was
The proposed OJ Simpson and Roddy Piper match remains one of wrestling’s most intriguing "what if" moments. While the match never materialized, its planning and subsequent cancellation demonstrated the delicate balance between controversy and entertainment that professional wrestling often navigates.
The Hollywood Backlot Brawl that replaced it became a memorable moment in WrestleMania history, proving that sometimes the alternative path leads to better outcomes.
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