WWE Clash at the Castle takes place this weekend and let’s hope for something similar to that of Wayne Rooney and Wade Barrett in 2015.
The “feud” between the two began on social media when Rooney’s Manchester United met Preston North End, supported by Barrett, in an FA Cup fifth round clash.
After falling 1-0 behind, United roared back to run out 3-1 winners. However, Barrett (real-name Stu Bennett) had issues with how Rooney won his side’s penalty, which he converted for the third goal.
How about that @WayneRooney dive vs @PNEFC? He won’t need to dive when I catch up with him.. #BullHammer #BNB
— Stu Bennett (@StuBennett) February 17, 2015
Rooney threatened to get Stone Cold Steve Austin out of retirement before Barrett suggested a tag team match for the ages, with ex-Bolton and at-the-time Preston striker Kevin Davies in his corner.
.@WayneRooney you and @steveaustinBSR Vs me and @Kevin__Davies at Wrestlemania in 6 weeks. Get it booked @VinceMcMahon.
— Stu Bennett (@StuBennett) February 17, 2015
When Monday Night Raw rolled into Manchester on November 9th, 2015, the “slow build” rivalry came to a head – and who said WWE didn’t do long-term storytelling?!
While stood in the ring with Sheamus, Barrett directed his ire towards the Manchester United and England captain, who was sitting front row with one of his sons. Barrett championed his own credentials while running down Rooney’s.
“In this ring are two men who can be easily be described as championship material. Which is, of course, more than can be said of Wayne Rooney and Manchester United.”
Barrett continued in classic heel fashion, claiming he didn’t like the way Wazza was looking at him but that he wouldn’t go as far as fighting him for one main reason.
“I’d hate for your little boy to sit there and watch his own father fail. Because let’s face it, he gets to experience that every single time you step on a football pitch.”
Barrett later went face-to-face but was put down with a fierce slap as seen below.
The following day, Barrett actually turned up at Old Trafford, entering Rooney’s house like he had his. The “feud” ended here, and to most it was just a bit of harmless fun. But Roy Keane isn’t most people.
At the time, United and Rooney were struggling for form and following another underwhelming result and performance, this time a 0-0 with PSV in the Champions League, Keane unloaded in typical style.
“I always question some players, what are they doing off the field. I saw Wayne last week getting involved in slapping a wrestler and I’m thinking ‘why is he getting involved in all that nonsense?’ There’s no benefit to him.”
United ended up crashing out of the group stages so perhaps Keane was right, but it did make for an iconic WWE UK moment.