Backlash is in the rearview mirror, as mixed reviews over the current direction of WWE continue. Locker room morale seems to be pretty low following the releases of veterans like The New Day and popular acts like Kairi Sane. Things seemed even more grim when Asuka seemingly retired after losing to Iyo Sky. While WWE seems to be shunning their legends, they did open the door for Steve Keirn and Dan Spivey to attend and get their respects from the Tampa crowd. Now, Dan Spivey details how this whole deal came together.
WWE Honors Dan Spivey and Steve Keirn
It’s customary for WWE to give shouts to past legends at some of their events. These unique opportunities have allowed newer generations to get acquainted with the likes of Tatanka, Tito Santana, Leilani Kai, and more.
At Backlash, WWE pulled out the theoretical red carpet for two past veterans. While neither got to make much of a mark in the WWE, they helped create lasting legacies by inspiring future generations. Now, Dan Spivey details how this onscreen appearance came together.
Who Is Steve Keirn?
At Backlash, Steve Keirn and Dan Spivey got the same treatment. Steve Keirn was best known in WWE as The Goon. He was also one of the men who portrayed Doink the Clown when the evil character had multiple clones in the lead-up to WrestleMania IX against Crush.
While Steve Keirn didn’t become a household name in the ring, he trained many of them for the WWE system. WWE sent Steve Keirn to train talent at FCW, the predecessor to OVW.
Many future Main Eventers and (undoubtedly) future Hall of Famers that trained under Steve Keirn include Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Jon Moxley, Drew McIntyre, Kofi Kingston, and so much more.
Dan Spivey’s Impact on WWE
The WWE Universe in Tampa also got to pay their respects to Dan Spivey. Dan Spivey was a journeyman in pro wrestling, getting his start as Starship Eagle. He teamed with Scott Hall, then known as Starship Eagle, as American Starship.
The future WWE legend made a name for himself by becoming one of The Skyscrapers with 2026 Hall of Famer Sid Vicious. This tandem was known for their no-nonsense style, getting into many “shoot” fights with popular stars during matches.
The rough-and-tough Spivey would go to All Japan Pro Wrestling in the early 1990s before finally carving a path to WWE. For weeks, vignettes aired for Waylon Mercy, a Cape Fear-esque character played by Dan Spivey.
One of the most famous quotes was:
“Lives are gonna be in Waylon Mercy’s hands, you know what I mean?”
The sociopathic gimmick was starting to gain traction in spring 1995. However, Waylon Mercy was gone by October of that year. Waylon Mercy suffered a back injury following a match with WWE Champion Diesel. Compounded with an ongoing knee injury, the star decided to call it quits.
It seemed like Waylon Mercy would never be heard from again. However, a young NXT star by the name of Husky Harris used the swamp-dwelling persona to inspire the origins of Bray Wyatt. The late WWE legend would go on to become one of the most iconic characters in pro wrestling history.
As the Bray Wyatt character evolved, he developed the Firefly Funhouse. One of the most prominent characters was a puppet named Mercy the Buzzard. Mercy would speak in a cadence much like Dan Spivey’s Waylon Mercy.
In later years, the two would become friends. Bray and Waylon both admitted that Spivey would mentor The Eater of Worlds. Now, Dan Spivey is being honored by the WWE Universe.
Dan Spivey Details How Backlash Came Together
Dan Spivey went on Instagram to tell the WWE Universe how much Backlash meant to him. At a time when morale seems down, it didn’t seem like it backstage to Waylon Mercy. The WWE legend noted that everyone was in wonderful spirits and extremely welcoming to him and his wife.
Dan Spivey’s WWE appearance started off as a simple ticket request. The former NWA/WCW wrestler reached out to his former locker room buddy, Michael Hayes.
Michael Hayes is one of the top Creative Team members for WWE, most notably taking over Pat Patterson’s role as the brainchild of the Royal Rumble. He’s also the reason Dan Spivey made it to TV.
Not only did Michael Hayes hook Dan and Ann Spivey up with tickets, but they also had full backstage access. According to the former Waylon Mercy, Dan Spivey reveals that WWE “rolled out the red carpet.” He felt very appreciative of th e experience. Hopefully, WWE will sign him to a Legends Deal so we can get some Waylon Mercy merch soon!