On April 7, 1997, pro wrestling fans were introduced to "The Truth Commission," a faux-paramilitary group from South Africa, designed to be a knock-off of the real-life "Truth and Reconciliation Commission" formed in the wake of Apartheid.

Because if anything sounds like a great wrestling gimmick, it's the human rights violations in Africa.

Anyway, "The Commandant" came marching out on Monday Night RAW to put the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) fan base on notice, and ringside commentator (and WWF Chairman) Vince McMahon repeatedly asked, "What is this?"

Good question, Vince, as fans were asking the exact same thing.

The Truth Commission actually got its start in the United States Wrestling Association (USWA), where they captured the tag team titles on three separate occasions. Members included Kurrgan the Interrogator, Recon, Sniper, Tank and the Jackyl.

Watch the Commandant introduce himself to a chorus of boos after the jump.

The "truth" hurts. Literally.