Worst Gimmicks in WWE: A Recap of Relentless Fascination
Wrestling fans often find themselves amused and appreciative of the creative characters that push the boundaries of what is possible in the ring. However, every so often, a gimmick comes along that not only fails to entertain but also isolates and misrepresents its performers. This article delves into some of the worst gimmicks in WWE history, from WWE's resident plumber to Kerwin White.
Incredible Failures and Tone-Deaf Concepts
One of the most egregious gimmicks in WWE history involved Tony Anthony, who was billed as WWE's resident plumber. Despite being a capable performer, Tony Anthony's plumbing-themed gimmick did not mesh well with his abilities or the audience's expectations. The concept itself seemed forced and lacking in any form of coherence, making it one of the least effective gimmicks to come out of the WWE stable.
The Goon: A Bad Turn for a Promising Character
The Goon, portrayed by Hector Guerrero, was another picture of ineptitude. Despite showing promise in early matches, Guerrero's character was turned into The Gobbledy Gooker—a failed mascot that added insult to injury. The transition from a promising character to a mismatched and underutilized gimmick left many fans bewildered and disappointed.
The Rebel Dick Slater and Confederate Imagery
The Wade Barrett character of Dick Slater, known for his southern drawl and pride in being a Southerner, featured one of the most tone-deaf gimmicks of all time. Instead of allowing him to be himself, WWE forced him to carry the Confederate flag, a symbol deeply associated with racism and the seafood industry in reality. This decision was particularly problematic as late 80s WWF viewers would have had a more nuanced understanding of the symbolism involved. The flag was even used as a logo, which furthered the cringe-inducing concept.
Santino Marella and the Sister Myth
Mentioning Santino Marella, it's impossible not to highlight his Santina gimmick. Ironic that this was promoted as a sister to the original Santino Marella, when in reality, it was just Santino in drag. During WrestleMania 25, a Miss WrestleMania battle royal was held, and instead of choosing a winner that could boost a character's storyline, WWE opted to have Santino in drag win the event. This decision further demonstrates the industry's lack of concern for the female division's development and legacy.
Face the Cuck and the CRINGE Stone
Another memorable gimmick was the cuck gimmick given to Mike Kanellis, a talented wrestler who was wasted on the concept. The sheer ineptitude of the idea showcased the lack of creativity and consideration from WWE. Similarly, Singing Jillian Hall suffered from the same problem. Though intended as a parody of Britney Spears and pop culture, Jillian Hall's attempts at singing were so cringeworthy that it was difficult not to change the channel during these performances.
Chavo Guerrero Jr. and the Kerwin White Myth
Finally, let us not overlook Chavo Guerrero Jr. attempting to change his race to turn into a white golfer named Kerwin White. This misguided gambit only served to repackage Chavo Guerrero with a different color of hair and persona. Had Eddie Guerrero (Chavo's brother) not tragically passed away, the results of this misguided evolution would have been even more troubling. The attempt to rebrand Chavo as a golfing character only served to further isolate and damage his standing within WWE.
These characters and gimmicks are not only memorable for their hilariously poor execution but also serve as a testament to the importance of creativity, respect, and consideration in professional wrestling. Wrestling fans are drawn to entertainment that resonates with their values and expectations, and gimmicks like these do a disservice to both the performers and the industry they represent.