The World Wrestling Federation is one of the biggest sports entertainment organizations in the world. For decades now, the organization has been providing top-notch entertainment for fans of extravagant storytelling, cheesy acting, and wrestling.
Many popular wrestlers have broken out of the WWE to become notable actors and performers. John Cena is now headlining an incredibly popular DC Comics television show with Peacemaker. The Rock is one of the most popular actors in 2023. And in his own time, Hulk Hogan was a superstar.
For decades now, the WWE has been producing new stories, attempting to keep the fans satisfied. It has become so popular that even sports betting websites have hopped on the bandwagon. Many might find it strange that you can wager on WWE. However, it is indeed a possibility. So, if you want to try to bet online on the next Wrestlemania, check out the link provided.
In 2023, some fans have decried the WWE for “going soft.” Others fondly reminisce about the “good ole days.” However, we often tend to remember the good, and suppress the bad. So, in this article, we would like to dig up some strange, hilarious, or just downright terrible wrestling gimmicks from WWE’s past.
The Mantaur
Starting off the list rather light, we have the Mantaur. In 1995 the World Wrestling Federation first introduced Mike Halac’s now forgotten character, the Mantaur. Inspired by the Ancient Greek myth of the Minotaur, the Mantaur came on stage wearing a large buffalo mask…And that was pretty much it.
Sure, the Mantaur would do some things that bring cows to mind. He would moo, stomp his feet, and snort loudly. However, for the most part, he was just a guy in a buffalo mask. Rather unexciting, but ridiculously stupid.
However, the Mantaur’s presence did bring us one of the funniest moments in WWE history, when he stood outside the ring, mooing cheers during the Diesel and Sycho Sid match. And while it was unintentional hilarity, it is that kind of ridiculousness that makes Pro Wrestling so much fun. So, while the Mantaur was ultimately ridiculous, the character does sort of embody the inherent silliness of the WWE.
The Gobbledy Gooker
In keeping with the humanoid animal theme, we would be remised if we did not mention the Gobbledy Gooker. The 1990 Survivor Series was one of the most hyped WWE events. And in the lead up, a giant egg would be put on display during live shows.
Wild speculation stoked the fire among fans. Excitement was high. And the more WWE promoted, the larger the fans’ expectations grew. Only to be dashed horrifically, when Hector Guerrero, of the famous Guerrero Family hatched out of the egg dressed as a large turkey.
The Gobbledy Gooker was met with jeers and boos, the WWE quickly dropped the mascot and though it has returned now and again for promotional material, it has largely been forgotten by fans and wrestlers alike. Thankfully so, as it might just be the worst mistake WWE has ever made.
Kerwin White
The Guerrero Family is one of the pillars of the professional wrestling world. Hector, Eddie, Chavo, etc. have done more for wrestling than most wrestlers can even dream of. However, they’ve also been at the center of some of the most bizarre decisions that the WWE has ever made. The Gobbledy Gooker was one, and Kerwin White is another.
After a rather excellent string of fights in the early 2000s, one against famous wrestler Ray Mysterio, Chavo Guerrero made quite the name for himself. That changed when, in 2005, he decided to debut his new character, Kerwin White.
Kerwin White was a blond man, wearing a pink pullover and khaki pants. The character claimed to have renounced his Hispanic heritage, embracing the “Anglo-American culture.” Kerwin would often incorporate slurs in his disses against minority wrestlers, resulting in a caricature that offended every community imaginable.
Chavo Guerrero dropped the character after the death of Eddie Guerrero, out of respect for his uncle. Though some believe that Kerwin White should never have seen the light of day in the first place.
Final Thoughts
These are just three of the many bizarre, hilarious, and just downright bad decisions that the WWE has made over the years. However, the organization has also brought a ton of good. Wrestlers like Hogan, Macho Man, Goldust, and the Undertaker are still fondly remembered as some of the greatest of all time.
