Behind the Curtain: 10 WWE Gimmicks That Felt Like Punishment
The Gobbledy Gooker: Debuting at the 1990 Survivor Series, this giant turkey was
universally panned. Many believe it was a rib on Hector Guerrero, the man inside the
costume.
Mantaur: A half-man, half-minotaur character from the mid-90s. While the wrestler, Mike
Halac, tried his best, the gimmick was widely considered ridiculous and likely a way to
humble him.
Duke "The Dumpster" Droese: A garbage man character who carried a trash can to the
ring. This mid-90s gimmick was seen by some as a demotion for Droese.
Repo Man: Formerly Smash of Demolition, Barry Darsow was repackaged as a sneaky
thief who repossessed items. This was a far cry from his previous success and felt like a
step down.
Right to Censor (sometimes): While some members like The Godfather and Val Venis
embraced their tamer roles, the initial forced change in their characters, often seen as a
punishment for their more risque personas during the Attitude Era.
Kerwin White: Chavo Guerrero briefly portrayed a stereotypical, upper-class white golfer.
This bizarre and short-lived gimmick was seen by many as a punishment or a creative dead
end.
Eugene: Nick Dinsmore played a mentally challenged wrestling fan who was also
surprisingly skilled in the ring. While intended to be sympathetic, the character drew criticism
and some perceived it as insensitive and potentially a form of punishment.
Mordecai: Kevin Thorn's vampire-like character with a silent and brooding demeanor.
Despite a strong initial look, the gimmick went nowhere, leading some to believe it was a
form of creative punishment.
The Boogeyman: While undeniably memorable, the creepy, worm-eating character was
given to Marty Wright later in his career. Some speculate it was a way to utilize his unique
look and energy in a less serious role.
Oz: Kevin Nash, after a successful run as Diesel, was repackaged as a mysterious,
masked character reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz. This drastic change and the character's
lack of success led many to believe it was a punishment for backstage issues or a lack of
commitment.