WWE has a long history of creating captivating characters, but not all of them are given the chance to reach their full potential. Whether it’s due to creative missteps, poor timing, or simply bad luck, there have been several instances in recent years where promising gimmicks and talented wrestlers have fallen short of expectations. Here, we’ll explore some of the modern gimmicks that WWE failed to use properly, and the reasons behind their shortcomings.
Omos: The Stop-Start Booking of a Dominant Giant
Omos, managed by MVP, made a significant impact with his debut in WWE. Standing at 7 feet 3 inches tall, he was positioned as a modern-day giant, a force to be reckoned with in the ring. However, his push was inconsistent, with only nine televised matches in 2023. Fans were left confused as to why Omos would have a high-profile match at WrestleMania, only to disappear from television for months afterward. This stop-start booking prevented Omos from gaining any momentum, and his potential as a dominant giant was never fully realized.
Xia Li: The Misuse of a Unique Talent
Xia Li, WWE’s first Chinese female wrestler, had a unique superhero-like gimmick that had the potential to resonate with fans. She was drafted to the main roster in 2021 and quickly turned heel on SmackDown. Her entertaining entrance and impressive in-ring skills should have made her a standout performer. However, WWE failed to capitalize on her potential by taking her off television for months and then reintroducing her as a heel, which left fans confused and disengaged.
Baron Corbin: The Failed JBL Partnership
Baron Corbin is a versatile performer who has excelled in a variety of gimmicks. After a successful run as the goofier “Happy Corbin,” it seemed like the perfect time to return to his traditional Baron Corbin character. However, WWE paired him with JBL, a move that felt random and unnatural. The partnership didn’t work, and Corbin’s character suffered as a result. WWE missed an opportunity to push him as a top heel, and the failed partnership ultimately hurt Corbin’s momentum.
The Hurt Business: A Missed Opportunity
The Hurt Business, consisting of Bobby Lashley, MVP, Cedric Alexander, and Shelton Benjamin, was a dominant faction in WWE. Lashley’s reign as WWE Champion added credibility to the group, but WWE ended the faction too soon. The split was a missed opportunity, as there was so much more for them to achieve together. WWE addressed the mistake by bringing them back together, only to split them up again. This inconsistency and lack of direction hindered the faction’s potential and left fans wanting more.
Mustafa Ali: The Fumbled Retribution Angle
Mustafa Ali, a talented in-ring performer, was given a significant push when he was revealed as the mystery hacker and leader of Retribution. However, WWE’s handling of the faction was a major misstep. Retribution never got over with the fans, and the group was disbanded after a short-lived run. This poor execution of the angle prevented Ali from reaching his full potential as a top star in WWE.
Kaira’s Insight:
WWE’s failure to properly utilize these modern gimmicks highlights the challenges the company faces in effectively booking and developing its talent. The mismanagement of modern gimmicks and talent in WWE is a recurring issue that has hindered the company’s ability to create compelling storylines and characters. While there have been successes, such as the rise of stars like Roman Reigns and Bianca Belair, there have also been missed opportunities and creative missteps that have left fans and talent disappointed. It’s important for WWE to learn from these mistakes and focus on developing compelling characters and storylines that resonate with audiences.
