11: Mexicools
Indirect racism and wrestling have gone hand in hand for many years and has reared its head in WWE quite a few times over the years. In the early 2000’s, WWE’s buyout of WCW created an influx of talented wrestlers from WCW’s roster.
Part of this influx were 3 of the most well known Mexican cruiserweights of the 1990’s, Psichosis, Super Crazy and Juventud Guerrera. What did WWE do with them? They had the trio come to the ring on a lawnmower.
A lawnmower the trio labeled ‘Mexican Limo 2005’. The group came to the ring and made fun of Mexicans who lived in the United States. When the novelty wore off, WWE soon removed them from the roster. It was a waste of three very talented wrestlers who’d already proved they could have great matches in WCW.
10: Phantasio
Phantasio was a magician. A magician who wrestled. Let that sink in for a moment.
He debuted in 1995 on an episode of Wrestling Challenge and the gimmick was so poorly received that Phantasio made only one televised appearance. He lacked any real magical ability and possessed even less wrestling ability.
He threw party streamers at opponents during matches and his special move was ‘magically’ removing his opponents underwear. And Vince wondered why fans weren’t hyped about Phantasio!!?