Five Gimmicks that wouldn't work in PG

Five Gimmicks that wouldn’t work in PG

The attitude gave birth to some of the biggest names in WWE history. However, it’s not just the main event level talent that was great in the attitude era. People lower down the card were still hugely popular. You had people like Too Cool and Al Snow still getting pretty big pops, without ever getting out of the mid card. 

A main reason of this is the gimmicks offered. Because of the product’s R rating, creative had more room to make colourful characters, and for one reason or another, these characters really shone in the attitude era. However, some of these characters would not work now. 

Today, I’ll run down five superstars whose gimmicks wouldn’t/couldn’t work in today’s PG world. 

5. The Godfarther

Character in the attitude era: 

In the attitude era, The Godfarther was a cigar smoking, colourful hat wearing, ho train leading pimp. And man, he was great at it. The Godfarther got pretty over in the Attitude Era due to his fun and loving personality. I think the line of pretty ladies following him to the ring could have helped. 

If he was PG: 

Instead of a pimp, my guess is godfather would be a colourful business man. The outfits would be the same. But, gone would be the ho’s, the ho train and any mention of the word pimp. Either that or he would just continue his Goodfather gimmick from a few years ago. 

4. Val Venis

Character in the attitude era: 

Val Venis was a porn star who wrestled on the side. He came to the ring to some cheesy Jazz, wearing short tights and a towel. Whilst, in the ring he would proceed to cut an innuendo fest of a promo, while being screamed at by the ladies in the audience. It’s an easy life, ey?

If he was PG:

Instead of a porn star, my guess would be that Val Venis would be something silly like a children’s entertainer. Gone would be the dirty promos and the slow Jazz, and in would be a colourful looking outfit and maybe a puppet. Quite a character shift, but I guess it could work. 

3. Mark ‘Sexual Chocolate’ Henry 

Character in the attitude era: 

In the attitude era, Mark was known as ‘Sexual Chocolate’. He would fraternize with woman of all shapes and sizes, being known as the ladies man. This came to fruition, when he was found in bed with old timer, Mae Young, who shortly gave birth to a hand. You gotta love the attitude era. 

If he was PG:

This is just a wild guess, but Mark Henry would become a goofy babyface for years. This will cause him to slip down the roster, not quite getting over. Until, he became a one man wrecking machine, getting pretty over in the meantime. That’s just a guess mind. 

 2. Sable
 

In the attitude era:

Sable was responsible for a huge boom of woman’s entertainment in the attitude era. I say entertainment, because a lot of it wasn’t to do with wrestling. She came to the ring, in pretty much nothing and guys went wild. 

If she was PG: 

Well, the outfits would be gone. Nowadays, there are only two female characters in the WWE. Meaning that Sable would be either a happy go lucky babyface or a bitchy heel. Choices, choices ey? At least they won’t give her a fart gimmick, that’s Natalya’s job. 

1.Kane

In the attitude era:

Kane arrived as the brother of The Undertaker. After their feud, he became a lone warrior, who cut promos about being locked in a basement, playing with razor blades and maiming small animals. He also spoke with an artificial voice box and was known as the ‘Big Red Retard’. 

If he was PG: 

Throughout the year, the character of Kane has pretty much stayed the same. But, the gritty realism has gone. Now, Kane’s character is a supernatural being, who can cast a red light onto the whole building and whose storylines feel like an 80’s B horror movie. It could be worse; they could bring Isaac Yank’em back. 

Well there we have five characters that wouldn’t or couldn’t work in the Attitude Era. Something which really saddens me. I just want to see thirteen year old boys screaming ‘Pimpin’ ain’t easy’ again. 

Until next time, enjoy the show.

Feel free to comment below. Or follow me on twitter @glamgrunge or email me at cinemascreenandspandex@gmail.com

Daniel Morris.