10 Times WWE Booked Terrible TV Just to Humiliate Its Own Talent
Mike Adamle
10. Bad News Barrett's Diss
The “Bad News Barrett” character was initially a fresh and entertaining heel concept, allowing Wade Barrett to showcase his delivery and confidence. However, WWE quickly leaned into using him as a disruptive force rather than a serious competitor. Instead of elevating storylines, Barrett was repeatedly booked to interrupt matches and tear them apart verbally. The SmackDown segment involving The Miz and Brodus Clay crossed a noticeable line, as Barrett’s commentary felt less like character-driven arrogance and more like a public burial of both the match and The Miz himself. Rather than building heat for a feud, the segment diminished everyone involved and stalled Barrett’s momentum as a credible singles star.
9. The Abraham Washington Show
“The Abraham Washington Show” arrived at a time when ECW was already struggling for relevance. While Abraham Washington had the charisma and speaking ability to succeed, the format worked directly against him. Guests were routinely scripted to mock the show, ridicule Washington, or dismiss him outright. The most damaging aspect was that Washington was never allowed to defend himself or gain any narrative victory. Wrestling talk shows traditionally exist to elevate feuds or characters, but this one existed solely to make its host look foolish, effectively sabotaging his long-term potential.
8. Big D Johnson's Groin Attacks
Big D Johnson’s on-screen role was unusual because he was never meant to be a wrestler at all. As a WWE writer, his transition to television came purely as a joke. His character leaned heavily into exaggerated humiliation, with most segments built around slapstick pain and embarrassment. The recurring groin attacks became his defining trait, reducing him to a punchline rather than a personality. While some viewers remembered the segments, they added nothing to storytelling or talent development and instead served as an example of WWE using real people as disposable comedy props.
7. Pat Patterson & Gerald Brisco's Evening Gown Match
Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco were respected veterans who had entertained audiences for decades. Their Hardcore Championship feud initially worked because it played off their history and willingness to be physical. However, the decision to escalate the rivalry into a hardcore evening gown match at King of the Ring 2000 pushed the angle into pure humiliation. Rather than celebrating their contributions to the business, the match relied on shock value and discomfort. The fact that this 'Evening Gown Match' chosen over a women’s bra and panties match involving Trish Stratus and Lita made the decision feel even more questionable in hindsight.
6. Lance Storm's Dancing Gimmick
Lance Storm was widely respected for his in-ring ability and professionalism, but WWE creative struggled to present him as exciting. Labeling him as “boring” on television was meant to be ironic and transitional, yet it had a devastating effect. Once fans adopted the chant, it followed Storm everywhere, turning a storyline label into a permanent stigma. Attempts to repackage him with a dancing babyface only further highlighted the disconnect between creative and performer. Storm’s visible frustration with these ideas and his eventual retirement underscored how damaging ill-conceived booking can be to even the most talented wrestlers.
5. Jillian Hall's Entire Career
Jillian Hall’s singing gimmick was intentionally designed to be unpleasant. She performed off-key renditions of licensed songs, fully leaning into the role of an obnoxious heel. While the reaction she received was often negative, it was consistent, which allowed the gimmick to survive far longer than expected. Hall’s full commitment to the character prevented it from feeling half-hearted, even though it was clearly built around annoyance rather than credibility. Her case stands out because, despite the humiliating nature of the gimmick, her professionalism kept her employed for years.
4. The Later “This Is Your Life” Segments
The original “This Is Your Life” segment featuring The Rock and Mankind succeeded because it felt organic, character-driven, and perfectly timed. WWE’s later attempts to recreate that magic misunderstood why it worked in the first place. Subsequent versions featuring John Cena with Mick Foley and Alexa Bliss with Bayley lacked the emotional connection and sharp writing of the original. Instead of feeling special, they came across as forced nostalgia. These segments often embarrassed the performers involved, as they were placed in awkward situations with no way to salvage the material.
3. Dr. Heiny Segment
The “Dr. Heiny” segment remains one of the most controversial moments involving Jim Ross. At a time when Ross was legitimately recovering from serious surgery, WWE chose to turn his condition into a punchline. The segment crossed the boundary between character humiliation and personal mockery. Ross’s public statements about the incident, including the emotional toll it took on his family, highlight how deeply uncomfortable the angle was. It stands as a clear example of entertainment being prioritized over basic human decency.
2. Jim Ross's On-Screen Humiliation
Jim Ross’s mistreatment extended far beyond a single segment. Despite being widely regarded as the greatest announcer in wrestling history, he was repeatedly positioned as a victim for cheap heat. Vince McMahon frequently exploited Ross’s real insecurities and physical condition to draw reactions. Being attacked by heels, humiliated in his hometown, and even fired on live television became recurring themes. While these moments often delivered ratings, they came at the cost of Ross’s dignity and well-being.
1. Mike Adamle's Time as RAW General Manager
Mike Adamle’s tenure in WWE is especially uncomfortable in retrospect. His on-air struggles as a commentator were evident, yet instead of being removed from television, he was promoted into an even more demanding role as RAW General Manager. The decision was framed as a way to help him by giving him a script, but it only magnified his difficulties. The later revelation that Adamle was dealing with a brain injury reframed the entire situation, making it clear that he had been placed in a position where failure was almost guaranteed.
