10 Wrestlers Whose Popularity Took a Dramatic Downturn
Hulk Hogan
10. Val Venis
During WWE’s Attitude Era, Sean Morley became a fan favorite as Val Venis, leaning into an exaggerated adult-film-star gimmick that reliably drew laughs and reactions. After his in-ring career cooled, Morley’s public image shifted sharply due to aggressive social media posts centered on conspiracy theories and extreme political opinions. The contrast between his former comedic persona and his real-life rhetoric pushed many longtime supporters away, leaving his legacy defined more by controversy than nostalgia.
9. Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey arrived in WWE in 2018 as a major attraction, carrying mainstream fame and UFC credentials. Early on, fans praised her intensity and athleticism. That goodwill faded as she repeatedly criticized wrestling fans and questioned the industry itself, creating the impression that she looked down on pro wrestling. Despite strong performances, her public comments overshadowed her work and alienated much of the audience.
8. Enzo Amore
Few performers connected with crowds as quickly as Enzo Amore did in NXT and on WWE’s main roster alongside Big Cass. His popularity collapsed after reports of backstage issues painted him as difficult to work with. Matters worsened in 2017 when he was accused of sexual assault related to an incident in Phoenix. Although charges were not pursued, WWE released him in early 2018, and his career momentum never returned.
7. The Fabulous Moolah
For decades, The Fabulous Moolah was celebrated as a cornerstone of women’s wrestling, holding championships for years and later appearing in nostalgic WWE segments. That reputation was reevaluated when stories surfaced alleging abuse, financial exploitation, and control over trainees. As these accounts gained attention, fans and WWE alike distanced themselves from her, dramatically altering how her role in wrestling history is viewed.
6. Alberto Del Rio
Alberto Del Rio rose rapidly in WWE, capturing major titles and becoming the company’s first Mexico-born world champion. However, his success unraveled amid repeated legal issues, allegations of domestic violence and assault, and public outbursts and backstage feuds. Once viewed as a future cornerstone of the company, Del Rio is now more often remembered as a cautionary tale of wasted potential.
5. Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar’s dominance and star power made him a major box-office draw, but his part-time schedule increasingly frustrated fans, who felt full-time wrestlers were being sidelined. That tension grew when Lesnar’s name emerged in allegations tied to a lawsuit against Vince McMahon, including claims related to contract negotiations. While he remains recognized as one of the most physically imposing figures in wrestling history, his reputation has undeniably taken a hit.
4. Ryback
At his peak, Ryback was a fan favorite, with crowds passionately chanting “Feed Me More.” However, after leaving WWE in 2016, his relentless criticism of the company and the wrestling industry began to shift public perception. Many fans started viewing his online presence as bitter and entitled. By 2021, the change was evident: when Ryback posted a fan poll about his future, “retirement” received the most votes, underscoring how dramatically his popularity had declined.
3. The Ultimate Warrior
The Ultimate Warrior was one of wrestling’s most iconic stars, known for his intensity and larger-than-life presence. Behind the scenes, however, he earned a reputation for being unreliable and difficult, including clashes with Vince McMahon and missed appearances. Later, controversial public statements targeting various groups further damaged his image. Though his Hall of Fame induction in 2014 softened opinions for some, his legacy remains divisive.
2. Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan was once synonymous with professional wrestling, a hero to an entire generation. That image collapsed after a leaked recording revealed him making racist remarks, sparking widespread backlash. Further criticism arose over his backstage politics and tendency to embellish stories, while his outspoken political views have only deepened the divide among fans. Once a near-universal icon, Hogan is now one of wrestling’s most polarizing figures.
1. Chris Benoit
Before 2007, Chris Benoit was celebrated as one of the greatest technical wrestlers of his era, earning respect across multiple promotions. That legacy was shattered by the horrific deaths of his family and himself. In the aftermath, WWE removed nearly all references to Benoit, and his name became inextricably linked to tragedy, permanently erasing the admiration he once commanded.
