10 Wrestlers WWE Pushed Way Over Their Heads
9. Heidenreich
A monstrous flop in the early 2000s, Jon Heidenreich's name will always be synonymous with failed upper-midcard pushes.
In fairness, this wasn't entirely his own fault. He was saddled with a terrible split personality gimmick upon debuting in 2003, and was repackaged as a psychotic poet in 2004. Heidenreich's weekly appearances saw him reciting his hateful "Disasterpieces," randomly interfering in matches, and attacking fans. One week, he assaulted Michael Cole, dragged him backstage, then sexually abused him in a bathroom. How delightful.
WWE often use The Undertaker as an opponent when trying to build their next big monster, and that was the case with Heidenreich. Their feud started following a run-in on 'Taker's WWE Title match with JBL at No Mercy 2004, and continued throughout the year. Snitsky was roped into the rivalry in 2005, but Jon was eventually defeated in a terrible casket match at the Royal Rumble, ending the story.
Widely regarded as one of 'The Deadman's' worst opponents, Heidenreich lacked the in-ring ability and imposing presence to become a genuine top level monster. His career gradually faded away, and he was released following a run alongside Road Warrior Animal in the new Legion Of Doom in 2006.