10 Desperate Moves WWE Made In A Panic Over Low Ratings

By Erik Beaston /

7. Vince Goes Up In Flames (2007)

Everyone loves a good television murder mystery. Shows such as CSI: and NCIS have been tremendously successful over the last decade for a reason. Unfortunately, WWE thought they could cash in on society's love of those shows by shooting an angle in the summer of 2007 that saw Vince McMahon's limousine blow up with the boss inside. "Vince McMahon is dead!" read the headlines of WWE.com. Mock memorial services were held for the "deceased" chairman of the board and investigations were underway. Who blew the boss up? Who was responsible for the blatant murder of one of the most powerful businessmen in the entertainment industry?
Fans would never get their answer, as the real life tragedy that was the Chris Benoit double murder-suicide occurred right in the middle of the story, causing it to wrap up without any resolution. The mystery would, indeed, remain a mystery forever. The explosion was another instance of WWE reverting to shock television in an attempt to generate interest. Sadly, it is hardly the last instance of that on this list.