10 Forgotten WWE Experiments That Didn't Last

10. Braun Strowman Literally Becomes A Train

Even A-Train only had literal train sounds in his entrance music.

In 2021, WWE (during the last vestiges of Vince McMahon's loosening grip on company creative) decided that Braun Strowman's gimmicky "Strowman Express" should be more than just a t-shirt. It needed to present the big powerhouse as an actual locomotive who was steamrolling over opponents like helpless birds on the tracks about to become carrion.

For a spell, Braun's run around the ring and big bumping spot was accompanied by train sounds like horns and a carriage gathering speed. It was oddly comedic for someone who was supposed to be one of the roster's most serious threats, and it was never going to last. If anything, creative struck lucky that they didn't try this when live crowds were in after doors opened up again post-pandemic.

Obviously, those in attendance around ringside wouldn't have necessarily heard the train noises (unless they were pumped over the arena PA), but they'd witness them on television. Then, had that become a recurring spot, they would've surely laughed and mocked Strowman's one way ticket to being a jogging punchline rather than a burly badass.

Compare what McMahon tried here to Bron Breakker's deadly spear move today. It's night and day. Apples and oranges. One was born from an out of touch old man's brain as he clutched at straws, whereas the other is accompanied by a satisfying thump sans cartoonish nonsense.

This might've been fine had Braun been a cartoony/comedy character, but he wasn't. So, it didn't fly with the audience. At least WWE had the sense to scrap it pronto.