10 DUMB WWE Booking Decisions (We Didn't Want To Admit Were GENIUS!)
Defending the "dumbest" WWE booking. Starring Steve Austin, John Cena and Cody Rhodes!
It can take a while for seemingly thick WWE decisions to sink in.
Of course, some will read all of this, scoff and remark: 'Nah, I still hate it!'. That's fair enough - wrestling should be a subjective medium. One person's tonic is another's poison, and all that. However, the fun is in giving things a chance and exploring what lurks beneath the surface of even the wackiest plans.
Every single example here has been deemed dumb at some stage. Wrestlers were "demoted" from the main roster, titles changed hands without warning, others were literally handed to heavily-criticised workers, the company tried to present doppelgänger warfare as something you should care about and more.
There are even a few more recent examples (two from 2024) that turned out to be inspired. Keep in mind that even accidental genius is still genius! If that sounds strange, then just remember how you'd eventually feel come one magical night on WWE's calendar this very year.
Here's a staunch defence of some booking moments fans consider/considered naff. Maybe they'll give you a different perspective on things. Or maybe not...
10. Pat Patterson & Gerald Brisco = Stooges
Who knew that two old timers from wrestling's past would become linchpins of the 'Attitude Era'? Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco debuted as "stooges" for Vince McMahon in the late-1990s, and they'd reclaim lost relevancy whilst having an absolute blast on TV every week. It was fun to watch Pat and Gerald have fun.
McMahon going up against Steve Austin was serious business, but the feud was laced with countless comedic moments and the Patterson with Brisco double act helped massively with that. They were willing to clown themselves without hesitation - it was an inspired decision that seemed silly at first.
Again, who knew?!
Patterson and Brisco butted heads whilst trying to help their boss. They were clumsy, slow, stupid, arrogant and more. Both ticked every box necessary for the role, and that's why their work became treasured by a new generation of fans. This could never have worked so well with anyone else. Both were perfect as comedy foil.