10 Embarrassing Times Wrestlers Tried To Look Cool

6. Seth Rollins Tries To Own The Room

Stephanie McMahon
WWE

WWE does this thing, and this thing is awful.

Years and years after the Rock first got over as a trash-talking phenomenon so funny that he effectively doubled as a stand-up comedian, we see the same old sh*t. His timing was incredible, the best material was delightfully cruel, and his supernatural presence was so powerful that he could get any old sh*te over. Except "Cookie Puss," which didn't even make sense. He wasn't CP Munk. Should've called him Cookie Mott.

Now, because Rock was so great, WWE has for years imposed this promo style on virtually every top babyface. It is rancid. In 2019, Rollins was the latest uncool man WWE tried to make cool, and, building his match with Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, he referred to his opponent as a "real Godzilla-lookin' bastard if you ask me," complete with an impression of a caveman. This was harrowing. Proper tumbleweeds stuff. It was not unlike Josh Matthews doing a Netflix special. Actually, no. Rollins himself is a sufficient analogy.

Far, far superior in the heel role, Rollins was so dire in his attempts to own the room as an easy-going babyface that he had to turn heel later that very year.

The Fiend did not change him, people. Creative did. Without trying.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!