9. The Legion Of Doom Get A Ventriloquist Dummy Valet
As The Road Warriors, Hawk and Animal were one of the most fearsome tag-teams of the 1980's. Blasting their way through the AWA and NWA organisations, it seemed only a matter of time before the duo would sign with the World Wrestling Federation. In 1990, they did exactly that, but the pair were re-dubbed as 'The Legion Of Doom'. Suddenly, their previously black and chrome outfits were replaced with red and black. The WWF creative squad clearly had designs on making the team more colourful and vibrant. That was all well and good, but those same writers almost killed LOD outright with one nonsensical booking decision. In 1992, Paul Ellering was brought into the fold, but he didn't come alone. Ellering had previously been the team's manager in other promotions. When he entered the WWF, he brought with him a ventriloquist dummy. Known as 'Rocco', the doll was a clear hindrance to the menacing aura of Hawk and Animal. Fans detested the idea, especially when Hawk was penned to explain that Rocco inspired him as a child. This angle pleased nobody, and Hawk himself reportedly hated it.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
