10 Least Effective Swerve Turns In Wrestling History
1. Rikishi
The awful exception to the Chris Kreski > Vince Russo rule, this was a monumental omni-failure the size of Rikishi's cratered ar*e.
At Survivor Series 1999, the WWF, flouting advertising practise, had a mystery assailant drive a car into the legit injured Stone Cold Steve Austin in order to excuse him from the Triple Threat Heavyweight Title main event. The WWF in their wisdom selected The Big Show - a man who would later be sent to developmental! - in his stead. He also won the match. Somehow, it got worse.
Commissioner Foley kickstarted an investigation, ahead of Steve Austin's return, to capture the culprit. Fans were abuzz. The WWF in 2000 delivered white hot action and flattering, coherent long-term storytelling. It also ruined the magic of Rikishi's babyface act by having him admit to the felony, motivated by an apparent institutional disrespect shown to the "Island boys". Rikishi cut this explanatory promo with The Rock stood opposite him. He did it for The Rock.
The Rock, in this segment, had the f*cking WWF Heavyweight Championship draped across his shoulder. At the time of the vehicular assault, Rock was a solidified main event player. A year prior to that, he was chosen by Vince McMahon to represent the company. Rikishi himself was afforded opportunities to advance up the card, in storylines, because it was a meritocracy.
This was WWE trying to play the race card, only to reveal the joker.