Vince McMahon's attempt to create a new star with Mabel was certainly admirable. He was in desperate need of new blood and turned to the super-heavyweight to provide WWE champion Diesel with competition. In June, the big man was booked to win the King of the Ring tournament, something that was greeted with a venomous reaction from hardcore Philadelphia fans wanting anyone other than Mabel to wear the cape and crown. That should have been the first hint that McMahon's strategy was not working. Instead, he soldiered on, determined to present the former tag team specialist as a legitimate contender to the top prize in wrestling. Fans continued to reject it and longtime babyface "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith was turned heel to help mask the utter failure of the King Mabel character. Expectations were understandably low and nothing that Diesel or Mabel did come showtime helped exceed them. It was a slow, plodding match that bored the Pittsburgh fans to tears and had critics wondering exactly why McMahon ever thought a match between the two was a good idea. The involvement of Smith and his former partner, the babyface Lex Luger, helped pop the crowd but the biggest reaction came after the three count from an audience overjoyed with the conclusion of the putrid main event. Mabel never recovered but still managed to have a long career in McMahon's promotion. Diesel, on the other hand, would drop the title three months later to Bret Hart. Didn't see your pick for biggest SummerSlam flop? Let us know in the comment section below.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
