10 Massive WWE Babyface Pushes That Were Doomed To Failure
6. Rocky Maivia
The eventual success of The Rock has ensured that his original WWE run will be endlessly pored over with a wink and a nudge at just how wrong the company could get it. However, if the organisation refuses to learn from mistakes, is there any real merit in constantly returning to the scene of the crime?
A character out of time in a company transforming without many higher ups even noticing, Maivia had every ingredient fans didn't want from their babyfaces during a time when jagged-edged stars were on the rise and shades of grey stars began colouring outside of WWE's long-standing lines.
Shawn Michaels was throwing tantrums, Steve Austin was throwing stagehands, and even a returning Bret Hart was throwing the word 'ass' around. The times were changing, but nobody told Rocky as his comedy haircut bounced in the draft created by his ludicrous poncho during his Survivor Series entrance.
Nobody that is, until his full time tenure truly began. Audiences spat rage at the patronising gimmick and unconvincing portrayal. 'Die, Rocky, Die' was the chant/sign/catchphrase immortalised by video packages and his eventual heel turn promo, but the cacophony of boos on an almost weekly basis left his status in no doubt. Maivia was dead meat.