10 Mistakes That Cost WWE Stars Their Careers

8. Paul London's Errant Smile

Ken Doane John Cena Mickie James
WWE.com

On the June 11, 2007 edition of Monday Night Raw, WWE staged one of their most controversial storyline ideas to date. Walking through a hallway full of his talent, Vince McMahon then entered a limousine that promptly exploded as soon as he shut the door. 

Immediately, the promotion's official website began reporting on the skit like it was the genuine demise of McMahon. They really wanted people to take the whole thing seriously, but Vince himself was furious over the conduct of Paul London during the segment. 

In the background, London could be seen smiling in a cheesy fashion as McMahon strolled by him. According to the Wrestling Observer, that greatly angered the boss.

When watching back on the footage, McMahon wasn't happy that London had decided to play the clown. The wrestler was admonished backstage, and he was released just over 12 months afterwards in late-2008. Since then, he hasn't been welcomed back into the WWE family.

Most other wrestlers in the segment appeared concerned by McMahon's presence, or somewhat apprehensive. London chose to grin like a buffoon, and it cost him. 

Much like Tyler Reks, he was wrestling on borrowed time after this faux pas.  

Contributor

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.