10 Ridiculous Wrestling Gimmicks That Shouldn't Have Worked (But Did)
6. Goldust
Dustin Runnells deserves a gold medal for surviving through some of the absolute worst ideas that WWE’s creative team has ever devised. A thoroughly underrated in-ring performer, his extracurricular activities have dampened his success at numerous points throughout his career, but he’s been an incredibly reliable WWE performer when called upon. Moreover, he’s endured countless ideas that would’ve destroyed lesser performers, but he didn’t just endure Goldust: he made the gimmick a success.
The gimmick debuted in 1995. Nicknamed “The Bizarre One” for his mysterious and sexually suggestive mannerisms, Goldust would deliberately try to unnerve his opponents through overtly flirtatious means. Often employing such tactics as groping and sweet-talking, Goldust was often dressed-up like a drag queen with a strong Hollywood movie aesthetic.
Goldust has undergone several successful evolutions over the years, but his run through the Attitude Era’s early years really pushed the envelope. Nonetheless, Dustin made Goldust a WWE midcard institution. He didn’t run or hide from the outlandish gimmick: he embraced it with both arms, put everything into his performances, and helped concoct one of the most memorable characters that the company has ever produced. Still going strong today, Goldust’s longevity is testament to the performer’s skill and dedication.