10 Talented Wrestlers Let Down By Lame Gimmicks

4. Val Venis (Porn Star)

Val Venis Towel
WWE.com

It was perhaps only a matter of time before the WWF introduced an adult film star character during the 'Attitude Era'; not held back by the same corporate restrictions WCW were, the WWF machine was able to push the envelope much more than any rivals outside ECW during the late-90's.

Enter Val Venis, international porn sensation and the object of every woman's desire.

Debuting in 1998, the Venis gimmick relied on juvenile humour that appealed to the target demographic of teenage boys and young adult males. After all, who wouldn't get behind a studly porn star who was bringing X-rated action to the wrestling world?

Sadly for Venis, the porn star idea did more to harm his career than help it; another decidedly one-note gimmick, the adult entertainer character made it impossible to take Val seriously during feuds or major matches, and he was regarded as more comedic than as a credible wrestler.

Gifted physically, charismatic on the mic and more solid than many remember inside the ring, the Canadian could have been a top star in WWE, had he not been saddled with such a light-hearted, tawdry persona.

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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.