10 Things We Learned From Bad News Barrett On Talk Is Jericho
2. Delivering Bad News
While most fans are probably aware that Wade's "Bad News" gimmick originated on the WWE.com JBL & Cole Show, what they most likely didn't know is that the idea was the brainchild of Cody Rhodes AKA Stardust. Wade says that Cody is well known for holding court in the locker room and loved to tell everyone that when he was growing up he used to watch Wade as a crusty old wrestler on TV who would show up and give bad news, then leave without ever actually having a match, despite the fact that he's only a few years younger than Barrett. So when Wade was approached about appearing on JBL & Cole, he suggested that he do the character and deliver some bad news to Cody. Everyone liked it and they ran with it, and when Vince caught wind of it he fell in love with the gimmick. Eventually both Wade and Vince added tweaks, with Barrett suggesting the gavel and Vince coming up with the gigantic rising podium until it morphed into the act we see today.
Brad Hamilton is a writer, musician and marketer/social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia. He's an undefeated freestyle rap battle champion, spends too little time being productive and defines himself as the literary version of Brock Lesnar.
