10 Things We Learned From Dark Side Of The Ring: Terry Gordy
4. Who Called Off The Executioner Gimmick
In 1996, Terry inked a short-term deal with the WWF to go under a mask as The Executioner. The hood was a favour to him - Vince McMahon agreed that Gordy deserved better than to appear as a washed-up version of his real self, so the cartoony gimmick was born. It didn't matter in the end, 'cause Terry was still a pale shadow of his former work.
Everybody could see that things weren't working out, but it was actually The Undertaker who had final say on things. He went to management and explained that it was cruel to keep wheeling Terry out there in front of fans. They'd worked a few matches on the road, then again on pay-per-view at In Your House 12: It's Time.
None of the bouts were worth much.
'Taker thought it'd be kinder to admit the experiment was a flop and give Gordy a rest. Mick Foley then told VICE's producers what it was like to travel with Terry on the road. Let's just say it wasn't a fun experience for him or Paul Bearer.