Less than a full week later, management had another chance for Wade Barrett to raise his stock in the company. At least, that's probably what they thought, but they really should have learned their own lessons from history and avoided the exercise altogether. Announcing the 'King Of The Ring' tournament would culminate on the WWE Network, the promotion managed to drum up some interest. The tournament was short and uninspiring. Even though Barrett would go on to win the thing, it actually turned out to be more of a noose around his neck than anything else. Instead of just playing up the fact that he was an excellent wrestler, WWE handed Barrett the 'King' moniker and decked him out in royal garb for his performances. At times, it was embarrassing. Adorned with his crowd, robe and scepter, Barrett looked like a mid card fool, and a complete throwback to the mid-1990's. Sheamus had failed in the same role in 2010, so it was baffling that Vince McMahon and crew thought this was a solid plan for Wade. Nobody - who isn't called Jerry Lawler - can be expected to get over with such an outfit these days.
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.
