10 Times WWE Got Babyfaces Wrong

5. Rocky Maivia

Remember how Faarooq's entry noted that Rocky Maivia had rescued himself from disaster towards the end of 1997? Well, the first half of the year wasn't so good. In fact, it's only memorable for an Intercontinental Title win no-one wanted and signs saying things like, "Die, Rocky, Die!".

Charming.

In fairness to audience members who wished death upon the character, it was ill-advised from the start. The WWF introduced a blue chipper babyface who smiled, slapped hands, kissed babies and was a lovely dude in the same era that had 'Stone Cold' flipping fingers and defying authority. By comparison to Steve Austin, Rocky was a colossal dork.

He badly needed some edge, and wouldn't get it until returning from injury to join The Nation as a heel. As a baby, meanwhile, Maivia was only good for making an increasingly-hardened audience throw up into their empty beer cups at ringside.