10 Times WWE Was Even Dumber Than WCW

4. Shorty Gable

WCW Bray Wyatt
WWE

WCW stigmatised several of its talents, variously, by having Hulk Hogan or Kevin Nash bury them for being so smol, the effect of which convinced crowds that the Cruiserweights weren't as tough, or couldn't draw.

Of course, this is a point of view shared by Vince McMahon, who has for years told his audience that the most charismatic and technically advanced talent aren't worth the investment. This mentality reached its inevitable conclusion just last week, as Chad Gable, the victim of short jokes, was renamed. Gable was probably disheartened upon hearing the news - 'Chad' is a rubbish name that leaves scope for a "funny, he looks more like an incel" joke from Corey Graves - but he was spared.

He is known now as 'Shorty Gable'.

That is his ring name.

WWE, in full WCW style, have formally lumbered Gable with the "vanilla midget" treatment, but even WCW didn't do this. They never renamed Rey Mysterio 'Lil' Rey', or the 1-2-3 Kid 'Syxx (Inches In Height)'.

This, incredibly, is Vince's attempt to get him over. He "likes" Gable. He is high on him. But then, everyone is high on Gable, because you see, he is so smol.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!