10 Worst Wrestling Publicity Stunts

Like with pretty much every sensitive social issue, WWE's track record with depictions of homosexuality is, if we're being generous, patchy. It's as bald as a lawn following a tractor pull if we're not.

But you can't say the company didn't understand their audience, or at least think they did. Learning from the jeers evinced by the overly feminine, implied homosexuality of Adrian Adonis, as well as the outpouring of euphoria following Goldust's denial that he was not (in WWE's words) "a queer", the company again plumbed the depths of homophobic intolerance in 2002. Billy Gunn - whom the company had repeatedly failed to make a virtue of - was romantically paired with fellow blonde Chuck Palumbo - and creative thought that was apparently reason enough for the fans to boo the pair.

It turned out the audience of the new millennium were just a touch more enlightened than those of a prehistoric age, and were instead endeared by the two men who just happened to be in love. Quite aside from being bashed for their sexuality, the crowd entirely supported the pair - despite the multitude of obtusely homophobic skits - and pretty soon they were one of the most popular tandems on SmackDown.

The love between Billy and Chuck only blossomed, and when Chuck popped the question, fans roared in approval, even more so at Billy's acceptance. After years of vulgar misrepresentation by the business, various gay and lesbian rights were equally delighted with the company finally emerging from the dark ages. WWE were only too happy to receive their endorsements, uniting with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) in securing mainstream coverage in advance of the nuptials.

GLAAD should have known better; they were none too glad when the wedding transpired to be nothing but a big sham. Just as the couple were about to tie the knot, they backed down, admitting it was all a publicity stunt which had gone too far. GLAAD were understandably furious with the company's deception in crudely championing a legitimate social agenda for some cheap media attention. Worse still, Chuck and Billy immediately 'manned up', making a complete mockery of any progressive ideals WWE had falsified over the prior few months.

It really was a publicity stunt which had gone too far.