10 Worst WWE Gimmick Ideas You Won't Believe Almost Happened

5. George W. Daivari

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WWE.com

Daivari debuted for WWE in August 2004, and originally served as Muhammed Hassan's manager. He'd eventually outlast his controversial client by several years, working with Kurt Angle and The Great Khali before entering the Cruiserweight division in 2007, and leaving the company that October. Not the most notable run, but not a complete failure, either.

WWE initially struggled to find a role for Daivari in the wake of Hassan's removal from television. Distancing him from Muhammed was an absolute must, particularly with TV network executives breathing down the company's neck - but instead of suggesting subtle changes, WWE's first pitch took a sharp u-turn.

According to Daivari, Stephanie McMahon came to him with the idea of playing a super patriot named 'George W. Bush.' No slight allusions to the United States' 43rd President - they legitimately planned on using his actual name.

He'd supposedly debut on the SmackDown after the Great American Bash, playing an over-the-top, "America, eff yeah!" type gimmick. An odd choice for a man previously billed from Tehran, Iran, but Daivari rejected the idea because he felt it had no longevity. Stephanie agreed, and Daivari eventually returned to television under his real name four months later.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.