10 Worst WWE Gimmicks Of 2016

6. Curt Hawkins

Karl Anderson Luke Gallows
WWE.com

Former Tag Team Champion Curt Hawkins returned to the WWE roster at roughly the same time as Jinder Mahal, but he’s been given considerably more airtime than the Man of Peace. Curt’s return vignettes aired constantly in the months leading-up to his eventual arrival, but it was clear from the first tape that the gimmick was going to stink.

Curt Hawkins carries a pimp cane, recycles Chuck Norris facts with his own name, and occasionally speaks through his rear end like Ace Ventura. His whole gimmick is based around a meme that's popularity peaked about 10 years ago, and while Hawkins has made countless promises to make his opponents “face the facts,” he’s only be able to fluke a single win over Apollo Crews thus far.

Furthermore, WWE tried to saddle with Eva Marie’s schtick shortly after his debut. They attempted to build heat by having Curt promise to wrestle, only to pull-out at the very last second, and it doesn’t work with him. Eva’s heat comes from genuine disdain for her perceived lack of skills: it’s a magnificent troll job, but Hawkins is actually a very competent performer. He doesn’t suit the role at all, and it’s a good job WWE have already abandoned it.

Hawkins veers closer and closer to “so bad, it’s good” territory with every passing show, but a bad gimmick is still a bad gimmick.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.