10 Worst WWE Gimmicks Of 2018

4. Johnny Gargano: Sh*t Joker

Nikki Cross Drake Maverick
WWE

We have all the faith in the world in NXT's writing team when it comes to turning Johnny Gargano around. One day, they're going to turn the wee bastard babyface again. Him and Tommaso Ciampa are going to have a blow-away TakeOver match, and 'Johnny Wrestling' will finally overcome his former tag team partner, seal the NXT Championship, and prompt a huge, cathartic release.

Until then, we reserve the right to call 'Johnny Pantomime' and his horrendous, bush-league acting skills out.

The 'dark' Joker-esque character NXT have had Gargano play over the past few months doesn't suit him. At all. Though he once excelled as a weaselly indie heel, and remains one of the best big-match wrestlers in the game, the guy cannot handle the material that's currently being fed to him. His lip-smacking promo on a darkened Full Sail University bridge was particularly damaging, as while Johnny's motivations almost make sense, and his change of attitude works within the context of the story, his cringe-worthy delivery (coupled with the increasingly on-the-nose material) marks this phase of his career as a bust.

 
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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.