10 Worst WWE WrestleMania Debuts Ever

6. Jerry Lawler (WrestleMania XXVII)

Jerry Lawler Michael Cole Steve Austin
WWE.com

Though there was something sweet about seeing Jerry Lawler get to work his first ever WrestleMania match (years after his prime) in 2011, it really didn't need to happen against a heel Michael Cole or suck up close to 20 minutes of air time.

Regardless of Lawler's prior status as a brawling god in Memphis, the NWA, AWA and beyond, he was a semi-retired announcer by 'Mania XXVII. WWE's attempt to relight the fire of Lawler's battles with Andy Kaufman in the '80s, by replacing the comedian's over-the-top fun with Cole's nasty comments, didn't work either.

Not even Steve Austin as special guest ref could save things.

Ten minutes in, fans were wondering if the match would ever end. Just under four minutes later, they finally got their wish, but it was Cole who came out on the winning side. Meanwhile, Lawler, who should have had a 'Mania match almost 20 years before, was forced to look foolish and the feud droned on.

Advertisement
Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.