10 Wrestlers Who Killed Their Own Push

4. Mr. Kennedy

Mr. KENNEDY
WWE

It looked like Mr. Kennedy was on course to become WWE’s next big heel at one point.

The brash grappler had gotten over with his bold personality, booming voice, and trademark ring entrance, and the company were set to mint him in 2007. Kennedy was to be revealed as Mr. McMahon’s illegitimate son, and an apparent heir to his kingdom, resulting in a major push that would see him win the WWE Championship in early 2008, then wrestle Triple H at WrestleMania 24.

The plans quickly unravelled when Kennedy ran afoul of the Wellness Policy shortly before the planned reveal. The push was scrapped, and Hornswoggle was unveiled as McMahon’s son instead, bringing the storyline to a hugely disappointing conclusion.

Kennedy dwindled upon returning.

He remained in the spotlight for a while, but he never came close to reaching the heights he would’ve, had he not gotten himself suspended. His career soon unravelled through a spate of injuries, before Randy Orton supposedly convinced WWE officials that Kennedy was reckless in the ring, and had injured him on a backdrop.

Kennedy was released shortly afterwards, forever marking his WWE run as a case of “what could’ve been.”

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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.