10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (Dec 7)

3. WWE Originally Turned Down Terri Runnels' Marlena Pitch

Terri Runnels was relaxing in her tanning bed when she came up with a quite-brilliant complement to her husband's new Goldust character in the WWF. In an interview with Sportskeeda, Terri revealed how the Marlena gimmick was inspired by a limited edition Barbie doll called 'The Sun Goddess'.

To her, it was perfect, and she immediately told Dustin to pitch it. He refused, and said she should be the one to phone the office instead.

When she did, Terri was met with a frosty response from Pat Patterson. He didn't see merit in introducing a female counterpoint to the controversial guise, and so he thanked her for calling but ultimately turned it down. A month or so later, Dustin phoned as his wife was packing for a trip and told her to pack for the road instead.

The company had changed their minds, and they fancied trying out Marlena. There was just one catch, and it called for her to sign over all rights to the idea if she wanted to play it. Knowing how much it could mean for the couple, Terri agreed.