10 WWE Gimmicks That Just Aren't Working
4. Carmella
Is it Dashing Carmella or UnDashing Carmella at this point?
It’s been 10 years since AEW EVP Cody Rhodes’ frivolous run as a protective-masked narcissist came to an end. Despite the mixed at best reception the schtick received at the time, WWE have decided to give it a revival.
The result? Carmella’s 400th character reboot since joining the main roster in 2016.
Beginning the year as Sasha Banks’ punching bag, the ‘Untouchable’ Carmella was a vainglorious heel. With a boatload of champagne and an acrobatic sommelier, some wondered if there were big plans in store for the Princess of Staten Island.
Sadly, despite the over the top presentation, Carmella has struggled with a losing record for much of 2021. She’s floated inconsistently through a series of half-hearted minifeuds and angles as well. In that time, this new persona has been tweaked more than once, most recently with the mask.
It’s likely this was devised as a heat-generating tactic for the first ever winner of James Ellsworth’s first ever Money in the Bank win. Sadly, like so many ideas these days, WWE crowds have given it the tumbleweeds treatment.
If Carmella is to bounce back in 2022, another repackaging may well be necessary. Perhaps a face turn and R-Truth reunion could get the suddenly masked star back on track.