10 WWE Gimmicks That Just Aren't Working

Bray Wyatt was one of the WWE's biggest merchandise movers before his bizarre and unexpected exit from the promotion earlier this year. What exactly was it that captured fans' imaginations? It certainly wasn't his main event matches given the horrors of Hell in a Cell 2019 and that time Goldberg tomato canned him in Saudi Arabia.

Most fans would tell you it was his charismatic, imaginative promos and incredible (by pro-wrestling standards) acting chops. Wyatt's burly, heavily inked exterior helped ensure a certain level of visual intimidation in the ring as well. An essential component given the indestructible nature of The Fiend.

In 2021, much of Wyatt's antics live on through Alexa Bliss who has functioned as his replacement. The problem is, Bliss is horribly ill-suited to the oddball, B-grade horror dynamic Wyatt often rocked. Between the cringeworthy over-acting and incomprehensible Lily angle, Little Miss Bliss has seen some creative low points in her career this year.

Interestingly, her merchandise sells well, much like Wyatt’s did. However, one can't help but feel it's leftover remnants of both Wyatt's popularity and Bliss' from her considerably better days as a more grounded heel. Her recents feuds with Eva Marie and Shayna Baszler have been cringeworthy, bordering on intelligence-insulting to fans who just wanted to watch good old wrasslin'.

Despite Bliss' charisma, she lacks the menace to truly pull off a character as ridiculous as this one. Couple that issue with very questionable creative decisions in 2021 and you have a recipe for disaster.