10 WWE Gimmicks That Pushed The PG Era To Its Limits
10. Adam Rose (Party Animal)
On the surface, Adam Rose was no different to current dancing fool No Way José. He liked to party, hang out with fun-loving friends and attack well-meaning mascots for upstaging him during matches. OK, so José hasn't done that bit, not yet anyway.
Look beyond the smiling, easy-going demeanour of Rose and there was one clear influence for the character: often controversial English comedian Russell Brand. Everything about Rose's appearance and personality, from long flowing hair and quirky accent, to free-loving outlook and outlandish dress sense makes it clear he took inspiration from Brand's lifestyle.
The comedian, who went on to cite transcendental meditation as helpful in breaking his drug addictions, has been arrested 12 times for drug-related issues in the past. That's a rather controversial inspiration for a WWE gimmick created during the PG Era, but it happened.
Was Rose a child-friendly party-lover who kids could gravitate to, or was he a drug-addled rockstar wannabe who had touches of deranged cult leader about him? You decide.