10 WWE Wrestlers Vince McMahon Didn’t Know How To Book

1. Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes
Scott Lesh Photography/AEW

The caveat here is that the Cody of today is leaps and bounds ahead of the Cody of 2016. 'The American Nightmare' has improved exponentially since leaving WWE, overcoming an often rough transitionary period on the indies and in New Japan Pro Wrestling to become one of the most respected performers on the planet. This is primarily a product of hard work and freedom: the WWE system doesn't always adequately award the former and the promotion's standards for the latter are lower than anywhere else in the game.

So becoming the company ace Cody is today may not have been possible on Vince McMahon's watch. Regardless, that WWE kept this obviously talented legacy performer trapped in the go-nowhere Stardust bit for so long prior to his release is maddening, particularly as 'The Grandson of a Plumber' pleaded for changes for six months before making his decision.

Keeping a man of Cody's workrate, broad range of skills, and ambition trapped in gimmick purgatory for so long was absurd. The moment Cody debuted the Stardust persona in June 2014 was the moment Vince stopped having a clue what to do with him.

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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.