41 Most Disgusting Promotional Tactics In Wrestling History RANKED

41. 1981 - Monster Character (Tony Hernandez)

Monster Character
WWE

In 2025, not much is known in detail about the “monster character” played, apparently, by Tony Hernandez - nor why it was so disgusting that it compelled the Observer readership to cast their votes. Here’s what (probably) happened:

In 1981, the newsletter was in its infancy; while it is distributed digitally and globally these days, back then, it probably wasn’t posted too far out of California.

The limited circulation may have meant that the wacky goings-on out of Los Angeles hit closer to home. In LA, for the ailing ‘LeBelle Promotions’, the “monster character” seemed to piss the hardcores off because it was depicted as being created in a laboratory. This wretched, patently phony gimmickry could not stand. It was a disgrace to the legacy of pro wrestling in the region, which once flourished under Roy Shire and his emphasis on a more realistic, athletic, action-heavy philosophy. Hence, Most Disgusting Tactic. Known simply as ‘Monster’, according to Cagematch, Hernandez also went by ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Great Dragon’. Hernandez wore a Frankenstein’s monster mask.

So this award is somewhat more understandable than many of the others listed here; after all, Meltzer had barely started digging into the true rot underneath wrestling’s surface.

Still: a silly ripoff fictional character made up of multiple dismembered body parts is just as bad - officially! - as WWE for proceeding with Crown Jewel so soon after the murder and dismemberment of Jamal Khashoggi.

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!