41 Most Disgusting Promotional Tactics In Wrestling History RANKED

17. 2011 - Be A Star Campaign Runs At Same Time WWE Bullies Jim Ross

If you grew up a fan of WWE, it’s not unlikely that the experience expedited your outlook as a cynic. How seriously could you believe what people told you, when Vince McMahon told you that bullying is bad?

Vince McMahon used his financial muscle and ruthless streak to bully countless people out of business. The inaugural WrestleMania event was a major factor in the success of this expansion. Vince McMahon also bullied the guy, Howard Finkel, who came up with the name.

Stories of Vince bullying his subordinates and talents are legion; if you don’t believe those reports, Vince, rather helpfully, would frequently bully these people on his own television broadcasts.

In 2011, WWE continued its bid to clean up its rotten image. This somehow worked to remarkable effect, despite the appalling cynicism and lack of substance behind the move. As part of it, the ‘Be A STAR’ campaign was unveiled. Don’t be a bully, be a STAR was the slogan.

In the exact same year, Jim Ross - a ritual victim of bullying, Vince’s favourite victim - was storyline fired by authority figure John Laurinaitis live on Raw, in his home state of Oklahoma. His wife was sitting in the front row. Ross had no idea of the plan, which was half-legitimate; he was further phased out of commentary duties. Throughout the year, in a dismal Michael Cole heel commentator run, Ross was ridiculed as an old, corny, relic. They even had him rap at one point. Watching Ross feel embarrassment, when flubbing his lines, was hideous.

One year later, incidentally, Vince McMahon - apropos of nothing whatsoever - made a cameo appearance on Raw and, donning JR’s signature cowboy hat, mocked his Bell’s Palsy facial paralysis.