41 Most Disgusting Promotional Tactics In Wrestling History RANKED

14. 2006 - Eddiesploitation

Rey Mysterio World Heavyweight Champion
WWE.com

Eddie Guerrero died, aged 38, on November 13, 2005.

WWE continued to use his pro wrestling character in storylines. Randy Orton was scripted to say that Eddie was in hell, in a bid to generate heat, and Rey Mysterio, Eddie’s close friend, went all the way to a WrestleMania World title match as if guided by Eddie’s spirit - who was of course more interested in the ongoing narrative of the recognised global leader of sports entertainment than his devastated family.

At one point, Eddie wasn’t so much referenced as practically depicted. Ahead of the Royal Rumble, Rey Mysterio drew what would be revealed to be #2 from the tumbler. With a “You got me!” look, Rey put that down to Eddie, like he was some mischievous ghost ribbing him from beyond the grave. Rey won the match, and lost a tag on SmackDown the very next night. He’d spent over an hour in the Rumble, though. He just needed to get his wind back before honouring Eddie’s memory as champion, that’s all.

This award was a very worthy winner - unlike, in Vince McMahon’s mind, Rey Mysterio.

This would have been ghastly enough, if Rey was treated like a real World champion. He wasn’t! He, while holding the belt, did televised jobs to midcarders like Fit Finlay, and was also annihilated by Mark Henry and Kane on SmackDown. Both matches combined ran under 10 minutes. Vince McMahon grew bored of his own exploitative push!

God, Rey, what’s your problem? Can’t even get it done when you’re fighting on behalf of your dead friend? Who needs enemies, huh?!

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!