50 Worst Wrestling Moments Of The 2020s (So Far)

30. Shane McMahon Calls Braun Strowman Stupid

Shane McMahon Braun Strowman
WWE

In an under-reported story, Shane McMahon, building his WrestleMania 37 programme on March 8, 2021 cut a promo on Braun Strowman like he was on the verge of death. Seriously, what the hell was up with this guy?

He was sucking his teeth like he was trying to push them back in. He often breathes like an auto-erotic asphyxiation enthusiast at the best of times, but he was particularly heavy here. Exhaling through his nose as if he was worried about a stream of vomit tumbling out of his mouth, Shane seemed to forget his promo, often taking several agonising seconds at a time to collect his jumbled thoughts.

The content of the promo probably warrants inclusion in and of itself. The story was premised on the idea that Shane thought Braun was stupid, and tormented him about it.

In this promo, surreal for how strained and unnerving it was, Shane, wetter than an otter’s pocket with sweat, took five years to do a bait and switch. “Calling people stupid is abhorrent, I’d never do that - you idiot!”

That was the basic thrust. Strowman had to stand there - yes, like an idiot - as everybody else watching live knew what Shane was going to say, if he could only remember it.

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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!