9 Times WWE Promoted 'Freak-show' Matches

Watch out McGregor: Mayweather's done this before...

Mayweather Big Show
WWE

This Saturday's showdown between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather has been described by many commentators as a 'freak show', a peculiar pairing designed with the hope of attracting voyeurs intrigued by its spectacle rather than its sporting merit.

Whatever the outcome - or quality - of the clash of the conceited, the fight will guarantee the promoters need considerably bigger wallets. They don't call him 'Money' Mayweather for nothing.

Such 'freak shows', like the exploitative Victorian counterparts from which they draw their name, have always mindlessly vacuumed cash like a lost cleaner in a bank. They're nothing new - especially if you're a WWE fan. Two mega-stars from different sports competing in a complete mismatch, with personality just as prevalent of prowess? Vince McMahon basically wrote that playbook. And he's always recognised its potentially lucrative value.

In fact, he's even had Mayweather adopt one of the principle roles. Admittedly, that was pure 'sports entertainment', an entirely scripted tussle protecting both men's dignity. This next episode definitely won't be.

They wouldn't do that, would they? They're an honest bunch, promoters. And we definitely won't see one guy kicking the other's shins for an hour.

9. Akebono Vs. Big Show

Mayweather Big Show
WWE.com

In the book of Genesis, a snake-stickered apple (Granny Ssssmith's?) was enough to tempt Eve. Since then, humanity has been living in sin (possibly), and the direct result of this Biblical transgression was Big Show in a mawashi - a true reminder that we're living life outside Paradise if ever there was one.

It's unknown which despicable reprobate dreamed up Big Show vs. Hawaiian sumo sensation Akebono in the dohyō, or why their perverted ideas came to fruition. Thankfully, it was as brief as Show's attire was unnecessarily revealing, as the experienced rikishi flung the dilettante outside the ring within a minute.

Akebono wasn't seen in WWE again, and mercifully, neither was Big Show's mawashi.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.