9 WWE Gimmicks That Are Totally DEAD

1. The Viking Raiders

Viking Raiders
WWE.com

Good lord, end their pain.

Erik and Ivar showed signs of life when WWE had them go “Vicious” in 2022, but that feels like an eternity ago. The former War Machine have been too stop-start since moving up to the main roster in April 2019, and everyone’s f'n sick of it - probably/definitely including The Viking Raiders themselves.

Think about it: The Raiders have been reduced to stealing jackets like this is 1995, they're Jean-Pierre LaFitte's relatives, and Vince McMahon is seeking a way to keep Bret Hart involved whilst simultaneously taking the mick out of his value. Just what is going on here, and why?!

These vikings are talented and work well as snarling heels. Unfortunately, they've been recently shunted to one side yet again so creative can tickle the fancy of (their latest thrown-together tag) Drew McIntyre and Matt Riddle. It's a real crying shame that The Raiders are viewed with such apathy by the folks penning telly.

They deserve better, but their longstanding gimmick needs the boot now.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.