Every WWE Gimmick Match And The Wrestlers That Defined Them
15. Gauntlet Match - Kofi Kingston
The Gauntlet match, used sparingly, is an effective means of putting a babyface act over as spirited, and a heel act over as opportunistic. WWE didn't use it sparingly ahead of WrestleMania, but Kofi Kingston excelled within it nonetheless.
His feats in the gauntlet matches reflected the essence of KofiMania; his fans chose him as Daniel Bryan's challenger because they didn't see an enduring, respected veteran but a genuinely versatile star. In those matches, he showcased technical skill in exchanges with Daniel Bryan, leaping agility in sequences opposite Cesaro, and sheer guts under the weight of Samoa Joe.
WWE booked at least one too many, but the match type worked so perfectly for Kofi, at once established and refreshed in a singles role; it condensed a long-term story and showcased his diversity as a performer.