What were they thinking? From an evil dentist to a Gene Simmons doppelganger to a chicken-plucking Amish heavyweight, we present the worst gimmicks in the history of modern-day wrestling

Wrestling Digest, June, 2002 by Mike Stokes

Amish Roadkill

Michael DePoli was once known simply as Roadkill (with a won-loss record to back it up). But then fellow ECW wrestler Al Snow commented that the 300-pound behemoth from Pennsylvania looked Amish, and another weird gimmick was born. Reminiscent of Randy Quaid's character in "Kingpin," Amish Roadkill donned his adopted society's traditional garb of black pants, suspenders, and hat, and sported a thick beard under his chin. Instantly, the angry chicken-plucker became a favorite with hardcore fans despite having easily one of the goofiest gimmicks in wrestling history.

The Yellow Dog

The most disturbing aspect of this ridiculous gimmick is not that it was used at all--it's the fact that it was actually used twice. Barry Windham first brought the Dirty Yellow Dog to wrestling audiences in Florida, appearing in a yellow bodysuit and dog mask that hid his true identity. Brian Pillman later resurrected the pooch in WCW after he was "banned" from the league. Hopefully, the Yellow Dog has been put to sleep once and for all. At the very least, it should be neutered to ensure future generations of wrestlers don't get infested with its fleas.

The Genius

If Leapin' Lanny Poffo was really so smart, he should have realized the stupidity of this high IQ gimmick. Building on his previous persona as the Poet (in which he'd read poetry insulting his opponent before getting beaten to a pulp) to turn heel, the Genius' gimmick consisted of Poffo wearing a mortarboard and graduation gown. Eventually taking a flamboyantly effeminate turn as a manager, this son of the famed Angelo Poffo and brother of Randy Savage quickly faded from the scene. Poffo has been spotted recently as a late-night infomercial pitchman, causing great minds to ponder just how many rejection letters one must receive from other wrestlers before electing to sign the Genius to endorse a product It's truly baffling.

The Disciple

Dizzy Ed Boulder may be best remembered for his 1980s heyday as Brutus Beefcake, but the grappler also known as Zodiac Man, Booty Man, the Barber, the Butcher, and Brother Bruti should be equally notorious as perhaps the most schizophrenic wrestler of all time. He set a new low with his WCW appearance as the Disciple, a furry-faced biker who silently lived in the shadow of Hollywood Hogan when he wasn't taking lumps in the ring. Then again, if you don't have anything good to say maybe it's best to just say nothing and ride the coattails of the rich and famous.