10 Wrestlers Who Used to Be Loved But Are Now HATED
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VOICE OVER: Ashley Bowman
From beloved icons to controversial figures, we're diving into the stories of professional wrestlers who lost their fans' respect. Explore the journeys of wrestlers whose reputations dramatically shifted, revealing the complex world behind the wrestling curtain. Our countdown includes shocking stories of wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, Chris Benoit, Ronda Rousey, and others who went from fan favorites to controversial personalities that shocked the wrestling world! Which wrestler do you think best falls in this category? Share in the comments.
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Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at once-celebrated professional wrestlers who saw their adoring reputations plummet. We’ll be focusing on individuals known primarily for their in-ring performances, excluding now-embattled pro wrestling personalities.
Sean Morely
Once a fan-favorite for his over-the-top "adult film star" persona - Val Venis, Sean Morely was a constant source of entertainment during the WWE’s “Attitude Era.” However, the former Intercontinental Champion saw his devoted fanbase dwindle thanks to a series of outspoken and controversial political views on social media. His constant abrasive rants, often centered around far-reaching conspiracy theories, alienated many of his supporters. Admirers who once enjoyed his cheeky in-ring antics quickly found it hard to reconcile his wrestling persona with his real-life divisive social stances. Unfortunately for the “Big Valbowski,” it seems his popularity has completely fizzled out.
Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey burst onto the wrestling scene in 2018 with massive fanfare, this thanks to her crossover celebrity status and accomplishments in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. While she was initially adored for her authenticity, Ronda’s perceived disdainful attitude toward wrestling fans and the industry quickly soured her reputation. Yep, the former UFC Women’s Bantamweight champion unsurprisingly faced backlash for criticizing the wrestling community. Despite her undeniable athleticism, Rousey’s public attitude caused her to lose the goodwill she initially enjoyed – with many believing she didn’t truly appreciate the unique world of professional wrestling.
Enzo Amore
At one point in time, Enzo Amore was among the most popular WWE Superstars on the roster. As a major star in NXT, Enzo and “Big Cass” captivated audiences when called up to the main roster. However, as the duo split up and Enzo developed a reputation for being a backstage nuisance, fan support started to diminish. Making matters worse, the charismatic performer was accused of a serious indecent assault stemming from an encounter at a Phoenix hotel in 2017. Despite a major push by the company, Enzo was ultimately terminated in 2018 and neither his career (nor public support) ever recovered.
The Fabulous Moolah
“The Fabulous One” was once heralded as a trailblazer for women’s wrestling, holding a championship reign for literal decades. Moolah would later be a celebrated fixture during WWE’s “Attitude Era,” often appearing in entertaining segments alongside fellow female wrestling pioneer Mae Young. However, stories of her sordid past eventually came to light, with details of abusive behavior toward trainees, financial manipulation, and allegations of serious exploitation. This all led to a re-evaluation of her role within the industry. Unsurprisingly, the WWE, and wrestling fans alike, have since distanced themselves from Moolah’s tarnished legacy – which once represented women’s empowerment.
Alberto Del Rio
Alberto Del Rio achieved great success in WWE within a short period of time, even becoming the company’s first Mexico-born world champion. However, his career would ultimately be marred by troubling incidents outside of the squared circle. Subsequent legal troubles, including accusations of domestic violence, sexual assault, and erratic behavior, have tarnished Del Rio’s once-promising legacy. His outspoken nature and public feuds have also done little to endear him to the fans who had initially rooted for his success. Once seen as a future legend in the business, Alberto now serves as a cautionary tale.
Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar has always been a polarizing figure. While his physical dominance and star power can’t be denied, fans became vocally frustrated with his part-time schedule and limited appearances over the years. Lesnar’s tendency to dominate storylines and main events while putting in a perceived minimal effort made audiences feel like he was taking opportunities from more deserving full-time talent. Lesnar's name also received tarnishing thanks in part to the damning allegations levied against Vince McMahon as part of a lawsuit filed by Janel Grant. The former WWE paralegal claimed, in part, that McMahon offered “encounters” with her to persuade Lesnar to re-sign with the company during contract negotiations.
Ryback
Ryback once had fans chanting "Feed Me More," generating a significant following during his rise in WWE. However, after leaving the company in 2016, the powerhouse performer’s often-bitter criticism and outspoken views on wrestling business practices quickly painted him in a less favorable light. Frequently criticized for coming across as entitled and disrespectful, Ryback’s online behaviour has alienated his past fans – many of whom now actively root against him. This was evident in 2021 when Ryback engaged fans with an online poll asking what they wanted to see him do next. Along with various wrestling promotions, Ryback listed an option for retirement, which, you guessed it, garnered the most votes.
The Ultimate Warrior
Without question, The Ultimate Warrior was a beloved icon of the ‘80s and ’90s, captivating audiences with his unmatched intensity. However, Warrior’s backstage behavior and controversial comments would ultimately tarnish his legacy. His publicized clashes with Vince McMahon and a reported tendency to no-show events earned him a reputation as difficult to work with. His status suffered another major blow when controversial speeches he made about various groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, came to light. And while his eventual induction into the “WWE Hall of Fame” and the amends he made before his passing have helped repair the damage, many simply remember The Ultimate Warrior as a deeply flawed person.
Hulk Hogan
For millions, Hulk Hogan was the face of professional wrestling – not to mention a global hero. Heck, even the Hulkster’s infamous WCW “heel turn” managed to draw lapsed fans back to his side. Unfortunately, Hogan’s career has taken a nosedive since hanging up his boots. For one, a leaked tape revealing racist remarks led to significant backlash from fans, friends, and colleagues alike. Hulk’s past “locker room politics” have also been called into question, as well as his penchant for bending the truth – in his favor. Hogan’s public political stance has also further polarized him from a segment of the audience. We suppose that explains why he was nearly booed out of the building on Netflix’s “Raw” debut…
Chris Benoit
Wrestling fans in the mid-90s and early 2000s would have been quick to point to Chris Benoit as the “pound for pound” greatest technical wrestler in the world. His matches in a variety of promotions consistently wowed fans, making him a must-watch performer. However, unimaginable tragic events made Benoit infamous for a completely different reason. When details emerged regarding the shocking fate of Benoit and his family, the wrestler’s actions devastated his fanbase. WWE has since distanced themselves from his memory altogether and Chris has essentially been scrubbed from pro wrestling history.
Which wrestler’s fall from grace shocked you the most? Share your thoughts down in the comments.
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at once-celebrated professional wrestlers who saw their adoring reputations plummet. We’ll be focusing on individuals known primarily for their in-ring performances, excluding now-embattled pro wrestling personalities.
Sean Morely
Once a fan-favorite for his over-the-top "adult film star" persona - Val Venis, Sean Morely was a constant source of entertainment during the WWE’s “Attitude Era.” However, the former Intercontinental Champion saw his devoted fanbase dwindle thanks to a series of outspoken and controversial political views on social media. His constant abrasive rants, often centered around far-reaching conspiracy theories, alienated many of his supporters. Admirers who once enjoyed his cheeky in-ring antics quickly found it hard to reconcile his wrestling persona with his real-life divisive social stances. Unfortunately for the “Big Valbowski,” it seems his popularity has completely fizzled out.
Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey burst onto the wrestling scene in 2018 with massive fanfare, this thanks to her crossover celebrity status and accomplishments in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. While she was initially adored for her authenticity, Ronda’s perceived disdainful attitude toward wrestling fans and the industry quickly soured her reputation. Yep, the former UFC Women’s Bantamweight champion unsurprisingly faced backlash for criticizing the wrestling community. Despite her undeniable athleticism, Rousey’s public attitude caused her to lose the goodwill she initially enjoyed – with many believing she didn’t truly appreciate the unique world of professional wrestling.
Enzo Amore
At one point in time, Enzo Amore was among the most popular WWE Superstars on the roster. As a major star in NXT, Enzo and “Big Cass” captivated audiences when called up to the main roster. However, as the duo split up and Enzo developed a reputation for being a backstage nuisance, fan support started to diminish. Making matters worse, the charismatic performer was accused of a serious indecent assault stemming from an encounter at a Phoenix hotel in 2017. Despite a major push by the company, Enzo was ultimately terminated in 2018 and neither his career (nor public support) ever recovered.
The Fabulous Moolah
“The Fabulous One” was once heralded as a trailblazer for women’s wrestling, holding a championship reign for literal decades. Moolah would later be a celebrated fixture during WWE’s “Attitude Era,” often appearing in entertaining segments alongside fellow female wrestling pioneer Mae Young. However, stories of her sordid past eventually came to light, with details of abusive behavior toward trainees, financial manipulation, and allegations of serious exploitation. This all led to a re-evaluation of her role within the industry. Unsurprisingly, the WWE, and wrestling fans alike, have since distanced themselves from Moolah’s tarnished legacy – which once represented women’s empowerment.
Alberto Del Rio
Alberto Del Rio achieved great success in WWE within a short period of time, even becoming the company’s first Mexico-born world champion. However, his career would ultimately be marred by troubling incidents outside of the squared circle. Subsequent legal troubles, including accusations of domestic violence, sexual assault, and erratic behavior, have tarnished Del Rio’s once-promising legacy. His outspoken nature and public feuds have also done little to endear him to the fans who had initially rooted for his success. Once seen as a future legend in the business, Alberto now serves as a cautionary tale.
Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar has always been a polarizing figure. While his physical dominance and star power can’t be denied, fans became vocally frustrated with his part-time schedule and limited appearances over the years. Lesnar’s tendency to dominate storylines and main events while putting in a perceived minimal effort made audiences feel like he was taking opportunities from more deserving full-time talent. Lesnar's name also received tarnishing thanks in part to the damning allegations levied against Vince McMahon as part of a lawsuit filed by Janel Grant. The former WWE paralegal claimed, in part, that McMahon offered “encounters” with her to persuade Lesnar to re-sign with the company during contract negotiations.
Ryback
Ryback once had fans chanting "Feed Me More," generating a significant following during his rise in WWE. However, after leaving the company in 2016, the powerhouse performer’s often-bitter criticism and outspoken views on wrestling business practices quickly painted him in a less favorable light. Frequently criticized for coming across as entitled and disrespectful, Ryback’s online behaviour has alienated his past fans – many of whom now actively root against him. This was evident in 2021 when Ryback engaged fans with an online poll asking what they wanted to see him do next. Along with various wrestling promotions, Ryback listed an option for retirement, which, you guessed it, garnered the most votes.
The Ultimate Warrior
Without question, The Ultimate Warrior was a beloved icon of the ‘80s and ’90s, captivating audiences with his unmatched intensity. However, Warrior’s backstage behavior and controversial comments would ultimately tarnish his legacy. His publicized clashes with Vince McMahon and a reported tendency to no-show events earned him a reputation as difficult to work with. His status suffered another major blow when controversial speeches he made about various groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, came to light. And while his eventual induction into the “WWE Hall of Fame” and the amends he made before his passing have helped repair the damage, many simply remember The Ultimate Warrior as a deeply flawed person.
Hulk Hogan
For millions, Hulk Hogan was the face of professional wrestling – not to mention a global hero. Heck, even the Hulkster’s infamous WCW “heel turn” managed to draw lapsed fans back to his side. Unfortunately, Hogan’s career has taken a nosedive since hanging up his boots. For one, a leaked tape revealing racist remarks led to significant backlash from fans, friends, and colleagues alike. Hulk’s past “locker room politics” have also been called into question, as well as his penchant for bending the truth – in his favor. Hogan’s public political stance has also further polarized him from a segment of the audience. We suppose that explains why he was nearly booed out of the building on Netflix’s “Raw” debut…
Chris Benoit
Wrestling fans in the mid-90s and early 2000s would have been quick to point to Chris Benoit as the “pound for pound” greatest technical wrestler in the world. His matches in a variety of promotions consistently wowed fans, making him a must-watch performer. However, unimaginable tragic events made Benoit infamous for a completely different reason. When details emerged regarding the shocking fate of Benoit and his family, the wrestler’s actions devastated his fanbase. WWE has since distanced themselves from his memory altogether and Chris has essentially been scrubbed from pro wrestling history.
Which wrestler’s fall from grace shocked you the most? Share your thoughts down in the comments.
