One of the more popular gimmicks during the WWE Attitude Era was brought to a screeching halt, because, apparently, it was getting over too well and was too popular with the WWE Universe.
WWE Hall Of Famer Gerald Brisco revealed during an interview with Wrestling Inc. that WWE creative, specifically Vince McMahon scrapped the popular 'Stooges' gimmick that featured he and the late Pat Patterson because the crowd liked it too much. Noting that Vince was worried it would overshadow some of the bigger stars and his own Mr. McMahon character, Vince stopped featuring the duo on television.
Brisco explained it was Vince McMahon's call and said Vince thought the characters were "too over" as a comedic relief portion of the show. The Chairman was worried that instead of fans focusing on Steve Austin or The Rock, the crowd would be too preoccupied with the 'Stooges'. Once Vince got it in his mind that he should be worried, Brisco said, that was that.
Brisco added, “But Pat and I started getting over as babyfaces, so we thought it was taking some heat off of Vince’s character." At that point, it was time to "separate the funny old guys from the mean, old, and tired boss."
A Pattern Of WWE's Incompetence Or The Right Call?
While some fans will look at Brisco's comments and call it par for the course in WWE, this is a tough one. There are arguments on both sides when it comes to Vince's decision.
It's fair to argue WWE almost always crushes the gimmicks fans really get into. It's also fair to suggest that if the main goal was making Vince a heel, having two babyface goofballs follow him around everywhere would lend to fans not taking Vince seriously.
Brisco says he still can't wrap his head around how popular the gimmick was, especially considering fans could watch Austin, The Rock, The Undertaker, and Shawn Michaels every week.