5 shocking WWE storyline ideas that were rightly shelved
WWE is a form of entertainment that is not just about athleticism, acrobatic moves, and strength. What engages the audience in a feud or gimmick is the engaging storyline that revolves around the wrestling.
In the past, before WWE went PG, Vince McMahon's creative writers pushed the boundaries on the way they presented their product, often bordering on what could be termed offensive.
We don't see this anymore in the WWE as the promotion now caters to a wide audience - from kids to adults.
But, there was a time when WWE's creative team - as well as the wrestlers - came up with the unthinkable, going to any lengths to create a story that would capture the imagination of the audience.
Here, let's look at 5 shocking WWE storyline ideas that were rightly shelved by WWE:
#1 Heindreich Nazi soldier gimmick
Heindreich is a former WWE Superstar who had a brief run with the promotion which began in 2003 and ended in 2006. He was managed by Paul Heyman on SmackDown, and has a feud with The Undertaker, before teaming up with Legion of Doom's Animal.
But one gimmick that was suggested for Heindreich was that of a Nazi stormtrooper, who was frozen since the end of World War II and was brought to life by Paul Heyman. This was a pitch suggested by then WWE writer Dan Madigan, in 2004.
Madigan spoke about the pitch in 2008 and the reaction that he got from the rest of the creative team, including Vince McMahon. Madigan revealed that McMahon was shocked by the idea, leaving the room for the rest of the day.
WWE did not go ahead with the highly controversial gimmick, and Heindreich left the WWE in 2006.