5 Absurd WWE gimmicks that actually worked

The King reigned over his kingdom with an iron fist

#4 King Booker - 2006 WWE King of the Ring Winner

Talk about something that really shouldn't have worked. How many times have we seen WWE Superstars win the King of the Ring only to take the title of King a bit too far? How many times has it halted someone's momentum rather than catapult them to the top?

We're a year past the last King of the Ring tournament, and Baron Corbin is still parading around in a crown and cape with subjects carrying him to the ring. It rarely does anything to elevate the winner.

Well, that's usually the case. There are a few outliers, of course. WWE Hall of Famer "Macho King" Randy Savage managed to pull it off. However, one that doesn't get the credit he so often deserves is fellow WWE Hall of Famer and 2006 King of the Ring winner, King Booker.

To say that the moniker went to the five-time WCW World Champion's head would be an understatement. Joined by his lovely bride, Queen Sharmell, King Booker quickly took over SmackDown, with William Regal and Fit Finlay as a part of the King's Court.

While Randy Savage wore the crown, Booker T added an over the top accent and turned the blue brand into his own personal kingdom. The World Heavyweight Champion forced his subjects to kiss his ring or face his wrath, among other things. During a time where WWE was somewhat struggling to create Superstars and memorable storylines, King Booker was a welcome addition.

In fact, King Booker was such an unforgetable part of Booker T's run that he brought it back in 2018 to celebrate New Day's fifth reign as WWE Tag Team Champions.

Fans have seen this fail time and time again. Sheamus, Corbin, Wade Barrett, Mabel, and more took it a bit too far and stumbled. Sometimes something is just so bad, it's good, and it wouldn't be a stretch to say that this is what the King Booker gimmick was. He took it too far, but he was so over the top that fans just couldn't help but love the King.