WWE has produced countless pieces of merchandise over the years, ranging from iconic t-shirts to questionable promotional items. While some have become timeless classics, others have left fans scratching their heads in disbelief. Let’s dive into some of the worst WWE merchandise ever created and determine if the ‘CM Punk bracelet’ deserves a spot on this infamous list.
T-Shirts That Missed The Mark
The $9.99 WWE Network Shirt
One of the most egregious examples of poor merchandise decisions is the $9.99 WWE Network shirt. This shirt was nothing more than a walking advertisement for WWE’s streaming service, lacking any creativity or appeal. It’s baffling that WWE thought fans would pay to wear a shirt promoting a service they were already paying for. Pitiful.
Carlito’s “Spit or Swallow” Shirt
Another contender for worst merchandise is Carlito’s “Spit or Swallow” t-shirt. This shirt, released during the tail end of the Ruthless Aggression Era, attempted to capitalize on Carlito’s apple-spitting gimmick with a crude sexual innuendo. The design was not only in poor taste but also failed to capture the essence of Carlito’s character. Woeful.
John Morrison’s “Jo Mo Sapien” Shirt
John Morrison, known for his cool and stylish persona, was unfortunately saddled with the “Jo Mo Sapien” t-shirt. This bizarre design featured Morrison’s face plastered on a Bigfoot body, surrounded by monkeys. The shirt failed to align with Morrison’s character and left fans confused rather than excited. Pure, unadulterated crap.
Accessories and Promotional Items
The CM Punk Ice Cream Bar T-Shirt
While not as notorious as some other entries on this list, the CM Punk Ice Cream Bar t-shirt deserves mention. This shirt, which featured a cartoon ice cream bar with Punk’s logo, was an attempt to capitalize on Punk’s famous pipe bomb promo where he mentioned bringing back WWE ice cream bars.
However, the execution fell flat, and the shirt ended up looking more like a cheap promotional item than a must-have piece of merchandise.
The Miz’s “I’m Awesome” Rubber Bracelet
The Miz’s “I’m Awesome” rubber bracelet is another example of WWE missing the mark with accessories. While rubber bracelets were popular at the time, this particular item failed to capture the essence of The Miz’s character and came across as a lazy attempt to cash in on a trend.
What is the CM Punk Bracelet?
The CM Punk friendship bracelet has sparked considerable discussion among wrestling fans since WWE began selling it. Originally created as a gift for CM Punk by a fan named Victoria, the bracelet features the names “AJ” and “Larry,” referring to Punk’s wife, AJ Lee, and their dog. This seemingly innocent piece of merchandise has raised eyebrows and ignited debates about ownership, originality, and the ethics of WWE’s merchandising practices.
Fan Reactions
The fanbase’s response has been largely critical. Some fans have humorously pointed out the awkwardness of wearing a bracelet associated with Punk’s personal life. One user quipped about the potential for misunderstandings with significant others, while others questioned the appeal of such a product. The general consensus seems to be that the bracelet is an odd choice for merchandise, with many feeling it lacks the charm or significance typically associated with wrestling collectibles.
Ethical Concerns
The ethical implications of WWE selling the bracelet have also been a hot topic. Critics argue that the company should have sought permission from Victoria before commercializing her creation. Many believe that she deserves recognition or compensation for her design, especially since it has become part of a larger storyline in WWE programming. The lack of acknowledgment for her contribution has led to accusations of exploitation, with fans calling for WWE to treat creators with more respect.
So does the CM Punk bracelet deserve to be on the list of the worst WWE merchandise ever? Yes, but more for the fact that you shouldn’t be buying YOURSELF a friendship bracelet.
