Top 10 Wrestling Crossovers
#10: The Scooby Doo & WWE Collaboration
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The WWE brand has made its way into some pretty surprising places. The world of animation is one such place, specifically the universe of Scooby Doo! Yup, the superstars of the WWE have seen the paint-and-ink treatment on a number of occasions, collaborating with the super-sleuth team and their lovable dog. There have been multiple cinematic collaborations between the two brands, and they’re honestly pretty fun. The juxtaposition actually doesn’t feel beyond the realm of possibility, since many WWE characters are so larger than life anyway. And if it helps keep younger kids watching Scooby Doo cartoons in the modern day? Why not?
#9: Beyblade All Day
“WWE Survivor Series” (2022) WWE is no stranger to cross-promotion. Does anyone remember the “Army of the Dead” match from 2021’s “WrestleMania Backlash?” Anyway, this next example is almost as shameless. It occurred at the WWE’s “Survivor Series” event in 2022, during the entrance of Austin Theory. Theory’s usual Titantron entrance was replaced with an advertisement for Beyblade. The commentary team then proceeded to shill for Beyblade at the announce table, before continuing on, business as usual. It was the blink-and-you-missed it moment that made fans and insiders alike question what the heck was going on.
#8: Chucky Comes to Play
“Chucky” (2021-) Believe it or not, Chucky the killer doll doesn’t just have one wrestling crossover to his name. Back in the doll’s cinematic heyday, he appeared on WCW television to scare the wits out of Rick Steiner. Fast forward more than a few years later, and Chucky has his own T.V. series on the USA Network. The WWE is also on the USA Network, and before you can say, “slash,” we had Liv Morgan appearing as herself on the show. It was probably a thrill for her to get bumped off by such an iconic horror villain, but the fact that the real Gionna Daddio was appearing as her fictional character made it all seem surreal.
#7: Muppet Time!
“WWE Raw” (1993-) There is a long list of guest hosts for “WWE Raw,” and sadly many of them fail to hide their true intentions: promotion. The Muppets were also on “Raw” to promote something, specifically their 2011 film. However, the sheer joy that follows Jim Henson’s creations wherever they go effectively made this appearance too big to fail. And thankfully, it delivered, with Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo and more all interacting with the WWE superstars. There were some genuine laughs to be had, and it didn’t have the icky, “I’m only here because I have to be” vibe that so many other guest hosts gave off. Jeremy Piven, we’re looking at you.
#6: Sgt. Slaughter: A Real American Hero
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“G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero” (1983-86) It just feels like a match made in heaven, doesn’t it? The ultra-American, super-patriot himself, Sgt. Slaughter, palling around with the G.I. Joes? And you know what? It was absolutely great, and an early example of the WWE crossing over into another property. The in-ring legend was animated for the “G.I. Joe '' television series, and even appeared in the full length, animated feature. The real-life superstar, Robert Remus, also did his own voice acting for the show. Finally, The Sarge also, naturally, received his own action figure, immortalizing him forever as a Real American Hero.
#5: The Weakest Link
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“The Weakest Link” (2010-17) If the “Weakest Link” game show seems like an odd place in which to insert WWE talent…well, that’s because it was. It was very weird, actually, primarily because the superstars largely performed “kayfabe,” or in character. Kane, for example, was in his full, demonic regalia, which looked quite humorous alongside the show’s host, Anne Robinson. To be fair, however, Robinson’s granite-faced demeanor and sarcastic put-downs gelled well with the WWE performers, and the whole cast seemed to have a lot of fun. We actually think it would be cool to see more of this stuff in the present day!
#4: Bob Barker: Come On Down!
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“WWE Raw” (1993-) Speaking of game shows, doesn’t it sound fun to play “The Price is Right” on WWE television? Well, perhaps this could have gone off the rails, had a lesser game show host been at the helm. Thankfully, “Raw” had television legend Bob Barker on hand to keep the peace, and to provide the laughs. Barker is a natural on-camera, and was able to interact brilliantly with the WWE superstars. Fast forward a few years, and the WWE actually did this again, only now it was with Kelly Kelly and The Bella Twins appearing on Drew Carey’s iteration of the show.
#3: Leslie Nielsen is On the Case
“WWE Summerslam” (1994) Kayfabe was still king, and the WWE could still be a potentially corny place at which to work, back when Leslie Nielsen appeared on the scene. Nielsen was portraying his fictional character of Frank Drebin from the “Police Squad!” and “Naked Gun” franchises…only this time he was on the hunt for The Undertaker. The Dead Man had been M.I.A. from WWE television since the 1994 “Royal Rumble,” and Drebin was on the hunt. Of course, Nielsen also had the third “Naked Gun” movie to promote, so he also arrived with his co-star, George Kennedy in tow. It was…well, pretty cringy, actually. But it was all in good fun.
#2: Robocop Promotion
“WCW Capital Combat” (1990) Believe it or not, it IS possible to have a little subtlety in your cross-promotion. 1990’s “Capital Combat” pay-per-view from WCW, however? Well, here’s an example of how NOT to do it. From the poster advertising the imminent arrival of “Robocop 2” to movie screens, to the actual law-enforcement android appearing on WCW television, this was ham-fisted from the start. The sight of the wrestlers reacting to Robocop as it comes to the aid of Sting is one to behold. It’s a mixture of “I don’t get paid enough for this” and “what the hell am I doing here?” That's just head-scratching and befuddling, to be honest.
#1: Gremsters vs. The Hulkster
“Gremlins 2: The New Batch” (1990) 1990, what the heck was wrong with you? We’re staying within said calendar year for our number one pick, a ridiculous bit of meta-comedy that’s definitely “of its time.” “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” is one of the most bat-crazy sequels ever, throwing just about every idea at the wall to see if they would stick. One such idea was when Hulk Hogan, in character, is depicted at a theater showing, you guessed it, “Gremlins 2.” He yells at the creatures, who are messing around in the projection booth, to fix the movie. He then turns to the camera, and promises us it won’t happen again…to a round of applause. We kind of love it, to be honest.
