What Happened to Doink the Clown? Doink the Clown Dark Side of the Ring
by Sona
Updated Jun 22, 2023
What Happened to Doink the Clown?
Doink the Clown, initially portrayed by Matt Borne, captivated fans with his mischievous antics and unpredictable behavior. However, the character underwent several changes as different wrestlers took on the persona of Doink over the years. Despite the transitions, Doink remained a beloved figure in professional wrestling, known for his comedic presence and unique in-ring style.
As time passed, the character's prominence diminished, and Doink made sporadic appearances in select events and promotions. Nevertheless, Doink the Clown remains an iconic figure in wrestling history, remembered for his entertaining personality and memorable moments in the ring.
Today, Doink's legacy endures, and wrestling fans fondly recall the character's impact. While Doink may not be as active as before, the legacy of the clownish persona lives on, reminding fans of the comedic and unpredictable nature that made Doink the Clown a beloved part of professional wrestling history.
Who is Matt Borne?
Matt Borne, whose real name was Matthew Wade Osborne, was an accomplished American professional wrestler. Born into a wrestling family, with his father being Tony Borne, Matt Borne followed in his father's footsteps and became a second-generation wrestler. He is particularly renowned for his pioneering portrayal of the character Doink the Clown, which earned him widespread recognition in the wrestling industry.
As the first wrestler to bring Doink the Clown to life, Matt Borne made an indelible mark on the character's history. With his natural charisma and in-ring talent, Borne brought a unique and mischievous quality to Doink, captivating audiences with his portrayal. His ability to balance athleticism, humor, and unpredictability made him a standout performer and established the foundation for the enduring legacy of Doink the Clown.
Matt Borne's contributions to the wrestling world extended beyond his portrayal of Doink. He showcased his skills in various promotions and events, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. Known for his versatility and adaptability, Borne's career spanned different eras and wrestling territories, where he consistently delivered memorable performances.
While Matt Borne's wrestling career had its share of ups and downs, his portrayal of Doink the Clown remains his most significant and iconic contribution to the industry. His legacy as the original Doink will forever be remembered by wrestling fans worldwide.
Doink the Clown Dark Side of the Ring
"Doink the Clown" was the subject of an episode on the popular documentary series "Dark Side of the Ring." The episode delved into the behind-the-scenes aspects and the darker side of the character and its portrayal in the world of professional wrestling. The documentary shed light on the challenges faced by the performers who took on the role of Doink the Clown, particularly focusing on Matt Borne, the original wrestler behind the character.
It explored Borne's personal struggles with substance abuse, including issues with alcohol and drugs, which eventually affected his performance and behavior both in and out of the ring. According to the documentary, Borne's personal demons contributed to his eventual departure from the role of Doink. It highlighted the difficulties he faced in maintaining the character's image while battling his own personal problems.
Despite Borne's departure, Doink the Clown continued to exist in professional wrestling, portrayed by different wrestlers who carried on the persona. The episode also discussed the legal battles between Borne and Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) over the rights to the Doink the Clown character.
Borne claimed that he never received proper compensation for his portrayal of Doink and alleged that he signed over the copyright to Vince McMahon. The legal dispute resulted in an agreement where Borne could no longer perform as Doink, but he would receive monthly residuals from the character.
Original Doink the Clown
Doink the Clown is a professional wrestling persona that gained popularity through the portrayal of Matt Osborne. The character made its debut in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1992. Dressed as a clown, Doink captivated audiences with his traditional clown makeup and vibrant attire. Matt Osborne's portrayal of Doink established the character's unique personality and in-ring presence.
As the original Doink the Clown, Matt Osborne brought a captivating and mischievous quality to the character. His performances as Doink in the WWF (now WWE) garnered attention and created a memorable presence for the clown persona. Throughout his tenure, Osborne's portrayal of Doink showcased a blend of athleticism, comedy, and unpredictability, making him a fan favorite.
While Matt Osborne was the primary and most recognized performer behind Doink the Clown, other wrestlers occasionally took on the persona in the WWF/WWE and unofficially on the independent wrestling circuit. However, it was Osborne's portrayal that left a lasting impact on the character's legacy and its place in professional wrestling history.
The original Doink the Clown, portrayed by Matt Osborne, remains an iconic figure in the wrestling world. His captivating performances and unique interpretation of the clown persona continue to be remembered by fans, cementing Doink's place as one of the most memorable characters in the industry.
What Happened to Doink the Clown - FAQs
Doink the Clown was created by Matt Borne, an American professional wrestler, who debuted the character in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1992.
No, although Matt Borne was the original and most recognized performer behind Doink the Clown, other wrestlers occasionally took on the persona in the WWF/WWE and on the independent wrestling circuit.
After Matt Borne's departure, the character of Doink the Clown continued to exist in professional wrestling and was portrayed by different wrestlers who carried on the persona. Doink made sporadic appearances in select events and promotions.
Yes, there were legal battles between Matt Borne and Vince McMahon's WWE over the rights to the Doink the Clown character.
Doink the Clown remains an iconic figure in wrestling history, remembered for his unique personality and memorable moments in the ring.