Wrestling's Creepiest Clown
Height: 6'2"
Age: 61
Retired? YES (last active in 2013)
Real Name: Matt Osborne
Net Worth: Unknown
Tattoos: Unknown
Doink The Clown is a professional wrestling character known for his unsettling clown persona. Debuting in the early 1990s, the character was portrayed as a villain who played psychological mind games with opponents. Over time, Doink evolved into a more comedic figure, but his early appearances left a lasting impact on wrestling fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who originally played Doink The Clown in WWE?
The original Doink The Clown was played by Matt Osborne, who debuted the character in WWE (then WWF) in 1992.
Was Doink The Clown a heel or face character?
Doink started as a heel (villain) character known for pranking wrestlers and fans, but later turned into a face (hero) as a more comedic, kid-friendly clown.
Did other wrestlers portray Doink after Matt Osborne?
Yes, multiple wrestlers portrayed Doink after Osborne left, including Steve Lombardi, Ray Apollo, and Nick Dinsmore among others.
What was Doink The Clown's signature move?
Doink's signature move was the 'Whoopee Cushion,' a seated senton where he'd land on opponents while making a fart noise.
Why did WWE stop using the Doink character?
WWE phased out Doink in the late 1990s as the Attitude Era began, favoring edgier characters over the cartoonish clown gimmick.
Wrestler Connections:
Doink The Clown: Notable Connections
Doink The Clown, the sinister and unpredictable character from WWE's Golden Era, had several memorable interactions with other wrestlers during his tenure. Here are some key connections:
Bret Hart
Doink famously feuded with Bret Hart, culminating in a match at WrestleMania IX where Doink's antics were on full display against the excellence of execution.
The Undertaker
During his early run, Doink also crossed paths with The Undertaker, adding a layer of psychological terror to their encounters and enhancing his creepy clown persona.
Shawn Michaels
Doink had several matches against Shawn Michaels, often using mind games to try and unsettle the Heartbreak Kid, showcasing his ability to get under the skin of top stars.
Randy Savage
Another notable rivalry was with Randy Savage, where Doink's unpredictable behavior clashed with Savage's intensity, creating entertaining and chaotic segments.
Yokozuna
Doink also found himself in the ring with Yokozuna, using his agility and trickery to evade the massive superstar, highlighting the contrast in their styles.
Controversial Moments:
The Controversial Legacy of Doink The Clown
1. The Original Doink's Dark Persona
The original Doink The Clown, portrayed by Matt Osborne, debuted in WWE (then WWF) in 1992 with a sinister twist on the traditional clown gimmick. While initially entertaining, his antics—such as attacking other wrestlers with a fake arm or terrorizing children at ringside—sparked backlash from parents and critics who felt the character was too dark for a family-friendly audience.
2. The Infamous "Clown Sting" Incident
In 1993, Doink faced Bret "The Hitman" Hart in a match where he faked an injury, only to reveal it was a ruse to attack Hart. This "clown sting" moment drew criticism for blurring the lines between kayfabe and reality, as some fans believed Hart was genuinely hurt. The segment was later toned down due to complaints.
3. Multiple Doinks and Confusion
After Osborne left WWE in 1993, the Doink character was played by multiple wrestlers, including Ray Apollo and Steve Lombardi. The inconsistent portrayals led to fan confusion and criticism that the gimmick had lost its edge. The watered-down, comedic versions of Doink were seen as a disappointment compared to the original's menacing aura.
4. Doink's Return in the 2000s
When Doink reappeared in WWE during the 2000s (played by Nick Dinsmore), the character was reduced to a nostalgic joke. Fans and critics argued that the modern incarnation lacked the depth of the original and was out of place in the more reality-based Attitude Era and Ruthless Aggression Era.
5. Backstage Heat with Vince McMahon
Rumors persisted that Vince McMahon was never fully sold on the Doink character, leading to limited pushes and abrupt changes. Some reports suggested McMahon saw the gimmick as too niche, which contributed to its inconsistent booking and eventual disappearance from WWE programming.
Entering 2025 Wrestling Season
Doink The Clown in 2025: A Nostalgic yet Evolving Character
Legacy and Historical Significance
Doink The Clown remains one of the most iconic gimmicks in professional wrestling history. Originally portrayed as a sinister prankster in the early 1990s, the character evolved into a fan-favorite under various performers. By 2025, Doink's legacy is firmly cemented as a blend of horror and comedy, influencing later characters like Bray Wyatt's "The Fiend."
Current Status in 2025
Entering the 2025 season, Doink The Clown is positioned as a nostalgic act, often appearing in special segments or surprise returns. While not a regular competitor, the character is utilized to pop crowds and evoke nostalgia, particularly in WWE's themed events like "WrestleMania" or "Halloween Havoc" tributes.
Potential Storylines and Opportunities
With the rise of supernatural and psychological storytelling in wrestling, Doink could be reintroduced in a darker, modernized iteration. A feud with a current star—such as a comedic yet unsettling rivalry with a character like R-Truth—could revitalize the gimmick for newer audiences while honoring its roots.
Fan Reception and Merchandising
Doink's merchandise, including masks and t-shirts, continues to sell well among longtime fans. In 2025, the character's retro appeal makes it a staple in WWE's vintage lines, with potential for limited-edition releases tied to anniversaries or special appearances.
Challenges and Limitations
The clown gimmick, while iconic, may struggle to resonate with younger audiences unfamiliar with its history. Additionally, the performer behind Doink must balance the character's classic mannerisms with contemporary in-ring styles to avoid feeling outdated.
Awards and Honors:
Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards:
Won Best Gimmick in 1993 for his portrayal of Doink The Clown.
Pro Wrestling Illustrated:
Ranked #149 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1993.
Net Worth:
The Net Worth of Doink The Clown
Who Is Doink The Clown?
Doink The Clown is a professional wrestling character best known for his appearances in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) during the early 1990s. The character was portrayed by multiple wrestlers, with Matt Osborne being the most famous performer behind the clown persona. Doink was initially a villainous prankster before transitioning into a more comedic, fan-friendly role.
Primary Performers and Their Contributions
Several wrestlers have portrayed Doink The Clown over the years, but the most notable include:
- Matt Osborne (Original Doink, 1992–1993)
- Steve Keirn (Later WWF appearances)
- Ray Apollo (Independent circuit portrayals)
Each performer brought a unique twist to the character, influencing its legacy and financial success.
Estimating Doink The Clown's Net Worth
Calculating the net worth of a wrestling character like Doink The Clown is challenging due to multiple performers and varying career trajectories. However, we can examine the earnings of the most prominent portrayers:
Matt Osborne's Net Worth
As the original Doink, Matt Osborne had a significant impact. Before his passing in 2013, Osborne's net worth was estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million. His earnings came from WWF contracts, independent wrestling bookings, and merchandise sales tied to the Doink character.
Other Portrayers' Earnings
Subsequent Doink performers, such as Steve Keirn, had established careers outside the gimmick. Keirn's net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million, though this includes his work as part of The Fabulous Ones and other wrestling ventures.
Merchandise and Licensing
Doink The Clown's merchandise, including action figures, t-shirts, and masks, contributed to the character's overall financial success. While exact figures are unavailable, WWE's licensing deals during the 1990s likely provided residual income for performers.
Legacy and Modern Appearances
Doink remains a nostalgic figure in wrestling, occasionally appearing in WWE retrospectives or independent wrestling events. These appearances, along with royalties from classic footage, may still generate minor income for those associated with the character.
Final Net Worth Estimate
Considering all factors, the collective net worth tied to Doink The Clown across all performers likely ranges between $2 million and $4 million, with individual earnings varying based on tenure and post-WWF careers.
Watch this video about the wrestler Doink The Clown:
Action Figure of Doink The Clown
