At WrestleMania 9, the character of Doink the Clown was famously portrayed by two different individuals: Matt Borne in the wrestling match against Crush, and Steve Keirn who appeared as a surprise second Doink.
The Dual Portrayal of Doink the Clown
The match between Doink the Clown and Crush at WrestleMania IX in Las Vegas, Nevada, is memorable not only for its outcome but for the deceptive tactics employed by the villainous clown.
The Primary Doink: Matt Borne
The performer wrestling as Doink the Clown throughout the match was Matt Borne. Borne originated the "evil clown" gimmick, a departure from traditional wrestling villains, which quickly gained notoriety for its sinister pranks and mind games. His character was designed to be cunning and manipulative, often using trickery to gain an advantage over opponents.
The Surprise Second Doink: Steve Keirn
During the intense match against Crush, a crucial moment of deception unfolded. Crush had seemingly incapacitated Matt Borne's Doink outside the ring, but to everyone's surprise, a second Doink emerged from beneath the ring and blindsided Crush with a fake arm. This second Doink, who had been concealed under the ring for several hours prior to the match, was portrayed by Steve Keirn.
Keirn's appearance allowed the original Doink (Matt Borne) to recover and re-enter the ring, effectively double-teaming Crush and ultimately leading to Borne's victory via count-out. This clever tactic perfectly aligned with the character's mischievous and dishonest persona.
WrestleMania IX Doink Appearances
| Role | Performer | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Wrestler | Matt Borne | Competed in the match against Crush. |
| Second Doink | Steve Keirn | Emerged from under the ring to interfere. |
This strategic use of two performers solidified Doink's reputation as a devious heel, adding a layer of unpredictable trickery to his character that resonated with the audience. The unexpected appearance of a second Doink became one of the most talked-about moments from the event, underscoring the character's commitment to winning by any means necessary.
