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Few fans would question the athletic ability of stars like Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho.Many of the WWE’s superstars rise to the top on the strength of their athletic prowess and ability to do things with their bodies that others simply can’t. Some of their peers, however, seem to find a way to the sport’s biggest stage despite lacking in the area of athleticism.Here’s a list of guys in the latter group, as well as the other assets that allowed them to overcome their shortcomings.
#1 Great Khali
When you see the Great Khali, whether in movies or in the ring, intimidation is one of the first things that comes to mind. Unfortunately, that was really all he brought to the table in the WWE, and it wasn’t enough to make him relevant for long despite a run as the WWE champion.
Khali was stiff in the ring, and on the microphone as well, and his size and strength only carried him over for so long before fans grew bored of his act. Being a 7-footer was something of a blessing and a curse, it would seem.
#2 Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan was perhaps wrestling’s most iconic star, up until a recent racism scandal removed him from the WWE’s good graces. Even though throngs of fans considered themselves “Hulkamaniacs,” that was based on charisma and physique, not actual athletic skill or even technical prowess.
In fact, Hogan’s entire in-ring act centered around overcoming a physical onslaught, “hulking up” and emerging victorious after some strikes, basic slams and a simple leg drop. Hulk may have been a legend in the ring, but he was far from a superior athlete.
#3 Hacksaw Jim Duggan
Hacksaw Jim Duggan was, and still is, able to get thousands of fans to yell “Hoooooooo!” with a 2-by-4 piece of lumber and an American flag, but he wasn’t a superior athlete by any stretch.
To an even greater degree than Hogan perhaps, Duggan’s act relied on charisma and a connection with the fans. In all fairness, that’s what has made Duggan a fan favorite to this day. His gimmick has been timeless, except for a highly forgettable run on Team Canada during WCW’s even more forgettable final days.
#4 The Miz
Watching The Miz in the ring is like watching a big-time wrestling fan who just managed to find a way to the WWE, which is appropriate because that’s pretty much what he is.
Mike Mizanin entered the public spotlight on the MTV show “The Real World” and made it clear that he was a WWE fanatic with dreams of getting in the ring one day. He achieved that dream after a run on “Tough Enough.” Miz is a gifted wrestling actor and knows how to create heel heat with his pompous character, but he still lacks the athletic ability of his peers.
#5 Lex Luger
It was always clear to see the reason Lex Luger got a push as a professional wrestling star in both the WWE and WCW back in the early 1990s. Luger had the bodybuilder’s appearance that has always been a favorite in both promotions.
That’s really as far as Luger’s contributions to the sport went. He wasn’t very compelling or entertaining on the mic, and all that muscle hurt his flexibility and the entertainment value of his matches. It’s tough to call someone that muscular unathletic, but Luger, unfortunately, fit that bill.
