3 WWE Gimmick Changes That Made Careers and 2 That Destroyed 

Which ingredient is most required to become a successful pro-wrestler?

Now, the answers may vary but in my opinion, ‘gimmick’ is the thing that decides the future of a wrestler. With just great talent a wrestler cannot become a prominent name. One needs to have a good character to entertain the fans.

After all, wrestling isn't just limited to showing moves in the ring, as it is a pure blend of wrestling and entertainment. Why do fans like wrestlers like Braun Strowman and The Undertaker even though they are not the best in-ring performers in this world? The answer is that the fans enjoy watching their character.

While some character changes have converted wrestlers into superstars, some genuinely destroyed one’s career. In this column, we will look at 3 WWE gimmick changes that made careers and 2 that destroyed.

#5 Gimmick that made a career in WWE: ‘The Big Red Machine’ Kane

After some time, Jim Ross introduced him as Fake Diesel in WWE and this time as well, fans didn't like his character.

Even though Kane’s career has been deteriorated over the past few years, things were actually bright for him at one point.

Making his WWE debut as Dr. Isaac Yankem, Kane’s first gimmick failed poorly. After some time, Jim Ross introduced him as Fake Diesel in WWE and this time as well, fans didn't like his character.

However, then, WWE mystified everyone with the introduction of Undertaker’s brother, Kane. And yes, it was the wrestler same who played Isaac Yankem and Fake Diesel in WWE.

The Undertaker was already a big superstar during that time and it could be one of the reasons why WWE decided to create a gimmick similar to him. Not to mention, Kane’s career then skyrocketed and he became one of the most horrified wrestlers of all time.

#4 Gimmick that destroyed a wrestler’s career in WWE: Stalker of The Undertaker’s wife Sara (Diamond Dallas Page)

DDP

Even though Diamond Dallas Page didn't debut as a main event wrestler, he eventually became one for WCW. When the company ran out of business, DDP decided to try his luck in Vince McMahon’s WWF.

However, things never worked out well for the former 'WCW main-eventer' as the company provided him an awful gimmick. After being a babyface in WCW, Page became a stalker in WWF who would always stare at The Undertaker’s wife Sara. I don't know why the writers thought to give him a gimmick like that but I do know is that it certainly destroyed his status in the eyes of WWE fans.

Things might have changed for the WWE Hall Of Famer but an unfortunate injury coerced him to retire soon. DDP then left the company in 2002 but returned to the ring in 2004 and then joined TNA.

#3 Gimmick that made a career in WWE: ‘The Game’ Triple H

Time to play THE GAME!

Triple H is one of the most important people in the WWE, right now. Not only does he work as a wrestler but also as a COO of the company. However, things weren't so good for The Game when he first debuted in WWE as Hunter Hearst Helmsley.

In the bad old days, he was just a rich man wrestling in the ring without caring much about anyone else. However, this gimmick didn't quite work out for the former WWE Champion as the fans weren't much invested in it. It was in 1997 when he got a new gimmick and became Triple H.

His new character quickly became one of the most liked gimmicks in WWE and it is one of the main reasons why he is referred to as one of the best performers in wrestling history.

#2 Gimmick that destroyed a wrestler’s career in WWE: Stardust (Cody Rhodes)

Stardust

You may call him overrated but it is true that Cody Rhodes brought a huge change in everyone’s mind. He was average when he left WWE but became a huge wrestling sensation in just 2 years.

Rhodes joined WWE in 2006 and working for their then developmental brand OVW. He made his WWE debut as a mid-card wrestler and won a couple of titles. However, the company wanted to align him with Goldust, his brother, and it is why Cody Rhodes became Stardust.

He would then talk about celestial stuff which made no sense for a majority of the fans. It was clear that his career was winding down but the WWE didn’t care about it at all. Soon, Stardust became a lower mid-card wrestler and then he got little to no television time. Rhodes demanded his release from WWE in 2016 which was smoothly granted to him.

#1 Gimmick that made a career in WWE: ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin

Austin once played The Ringmaster

Undoubtedly, Steve Austin was the man behind WWE’s huge success during the Attitude Era but do you know how he became successful?

Austin started working for WWE as The Ringmaster with Ted DiBiase on his side. However, he was having some issues connecting with the audience. The fans were not invested in him and it is why WWE never considered him as a box office wrestler.

However, things changed when he demanded a gimmick change from WWE and then, The Ringmaster became 'Stone Cold'. After winning the 1996 King Of The Ring tournament, Austin rise to stardom began and then he became the face of the company.

He main evented many pay-per-views, won many championships and feuded with Mr. McMahon. Only a few wrestlers see this type of success in their career like Steve Austin did. Even though he retired in 2003, he still gets the loudest pop in WWE from the fans.