5 best gimmick characters in WWE history

WWE has always been the land of the giants for many fans and has certainly been a breeding ground for some of the best characters in wrestling history as well.

Kids from across the world and adults alike have been scared, entertained and enthralled by characters from Duke the Dumpster Droese to Earthquake and Typhoon.

Some characters, however, have stood the test of time and some were just great back when they were in the WWE.

Here's a look at some of the best gimmick characters in WWE history.

---

#5 Doink the Clown

The creepy Doink the Clown

Clown usually have a love or hate relationship with most people, and what better character to terrorise children and wrestlers alike than a miserable, vicious clown.

Doink made his debut in the WWF in 1992, playing tricks on the audience and fellow wrestlers with his bucket of confetti, water squirting flower and prosthetic arms.

Although never winning WWF gold, the character itself was seen as a successful one, with more than 5 people playing the character from Matt Bourne to Nick Dinsmore (Eugene).

Largely used as a mid-card gatekeeper due to his solid ring work, the character itself entertained fans for a few years until the newer generation of wrestlers like Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels were at the top of the card.

#4 Yokozuna

The huge Yokozuna before a match

Rodney Anoa'i was brought into the WWF/E as the imposing and brutal Japanese Sumo, Yokozuna. As is the case with nearly every Anoa'i Samoan like Fatu (Rikishi), Roman Reigns, Umaga and The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna was a giant of a man that was deceptively agile and technical in the ring.

Yokozuna made his debut in 1992 along with his manager Mr Fuji and was given the Japanese sumo gimmick due to his 600lb frame.

He would go on to become the third fastest WWF champion after Brock Lesner and Sheamus and would terrify children and wrestlers with his heavy moves and massive weight dropping down on his opponents during his leg and Banzai drops.

#3 The Ultimate Warrior

The Ultimate Warrior in all colourful glory

Warrior was the character to rival Hulk Hogan's imposing reign on top of the WWF. In much the same way as Randy Savage was an alternative to Hulk, The Ultimate Warrior brought another level of character as well as something alternative and propelled himself to the top of the WWF.

Three years after his debut, Warrior managed a feat that no other wrestler has managed, and became the WWF Heavyweight Champion as well as the Intercontinental Champion by beating Hulk at WrestleMania VI.

With his memorable energetic entrance, shaking off the ring ropes and his over the top promo's, Warrior would have a successful 5 years in the WWF first time around until leaving for WCW.

Children all over the world were fascinated by his face paint, promo's and his ability to beat Hulk Hogan when no-one else could.

#2 Kane

Kane and Paul Bearer

The 'Devils favourite Demon' was introduced into the WWF in 1997 at Badd Blood: In Your House, famously interrupting the first ever Hell in a Cell match between Undertaker (his storyline brother) and Shawn Michaels and hitting his brother with his own Tombstone Piledriver.

Kane would strike fear into everyone he met with his sinister mask, mute persona and huge frame (billed at 7ft tall). Throughout the next 20 years, Kane would win the World championship across WWE/ECW and WCW, multiple tag championships, Intercontinental championship and Money in the Bank winner, as well as having the most Royal Rumble eliminations.

Being able to reinvent himself as different versions of the same character has led to his longevity, but ultimately, Kane the Big Red Machine has been an amazing character throughout the years.

#1 The Undertaker

The Deadman!

There can be no doubt that The Undertaker is the greatest character of all time in Professional Wrestling. From his debut in 1990 at Survivor Series to his most recent 'retirement' at WrestleMania XXXIII, 'Taker has been an ever-present on our screens for nearly 30 years, and up until recently had only been getting better with age.

Mark Callaway has been the reason the character has worked so well, never breaking character whilst playing the 'Deadman" and being hailed as the most professional wrestler on the roster.

The character was so intimidating that his entrance alone used to bring chills to his opponents, even though backstage they were all friends and co-workers. From leading the 'Ministry of Darkness' and having his soul leave his body at Royal Rumble '94, through to causing lightning to emit from the ceiling and burying Kane above, the character of The Undertaker is truly the most long-lasting and complete.