5 times WWE brought back old personas

A gimmick change is not unusual in WWE. However, it isn't easy to make one's mark with two or more characters, at times completely different from each other. For example, Batista briefly played different gimmicks in WWE, but neither 'The Leviathan' nor 'Deacon Batista' were as popular as 'The Animal.'

However, certain WWE superstars have had success with multiple personas. Thus, fans retain a fondness for their previous gimmicks. To satisfy such fans and for nostalgia, old personas are brought back from time to time. Performers may permanently revert to their old persona, or the change may be a one-off, with the latter being more common.

Throughout the history of WWE, many iconic moments have been created through the return of old gimmicks. Here is a list of five such occasions.

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#5 King Booker (WWE Hall of Famer Booker T)

Booker T is often described as the last great King Of The Ring winner. The WCW legend won the tournament and created a comic heel character named King Booker.

Booker parodied royalty with his brilliant facial expressions and went on to create a court for himself. After winning the World Heavyweight Championship from Rey Mysterio, he became even more outlandish in his antics.

King Booker made a surprise appearance at Smackdown, halting The New Day's title-winning celebrations. Upon entering the ring, he bestowed royal titles upon all New Da members except for current WWE Champion Big E, leading to a hilarious segment.

#4 Santina Marella (Former WWE Superstar Santino Marella)

Santino Marella is a fan-favorite as one of the funniest WWE Superstars. However, one aspect of his character the fans reject is his appearance as his fictional sister Santina Marella.

Santina's win in the Miss Wrestlemania Battle Royal was a terrible moment, and the character's return after the end of its initial run was deemed unlikely.

However, WWE surprisingly brought Santina back during the Women's Royal Rumble 2020. However, the superstar was not lucky this time. Standing in the same ring as some of the finest women in the history of the promotion, Santina had no choice but to eliminate herself.

#3 "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes

Before the eldest son of Dusty Rhodes was pushing boundaries as Goldust, he was "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes in WCW. Rhodes was a rising star, winning the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship. Nevertheless, after an infamous blading incident, he was fired by WCW for breaking corporate rules.

In 2017, WWE had the bright idea to reintroduce Starrcade, the premier event of WCW, as a glorified house show. Goldust made his entrance to face Dash Wilder and promptly removed the costume to reveal the return of "The Natural" to a massive pop from the audience.

#2 The Dr. of Thuganomics (Former WWE Champion John Cena)

John Cena is one of the rare WWE Superstars to work with two contrasting gimmicks and make them equally popular. The Dr. of Thuganomics was the gimmick Big Match John used before becoming Mr. Hustle Loyalty and Respect. Cena rapped before his matches, targeting his opponents and the audience.

Cena has brought back his old rapping persona on rare occasions. The persona appeared during Cena's rivalry with The Rock.

Dr. Thuganomics appeared at Wrestlemania 35 when he confronted and attacked Elias. The persona was last seen during Cena's cinematic 'Firefly Fun House Match' against 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt in the event's next edition.

#1 The American Badass (The Undertaker)

The Undertaker is one of the greatest performers in WWE history, and his stature has repeatedly been strengthened by his constant desire to evolve and keep up with the times. One of his more divisive gimmicks is The American Badass, which he used in the early 2000s.

While he was still named The Undertaker, The American Badass was a massive turnaround from the supernatural gimmick. A biker and brawler, the character was reportedly inspired by the real-life Mark Calaway.

The American Badass returned to the legendary wrestler's Wrestlemania 36 boneyard match against AJ Styles. The Undertaker defeated Styles in the main event, scoring his 25th and final victory on the grandest stage in WWE.