5 worst name changes in WWE history

4) Former NXT Tag Team Champions The War Raiders becomes the Viking Experience on WWE's main roster

The Viking Raiders are one of the top tag teams on WWE's main roster at the moment. They are currently the number one contenders for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles and are set to face The Usos in the future.

Before WWE, the tag team was known as War Machine. Upon their arrival in NXT, the company changed their name to the War Raiders.

The initial change was due to the company wanting to own the duo's persona. Hanson and Rowe experienced another change when they were called up to the main roster in 2019. Their names were changed to Erik and Ivar, while their tag team name was changed to the Viking Experience.

Fans rejected this, and the promotion had to follow suit by changing the name again to Viking Raiders.

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3) Joe Hennig becomes Michael McGillicutty for WWE's NXT brand

When the child of a former legend is introduced, it excites fans about what this second-generation superstar will offer. Randy Orton and Charlotte Flair are among the biggest second-generation competitors currently on the roster. However, there have been occasions where the promotion decides not to acknowledge the family history of a new superstar and wants them to be known for their skills.

Joe Hennig made a mark in the developmental system. Many backstage officials believed the son of Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig to be a main event player for years to come. However, they decided to change Hennig to Michael McGillicutty upon his arrival in NXT.

This name change was made even worse by McGillicutty's farewell promo after losing the second season of NXT. The promotion wisely changed course and reintroduced Hennig as Curtis Axel upon his re-debut. This name was based on his father's and grandfather's names and was appreciated by fans.