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The world of comic books has been around for decades, but in recent years has become a huge part of the mainstream media. With the success of films such as the Christopher Nolan Batman films and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it seems more and more people are getting into comic lore.
And with the colourful characters, long-running stories and high octane action, it's clear there is plenty of crossover appeal between comic book characters and professional wrestling. Some WWE Superstars have even gone so far to imitate characters from comic books, either with their choice of attire or how they have acted in the ring as well as backstage.
Here are five comic book characters who burst from the page to inspire these WWE Superstars.
#5: Alexa Bliss: Harley Quinn
Debuting on SmackDown Live as part of the Brand Extension in 2016, fans couldn't help but wonder what the future held for Alexa Bliss.
Being called up from NXT, the Petite Powerhouse never held the developmental brand's women's title, but amazed fans with her incredible character work and in-ring ability.
At Backlash that same year, Bliss wore an attire based on DC Comics character Harley Quinn, who had been a hugely popular character in the mainstream thanks to her appearence in Suicide Squad, played by Australian actress Margot Robbie..
Though Bliss would not become the first SmackDown Women's Champion at the event, she would go on the become the second, as mere months later Bliss would topple Becky Lynch in a tables match to win her first of many Women's titles on the main roster.
#4: Finn Balor: Venom/Bane
Finn Balor is one of WWE's most popular stars thanks to his likability, in-ring skill and when he unleashes the Demon, incredible look. But before Balor made it into WWE, the Irishman would often reference Comic Book characters in his entrances throughout various promotions.
In ICW for example, Balor would compete as Prince Devitt, and at one point where facepaint similar to Marvel character Venom. Though Balor lacks the bulging size of the Marvel anti-hero, this didn't stop the Extraordinary Man from showcasing his skill in the ring.
At a RevProUK show not long after, Balor would again show his love for the comic industry, dressing in a Bane costume, based on the DC character's portrayal by Tom Hardy in 2012's Christopher Nolan directed hit, 'The Dark Knight Rises'.
#3: Blake and Murphy: Iron Man
Alexa Bliss may have showcased her comic-loving side at Backlash 2016, but over a year earlier, she and the tag team of Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy would dive into the world of Marvel Comics.
Capturing the NXT Tag Team Titles in early 2015, the team showed great skill and a knack for tag-team based offence, and were able to retain the gold against some formiddable teams.
During the summer, the duo would receive a boost with manager Alexa Bliss, and the group would show unity in matching attires. At one point, the team wore costumes based on Iron Man, with the red and gold aesthetic being synonymous with the Marvel character.
Later on, they'd change to a Freddy Krueger themed attire before going their separate ways the next year.
#2: Rey Mysterio: The Flash
Rey Mysterio has donned costumes inspired by several classic characters, but at WrestleMania 20, the WWE's Ultimate Underdog wowed fans with his interpretation of DC's The Flash.
Known as the fastest man alive in comics, the Flash and Mysterio share many traits, including an incredibly quick fighting style, a heart of gold and a never-give-up attitude.
Facing off against nine other cruiserweights, Mysterio was able to make it to the final two in the match, squaring up against then-Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero.
Though Mysterio would give a performance worthy of the Scarlet Speedster, including several quick attacks, Guerrero's resourcefulness would win the day, after pinning the master of the 619 with an assist by his father Chavo Classic.
Though Mysterio came up short, his costume was what many fans think of when they look back at this match.
#1: Sting: The Joker
As one of WCW's biggest stars as well as a former World Champion, it seemed that Sting was pretty comfortable with his character, but made a drastic change in 2011.
Whilst competing in TNA in 2011, Sting underwent a drastic change, where he acted more zany and wacky, and showed a distinctive new sadistic side that he would inflict on his opponents.
With his classic black and white face paint now smeared, as well as adding red lips, the character seemed more akin to Heath Ledger's portrayal of DC's The Joker from 2008's 'The Dark Knight'.
Interestingly, this wouldn't be the only comic book character to influence the Stinger, as after going into exile as a surfer dude in WCW, Sting would return in his iconic black and white look, based on The Crow.
