7 WWE Superstars with the worst main roster name changes 

A name doesn't always make a superstar, and several WWE Superstars have been able to overcome terrible name changes in the past. That being said, over the past few years, WWE has changed many NXT Superstars' names upon promotion when there was seemingly little need.

Whilst the WWE Universe has reacted by venting their displeasure online, the company has continued to push some of the worst names ever created on their main roster.

The following looks at just six WWE Superstars who were given the worst ring name changes on the main roster.

#7/6. Primo and Epico became The Shining Stars in WWE

Primo and Epico Colon were the real-life brothers and cousins of former WWE Superstar Carlito. The two are former WWE Tag Team Champions and were managed for a time by Rosa Mendes.

The duo went through several name changes throughout their time in WWE, from Los Matadores to Primo and Epico, and even at one point "The Shining Stars of the Caribbean", which was later shortened to just "The Shining Stars."

The two were primarily utilized to make up the numbers in multiperson matches. Their video packages were cringeworthy attempts to advertise tourism in Puerto Rico. What this had to do with wrestling was anybody's guess.

The duo were doomed long before being repackaged as The Shining Stars, but this was when the writing was truly on the wall and they were never able to recover.

#5/4. The Viking Raiders were The Viking Experience for a short time

The Viking Raiders were already relatively well known as War Machine before joining NXT. This was a name that they were unable to keep in WWE, debuting instead as The War Raiders in 2018.

However, Vince McMahon was obviously not a fan of this name, and the duo transformed again following their main roster promotion in 2019, becoming The Viking Experience.

The backlash from this name change was so harsh that WWE immediately pivoted, combining the two previous monikers to form the team's current name: The Viking Experience. Their tandem finisher would be named The Viking Experience instead.

The duo have kept the name over the past three years and are one of very few short-term talents who have gone through three name changes in just four years.

#3. Chad Gable was once known as Shorty G

Chad Gable is now a triple crown tag team Champion, but the Alpha Academy leader didn't appear to be pushing towards a title run when he was handed the name Shorty G back in 2019.

In the finals and aftermath of the King of the Ring tournament, Baron Corbin pointed out how short Gable was and tasked the announcer to refer to him as 'Shorty Gable'. In the following weeks, Shorty G would become his official name.

Gable initially embraced the moniker, but soon realized there was only so far he could go with the gimmick. He eventually transitioned back to Gable.

As Chad Gable, the former Olympian has had much more success and has established Alpha Academy, who are former RAW Tag Team Champions.

#2. Doudrop was once known as Piper Niven

Doudrop was known to the WWE Universe before her RAW debut alongside Eva Marie after the Scottish star wrestled in the Mae Young Classic and as part of NXT UK. Despite this, she made her debut and was introduced as Doudrop, which many believed was just for the storyline with Eva Marie.

Marie has since been released from the company and Piper Niven is still known as Doudrop. Doudrop has been successful on Monday Night RAW despite being handed a strange name. She appears to have embraced her new character since she's opted to call herself DoubleD online.

It's unclear if Doudrop will return to her old name at some point or if the company has decided that this character will work much better.

#1. Pete Dunne recently debuted as Butch

The most recent name change took place just last night when Pete Dunne finally made his debut on the main roster, aligning with Sheamus and Ridge Holland. As part of a backstage segment, the British star was introduced as "Butch".

This name change is even stranger considering Dunne has in the past made several appearances on the main roster under his original name.

It appears WWE is looking to create a British stable with the three men that's similar to Peaky Blinders, as Butch was seen wearing a flat cap and traditional attire on his debut.

Despite being with the company for more than five years, Dunne has only found success on NXT brands. If this is his opportunity to break out on the main roster, it's no wonder he seized it, even if it comes with a baffling name change.