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The Superstar Shake-Up is currently underway and the events of tonight could have long term implications over the whole year. One of the things that the WWE Universe is buzzing about is The Viking Experience.
They were known as The War Raiders during their time in NXT and War Machine back when they were a popular act outside WWE. 'Why were they renamed as The Viking Experience for their main roster debut?' is a question that the entire WWE Universe has been currently buzzing about.
I will try and answer the question in this article. The good news is that The Viking Experience picked up a win on their very first night, as they pinned Zack Ryder in their debut outing.
Congratulations to the War Raiders for making such an impact in their very first WWE outing.
#5 The word 'War' is not really sponsor-friendly
WWE is not just the world's largest wrestling promotion anymore. It is a multi-billion dollar, publicly traded company where they have to cater to the tastes of their global audience. And to have the word 'war' in the name at such politically sensitive times could invite massive backlash.
Back when the War Raiders were on NXT, the audience only watched them on the WWE Network and therefore were not bound to as many restrictions as they are right now, during a live global broadcast on multiple networks. Which is why WWE had to tone the 'War Raiders' name down and make it palatable to a worldwide audience. The Viking Experience is a much safer name, even if it is not as cool a name.
Do you guys like the name 'The Viking Experience' at all? Let us know in the comments section below, dear reader.
#4 Watered down for the main roster audience
I mean just look at a lot of the classic WWE gimmicks through the ages, ladies and gentlemen. You have tag teams like The Rockers, The Headbangers and characters like Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake. It is quite clear that through their nomenclature, they've always been catering to the lowest common denominator.
While the connection between the 'raiders' bit and Viking culture could have been made by an NXT audience, I think the main roster audience needs everything spelled out for them. Or at least, this is what Vince McMahon believes. This is the reason why a lot of NXT superstars also have their main roster names shortened when they come to the main roster.
This is perhaps why Vince McMahon believed that 'The Viking Experience' is a name that will strike a chord with more members of the WWE Universe. Do you agree, folks?
#3 Individual names changed as per the theme
So, the NXT Tag Team Champions The War Raiders made an instant impact when they made their Monday Night RAW debut this week. Like it or not, the names Rowe and Hanson do not exactly spell out 'Viking Warrior'.
Their names were changed and amended so as to fit a Viking theme better, in my opinion. Whatever you may think of the names Ivar and Erik, it is impossible to deny that they do sound a lot more Scandinavian than their original names did.
Even the Bludgeon Brothers had a theme that was oddly Norse-like, and I wonder if The War Raiders will pick up where the Bludgeon Brothers left off. It is clear as day that The Viking Experience will be presented as a powerhouse team and will run through the Tag Team Division.
I wonder if it was Vince McMahon himself who orchestrated the two individual name changes.
#2 A possible alliance with Sarah Logan down the line
You may know Sarah Logan as a member of the Riott Squad and seemingly the powerhouse of the anarchist trio. What you may not know is that she's married to Raymond Rowe of the War Raiders. They even got married in a Viking ceremony not long ago as can be seen in the video linked above.
Sarah Logan's Viking links have been mentioned on commentary by the announcers many a time. She's also donning Viking themed war paint these days, which could point to the fact that an alliance between the trio is being planned for down the road. This could make sense if the idea is to break up the Riott Squad soon.
You don't see a lot of factions these days with both men and women in their ranks. This could certainly be a fresh start for Logan.
#1 Far too close to their independent name
WWE likes it when their superstars make a fresh start once they come on board and join the WWE system. More often than not, a lot of independent stars have to leave their former gimmicks behind. I mean look at Finn Balor. He is not Prince Devitt anymore during his WWE stint.
The War Raiders AKA The Viking Experience was formerly known as War Machine. They were a highly decorated Tag Team in the independent circuit and even won gold in other notable promotions like Ring of Honor and NJPW.
I am not certain that this is the reason but at the same time, it is all too possible that this could be one of the causes for the recent name change. WWE probably wants them to erase every trace of their independent wrestling past.
Like it or not, you're stuck with The Viking Experience.
