The Born Identity: Ten wrestlers who drastically switched gimmicks.

#3. Stunning/Stone Cold Steve Austin

Austin during his 'stunning' era.

Everyone today knows who Stone Cold Steve Austin is, but he didn't begin his career in such a manner.

Originally, Steve Williams changed his last name to avoid confusion with Dr. Death Steve Williams. Noting his handsome features and chiselled physique, it was suggested to Austin by WCW creative that he become "Stunning" Steve Austin.

The arrogant heel often teamed with Brian Pillman as the Hollywood Blondes and captured every championship to be had in WCW except for the world title.

After a brief stint in ECW, Austin arrived in WWE....where he was called 'the Ringmaster' and wasn't allowed to talk.

Fortunately for Austin, the Ringmaster failed and he was given creative control of his character. Struggling to come up with a good nickname, his British born wife told him to drink his tea before it became 'stone cold.'

Though Austin had been using the gimmick for a while, critics agree that this was the true beginning of the 3:16 era...