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WWE Superstars will often make a name for themselves regardless of where they compete. Whether it is in the company they had come to call home or outside of it, WWE stars both past and present generate that popularity through a number of different qualities.
However, a WWE star gains their notoriety through their name. It is the name of a wrestler that they are referred to and have the greatest connection to with their fanbase.
For a number of WWE Superstars, they were able to achieve success with the use of their given name. Fans had long known that Cody, Matt Hardy, and Chris Jericho all generated success because of their personas. However, they also built a name for themselves but using their given name.
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Today several stars such as Jon Moxley, Colt Cabana, and even Kenny Omega achieved success under an alias. Which former and present WWE stars used their given names in TNA and didn't in AEW? Here is our list below.
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#5. That did in TNA: Kurt Angle
One of the WWE stars that did use his name in TNA's IMPACT Wrestling was Kurt Angle! Angle rose to prominence when he won a medal at the Olympics with a "broken freakin neck"! With that sense of accomplishment behind him, how can you hide it?
As a former WWE Champion, Kurt Angle had seemingly achieved all there was for him to do in the WWE. His name was as much a part of him as anything else. With his background playing an integral part of his character, his name would remain with him. The shaved head, features and name would be impossible to hide even under a mask.
As a birth name, it is difficult to trademark, therefore with some minor tweaks to his character, Kurt Angle brought his flair for the dramatic to TNA and a new career. Oh, it's real, it's damn real! While a name doesn't make the character in the case of Kurt Angle, it would be impossible to see the man as being anything other than the man of integrity, intelligence, and intensity.
#5. That didn't in AEW: Shawn Spears
One current AEW star that was a former WWE Superstar is Shawn Spears. He regularly competes under the moniker of 'The Chairman' and is a proponent of the black glove, but during his time in the WWE, he went by the ring name Tye Dillenger. Early on in his career, there was little behind the character until he had the opportunity to reinvent himself.
This came with the 'Perfect 10' moniker. Fans would chant "ten" in unison at everything he said and did. It was a true highlight to watch either live or in person. However, the man known as Shawn Spears today and the man known as Tye Dillinger aren't much different in both temperament and execution.
In fact, one thing they have in common is that neither in-ring name is his actual name. Regardless of his perfect 10 personas or chair swinging black glove-wearing affection, Ronnie William Arneill doesn't use either name both in and out of the ring. Of any of today's former WWE stars careers that continue to develop, it is that of Spears.
#4. That did in TNA: Jeff Hardy
One of the current WWE stars that did use his actual birth name in TNA's IMPACT Wrestling would be none other than the charismatic enigma himself, Jeff Hardy.
As a former WWE Champion, Intercontinental, United States and Tag Team Champion, Jeff Hardy has seemingly been at the top of the mountain on numerous occasions. After reaching great heights in WWE, Hardy was able to achieve success in TNA's IMPACT Wrestling as well. His success either as a singles competitor or as a tag team partner was never in question.
At one point during his time in TNA, Hardy was also able to embrace a different persona with Willow. It was a much darker and hidden element of himself. He did this with the aid of a mask and makeup. Hardy's creativity has never come into question, and therefore, it is impossible to separate both the man and the persona.
Jeff Hardy rose to prominence in the WWE and it is his name that is as much a part of his success as it is what he has done in the ring. He is among the present WWE stars that is long tied to his name.
3. That didn't in AEW: PAC
One of the former WWE stars that have caught fire since competing for AEW has been the man known as PAC, who formerly went by the ring name Neville in WWE.
His technique, ferocity in the ring, and propensity for putting on highly skilled matches has brought him success. One of the most interesting qualities this former WWE star's career is his versatility. He is able to do as much damage from the top rope as he can on the mat.
For all of PAC's success in Japan and in AEW, it was his time in WWE which made fans aware of him. During his time in the WWE's NXT brand, he was Adrian Neville. Once his time there ended and he was moved to the Raw roster, the Adrian portion of his name was dropped and he simply became known as Neville.
The brash and exceptionally confident Neville returned from an injury to become the WWE Cruiserweight Champion. However, after leaving WWE, where Neville would compete remained a mystery. Whether he is Neville or PAC, Benjamin Satterley never used his name in either promotion. This former WWE star's career has been successful regardless of his name.
#2. That did in TNA: Jeff Jarrett
Jeff Jarrett's Hall of Fame career saw him capture the Intercontinental and WCW World Championship, among many other major titles in pro wrestling. Jeff Jarrett first competed under his father's promotion before joining the World Wrestling Federation. Upon Jarrett's arrival, he brought with it his country music singing, Double J persona.
As his character grew and evolved, the guitar became a symbol of destruction along with his crewcut haircut, embracing a more hardcore edge to his character. When Jarrett's WWE career ended he competed for World Championship Wrestling. Upon, WWE's purchase of WCW his contract was terminated.
From there, this Jarrett, along with the help of his father Jerry Jarrett, created NWA-TNA which later became known as TNA and then Impact Wrestling. His name is as much a part of him as anything in wrestling. Jarrett has at one point or another been a key figure in several promotions throughout his career. There has been no altering of names or hidden personas.
Jeff Jarrett is the name fans came to know and one fans will remember regardless of the promotion he works in.
#1. That didn't in AEW: Brodie Lee
Among the former WWE stars that rose up from his success on the independent circuit is the man now affectionately as The Exalted One - Brodie Lee.
Brodie Lee achieved success in the WWE through his time with the Wyatt Family. As Luke Harper, Lee emerged as a stand out performer that fans could get behind on countless occasions.
Fans would likely clamor for him to return to a more prominent role with the WWE but with his time now securely set with AEW, it is clear that he will control the narrative on what he does moving forward. As a member of the Wyatt Family, this former WWE star captured Tag Team Title success.
What does the future hold for Brodie Lee in AEW? At the moment there has yet to be a decisive answer to that question. What is for certain however is that whether he is Luke Harper or Brodie Lee, the man known as Jonathan Huber away from an AEW ring, is blazing a trail all his own.
Of all the former WWE stars that are achieving success, Lee is a standout. He now leads the Dark Order and in doing so has a whole world of new opportunities presented to him now.
