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2021 has been a very newsworthy year for WWE. The company hosted a two-night WrestleMania. They finally left the ThunderDome late in the summer to go back on the road. All under under the stewardship of WWE President Nick Khan.
On-screen, it is business as usual on RAW, SmackDown and NXT. Superstars are putting it all on the line to entertain fans all around the world. Many characters have remained, but some have been altered this year.
Let's take a look at five superstars who have had a gimmick change in 2021, in no particular order.
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#5. King Corbin became Happy Corbin in WWE
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The Mayor of Jackpot City is currently loving life on SmackDown right now. Alongside his buddy Madcap Moss, they laugh their way through each episode and enjoy themselves doing so. If there's anyone that knows how to get under the skin of the WWE Universe, then it is Corbin.
Earlier this year, Corbin was the reigning king after winning the King of the Ring tournament in 2019. Sadly, as the summer approached, Corbin lost his status as king to Shinsuke Nakamura in a match on SmackDown. It left many wondering where the former Lone Wolf was heading next.
On July 16, he appeared on the blue brand with dirty clothes and looked disheveled. It was revealed that when he lost his crown, he lost everything. His home, his investments, his savings and even his wife and children walked out on him. He had hit rock bottom.
Baron Corbin began begging on SmackDown each week, in the worst way possible. He even stole Big E's Money in the Bank briefcase at one point! Things looked like they weren't going to get better, that's until WWE rolled into Las Vegas for SummerSlam.
The former Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner hit the jackpot and became rich whilst gambling in Sin City. He proclaimed himself filthy rich and wanted to be called Happy Corbin moving forward. He appears in brand new designer clothing, makes his entrance with dance music and champagne awaiting his arrival in the ring.
It was a complete turnout for Kansas City's own, who at one point looked like he would never eat his favorite Wagyu beef ever again. Now, Corbin is reaping the rewards of his success, although he is still an arch-nemesis of the WWE Universe who continues to boo him at every show.
#4. Mandy Rose had a gimmick change in WWE
Gone are the days of The Golden Goddess in WWE as Mandy Rose changed up her blonde hair for a new look. After a number of years on the main roster, Rose returned to NXT in July 2021. With a brand new attitude and new friends, Mandy Rose's career on NXT has taken off in style.
It has certainly paid off, as Mandy won her first singles championship by winning the NXT Women's Championship. She defeated Raquel Gonzalez at the Halloween Havoc special in October 2021 in a Trick or Treat fight to capture gold.
Her close associates Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne, better known as Toxic Attraction, also captured the NXT Women's Tag Team titles on the same night.
#3. Keith Lee became Bearcat Lee in WWE
Everyone remembers just how good Keith Lee was on NXT, and how much of a force he was in the main event scene. You'd think that would carry over onto the main roster. Unfortunately, WWE's writers had other ideas.
The company altered and tweaked his gimmick in stages. One thing noticeable when he first debuted on the main roster in 2020 was that his popular entrance music was immediately changed. Now in 2021, he has been re-branded as Bearcat Lee, paying homage to legendary wrestler Bearcat Wright.
#2. Karrion Kross's gimmick changed when called-up to the main WWE roster
Karrion Kross made his WWE RAW debut in July 2021, but it hasn't been plain sailing for the former NXT Champion. He debuted without his valet, Scarlett, and ultimately lost in just two minutes on his first appearance.
Even now, WWE doesn't really seem to be giving any indication that they know what direction they're going in with Kross. He had recently been wearing gladiator attire, but now there is talk WWE wants to change things up. The easy solution would be to let him be the Karrion Kross, with Scarlett, that was so feared on NXT.
#1. Nikki Cross became Nikki A.S.H. in WWE
Nikki Cross became a fan-favorite in May 2021. She appeared for the first time as Nikki A.S.H. (Almost a Superhero) with the aim of capturing the imagination of the WWE Universe.
Surprisingly, a month later, she won the Women's Money in the Bank ladder match. She cashed-in her opportunity the following night on Charlotte Flair to become the RAW Women's Champion.
It was a heroic debut for Nikki's A.S.H. character, who has continued to impress by recently capturing the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship with Rhea Ripley.
