5 WWE Superstars who appeared in cartoons

Most of us, if not all of us, will have grown up watching cartoons, and with good reason.

Unlike live-action, cartoons are not held back by any limitations, allowing any and every character to do everything, in all sorts of wacky scenarios.

Whether it be the colourful characters in Pokemon across the 90s, the underwater adventures of Spongebob Squarepants in the 200s, or the crude antics of Rick Sanchez and grandson Morty in recent years, cartoons allow for anything.

But despite the live-action stories of WWE, there are clearly some comparisons that can be drawn between WWE and Saturday morning cartoons.

Much like cartoons, the WWE boasts larger than life characters, fighting epic wars in the battle between good and evil, each and every week.

Not only that, but the rich history of WWE have hosted plenty of wacky characters, from undead zombies to burned demons, to literal boogeymen.

Here are 5 WWE Superstars you may not remember appeared in cartoons.

#5 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair - The Cleveland Show

A spin-off to the hit Family Guy, The Cleveland Show tells the story of Cleveland Brown, and his new life after leaving Quahog, Rhode Island.

In the September 2011 episode, 'BFFs' Cleveland is hurt after discover Family Guy lead Peter Griffin visited his city, but not him, and vows to make new friends elsewhere.

Needing to have an epic adventure, Cleveland and his new friends set out on a camping trip, sponsored by the Nature Boy himself, Ric Flair.

With his unique voice, bleach blond hair and dazzling robes, the animated 16-time World Champion is just as flashy as his real-life counterpart.

Whilst his cameo appearance is very much out of nowhere, it must've been a delight for any wrestling fans to see 'The Man' on the show, which was canceled after four seasons.

#4 Hulk Hogan - American Dad

As one of the most iconic stars in wrestling, it makes sense that Hulk Hogan would transcend the sport, with the Immortal One appearing in Movies, Video Games and TV series'.

Appearing in a 2012 episode of American Dad, 'Stanny Tendergrass' focuses on main character and patriarch of the Smith household, Stan Smith, with the self-professed everyman becoming a snob after joining a country club.

After seeing what happened to his dad, Stan's son Steve enlists the Hulkster to convince Stan to return to his common man ways, with Hogan voicing himself for the role.

Using his classic catchphrases, Hogan definitely channelled the power of Hulkamania, convincing the older Smith to return to his roots, with the duo attacking all members of the club in an epic beatdown.

It was a fun moment, with Hogan having quite a bit of screentime, and showed that the Hulkster will always be a star.

#3 Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson - Family Guy

Debuting in January 1999, Family Guy hit TV screens at arguably the peak of the Attitude Era.

Never before had wrestling been most prominently seen by such an audience, with stars like Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson leading the way of the Era.

So it makes sense that The Rock, who has since become an even bigger star since would appear in several episodes of the adult comedy show.

Whilst his likeness has appeared in animated forms on occasions, the Great One appeared in live action during the Big Man on Hippocampus episode, a rare sight for the animated show.

Explaining how sex works to an amnesiac Peter Griffin, the Fast and Furious star's cameo is very brief but was a great appearance, given the Hollywood star's natural comedic timing, incredible star power, with the People's Champion hosting Saturday Night Live a year later.

#2 Bret 'The Hitman' Hart - The Simpsons

In 1997, Bret Hart was arguably at his career's peak. As WWF Champion, the submission specialist was locked in a bitter Canada Vs. USA feud against the likes of The Undertaker and Steve Austin.

But in The Simpsons' Season 8 episode 'The Old Man and the Lisa', the Hitman appeared as himself, buying the mansion of corrupt billionaire Mr. Burns, who'd lost his entire fortune.

It wouldn't be the last time Bret would face an evil billionaire in 1997.

Complaining about the 'old man stink', and using some classic Freddy Blassie lines, the Simpsonised Hart took the house, after finding out the 'Shreiking Sheik' lived nearby, a not so subtle reference to the Iron Sheik.

Funnily, Bret was initially supposed to do a Russian accent, but the idea was later scrapped, much to the delight of every wrestling fan, who got to see their top star on the show.

#1 Sgt Slaughter - G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero

One of the most patriotic stars in WWF history, Sgt. Slaughter stood for the red, white and blue at almost all points of his illustrious career.

So during 1985, when G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero needed a real-life wrestler to join their ranks, the WWF leapt at the opportunity to include Slaughter into the show.

As a cartoon character, the former WWF Champion became a massive star outside of the ring, aiding the Joes in their fight against the villainous Cobra Commandos.

In fact, it was Slaughter's antics on the show that made his action figure the best selling toy of the entire series.

Back in the ring, Slaughter would receive some success, capturing the WWF Championship briefly, though bizarrely as a heel who hated America, which must've confused those who only knew him for his time helping the Joes.