5 WWE superstars who helped define in-ring psychology

As the years have gone by in professional wrestling, in-ring psychology has become more and more important. That psychological aspect of the industry includes actions, words and various mannerisms that create a feeling for fans and give the opponent something to react to.

Today, superstars like Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton are seemingly masters of in-ring psychology, but they’re following in the footsteps of past superstars that helped construct most of what we see. Here are five of the best examples of that.

#1 Jake “The Snake” Roberts

Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Damien made quite an intimidating pair.

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, few superstars were as intimidating as Jake “The Snake” Roberts. In addition to his devastating DDT finisher, Roberts was true to his name in relying on a python named Damien, which struck fear into his opponents.

This use of fear and intimidation has continued with superstars like The Undertaker, Bray Wyatt and others. Further, the anticipation of Damien’s appearances could be seen as similar to the vibe surrounding Triple H’s sledgehammer or even moves like Randy Orton’s RKO.

#2 Ric Flair

Ric Flair sought to entertain the crowd in every facet of his in-ring performance.

From the moment Ric Flair stepped into the arena, he was the consummate showman. He talked a big game, made a big entrance and wore flashy robes. Then, inside the ring, his technical skill was only secondary to his ability to tell a story and perform as “The Dirtiest Player in the Game.”

He cheated, suckered in his opponent with fake begging and did whatever he needed to do to get the victory in the end. As a result, he became a 16-time world champion across multiple promotions and inspired the efforts of his daughter, Charlotte, as well as other heels like Triple H and Seth Rollins.

#3 Undertaker

Undertaker has mastered a blend of intimidation, fear and showmanship.

The Undertaker may have been the perfect blend of showmanship, physical ability and all-out intimidation. Employing dark elements, special effects and costumes, the Deadman’s entrance to the arena is packed with frightful imagery.

Once in the ring, his brutal striking style and methodical attack is overpowering, and his facial expressions and resistance to pain inspire fear in his opponents. Further, this character was crafted in an era when gimmicks had mostly fallen by the wayside, but it has inspired Bray Wyatt and others to do the same.

#4 Stone Cold Steve Austin

Steve Austin flourished once he settled on the “Stone Cold” character leading into the Attitude Era.

Steve Austin embodied the WWE’s Attitude Era when he developed his “Stone Cold” character in the mid-1990s. While his antics certainly entertained the crowd, that never felt like the point of what he was doing. Stone Cold was angry: He talked angry, walked angry and fought angry.

Austin was also opportunistic, and even when he was technically a babyface, he wasn’t scared to fight dirty.

All of those elements can be found in the arsenals of stars like Randy Orton, Kevin Owens and Alberto Del Rio, but Dean Ambrose is perhaps the best modern equivalent to the “Texas Rattlesnake.”

#1 Sting

Sting’s rebirth and feud with Hulk Hogan was huge for WCW’s temporary success.

Before Sting took a brooding hiatus after his WCW allegiance was questioned during the NWO invasion, a bulk of professional wrestling personalities told you exactly what they were going to do. Boastful talk was just the nature of the game.

But when Sting came back, he was the opposite of that. Now painted and dressed in all black and white, Sting’s intentions were up for interpretation, and that added to the intensity for the fans, announcers and other competitors. Since then, mystery and surprise have become a staple of wrestling, and Sting’s success may be at least partially responsible for that.