7 most insane character transformations in WCW/WWE history

One of the most crucial elements that a Superstar needs to get over with the fans is a gimmick. Having a compelling and captivating character instantly gives an edge to the Superstar when it comes to getting a push.

If we take a look at the storied history of WWE, and other major promotions, one thing that has stood out throughout the past several decades is how every wrestler is given at least something to help them get over. It could be an elaborately designed gimmick like "The Undertaker", or a simple moniker like "The Mouth of the South".

Sometimes though, a gimmick simply doesn't work, and the company decides to try something else in order to put the Superstar over. In the following list, we will take a look at some of the most drastic character transformations in the history of this business.

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#7 Surfer Sting to Crow Sting

Longtime fans of Pro Wrestling might remember the early version of Sting in WCW. This colorful character was one of the most beloved babyfaces in all of wrestling, and his "David vs Goliath" battles against Vader in the early 90s are regarded as some of the best wrestling matches of all time.

The mid-90s saw Sting change his appearance drastically. His character was now of a dark, mysterious being who now wore white paint on his face. Sting was promoted as a lone wolf who would rid the fans of the notorious group, nWo.

The feud culminated in a match pitting Sting and Hollywood Hogan at Starrcade 1997, with Sting emerging victorious in the end. He later went on to add another completely different layer to his persona, when he donned the gimmick of The Joker in Impact Wrestling, a character that was praised by many during the time.

#6 Rocky Maivia to The Rock

When Dwayne Johnson came to WWE in the mid-90s, he was the epitome of a cheesy babyface who was just happy to be there, performing in front of the fans. The gimmick was as bland as it could possibly get, and the fans didn't hesitate in voicing their opinions. Soon, the fans turned on Rocky Maivia and he began getting negative reactions.

WWE soon repackaged him into a smug, obnoxious character who only cared about himself. He began berating the fans and suddenly started getting over as a heel. The rest is history, as The Rock is now widely regarded as one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time.

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#5 Drew McIntyre's transformation to The Scottish Psychopath

McIntyre came to WWE in 2009, and was dubbed by Mr. McMahon himself as being a future World Champion. In a few years, he was jobbing on Raw and Main Event alongside his 3MB mates, Jinder Mahal, and Heath Slater.

McIntyre soon left WWE and worked on himself. When he came back again, he looked like a legit main eventer with a genuinely terrifying look and incredible physique. McIntyre is now a mainstay on WWE's flagship show, Raw, and competed in one of the marquee matches at this year's WrestleMania, against Roman Reigns.

#4 Mean Mark to The Undertaker

Mark Calaway's short WCW stint didn't do much for him. Although he had a good look and an intimidating presence, the character didn't have a proper direction. When he landed in WWE, Vince McMahon turned his character completely upside down, and The Undertaker was born. Mark Calaway turned from a bland giant to a spooky, terrifying zombie-like character, and the WWE Universe seemed to like it.

Over the next three decades, The Undertaker carved a legendary career for himself in WWE, building up a WrestleMania streak that is matched by none, and probably never will.

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#3 Hulk Hogan to Hollywood Hogan

In the 80s, Hulk Hogan took on the gimmick of a patriotic American Hero, and WWE ran with it. He became the biggest Superstar in the industry and made WWE millions in the process.

By the mid-90s, Hogan's star was diminishing, and a change was needed to revamp his career. Hogan decided to go with Eric Bischoff's idea and turned heel at Bash at the Beach 1996. The biggest babyface in the business was now the biggest heel, donning black and white colors and threatening to take over the company with the help of his cohorts.

The character change revived Hogan's waning career and it kick started possibly the most exciting era in the history of Pro Wrestling.

#2 Isaac Yankem to Kane

WWE tried a string of gimmicks with Glenn Jacobs, before turning him into The Big Red Machine. One of these gimmicks was of Isaac Yankem, an evil dentist that Jerry Lawler had hired to put down Bret "The Hitman" Hart.

As expected, the gimmick didn't last long, and WWE decided to later introduce him as Kane, The Undertaker's evil brother. The character took off and he went on to become one of the most dominant Superstars in WWE for the next couple of decades.

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#1 Husky Harris to Bray Wyatt

At Hell in a Cell 2010, Husky Harris and Michael McGillicutty interfered in a match between John Cena and Wade Barrett, helping Barrett pick up the win. They were later inducted into The Nexus. The character simply didn't work, and he was sent back to FCW.

In 2013, Harris came up to the main roster again, after having spent some time in NXT. Now dubbed as Bray Wyatt, he quickly made an impact on the red brand by defeating Kane in his SummerSlam debut.

Wyatt went on to win the WWE title, and the cryptic character became a hit among the fans. His star soon fizzled down though. Wyatt made his return to TV as The Fiend recently, and is now being pushed as one of the biggest heels on the brand.

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Edited by Umid Kumar Dey