Contrasting gimmick changes in the WWE - Part 1

The WWE has always experimented a lot with its superstars. If an allotted gimmick fails, they then repackage the superstar into a whole new avatar and try out their luck. Some of these gimmick changes have been on similar lines to what the superstars once portrayed. Others however are glaringly contrasting to the previous ones.Let us have a look at some of the contrasting gimmicks WWE have offered us over the years.

#1 JBL

The acolytes protection agency were one of the most sought after guys to handle some of the dirty work that happened in the WWE during the famous attitude era. Bradshaw and Ron Simmons were the members of this notorious tag team outfit that spent most of their time either gambling backstage or pummeling the opponents in the ring.

Talking about Bradshaw, this 6 foot 6 inch beast of a man was one of the most accomplished wrestlers the WWE had. Their liking for ‘bigger’ superstars allowed Bradshaw to remain a mainstay in the WWE. He portrayed the character of a ‘hitman’ who would booze his way to glory with fellow partner Simmons.

The WWE repackaged him as a brash millionaire stock Broker named JBL and Bradshaw adapted to this gimmick rather well. He entered arena’s in a limousene and spoke about economy, poverty and the American dream. He enjoyed his best stint in the WWE during this era and also won multiple titles before retiring to become a commentator.

#2 Kane

The Big red monster was one of the most feared superstars in WWE history. He dominated the ring like no other and stood toe to toe with the who’s who of the wrestling industry.

All went right for Kane until the WWE planned a plot to get rid of his mask. Even though the angle was well received and proved to be a good idea, things soon came crashing down for the 7 footer. He remained largely stale for a long time either jobbing or engagaing himself in squash matches with others.

The creative team then pulled him into management, as he was portrayed as WWE’s director of operations in the recent past. He sported a tuxedo and arranged matches on behalf of the management, something contrasting to what he has done all his wrestling career.

#3 Bray Wyatt

Talking about master strokes, we now have Bray Wyatt on the list.

From being the bulky Husky Harris who was mentored by Cody Rhodes during his NXT days to being one of the top heels in the industry, Wyatt has had a phenomenal transformation.

He was initially involved in the Nexus angle where he was one of Barretts side kicks. The WWE then planned to do away with this gimmick and let Harris take some time off. He then returned as Bray Wyatt, the protagonist of the creepy Wyatt family.

Ever since his return, he has feuded with some of the top stars in the WWE including John Cena and delivers eerie promos like no other. His transformation is nothing short of amazing as he portrays the Wyatt character with full zest. He is a sureshot main eventer in future and the WWEs masterstroke has paid off.

#4 The Godfather

Mustafa has been one of those wrestlers who has had more gimmicks in the industry than anybody else. He initally donned the role of Papa Shango a voodoo magician who spooked the guts out of his opponents. His expertise in black magic involved him in performing various trickeries that nobody had explainations to. He made things like black ink appear from opponent’s head and also set them on fire with the stroke of his fingers.

The WWE suddenly put an end to this gimmick and there was no mention of Shango afterwards. He was then repackaged into the rich ‘The Godfather’, a cool pimp who’s only agenda in life was to have fun. He called his gang of girls as the ‘ho train’ as he invited all his adversaries to join him. The Godfather was one wrestler everyone wanted to be because of the swagger and the falamboyance he had. All in all, this contrasting character switch is another noteworthy one in WWE history.

#5 Umaga

Jamal, as he was known during his 3 minute warning days belongs to the prestigious Fatu family that has produced the likes of The Rock, Rikishi, the Uso’s and most recently Roman Reigns.

He portryed a rapper gimmick and teamed up with fellow heavyweght Rosey and Rico to form the now defunct stable. The gimmick did not prove to be of great consequence to Jamal and he was soon released fom the company along with Rico. He thens struck gold with his new avtar in the form of Umaga.

Aligned with manager Armando Estrada, a now heavily tattooed Umaga was dubbed as the Samoan fighting machine and he made quick work of all his opponents in a short span of time. His feuds with Bobby Lashley, John Cena and Jeff Hardy were legendary. His uncanny moves and brute force proved to be some his biggest strengths.

He had to face his demise in the year 2009 at the age of 36 owing to substance abuse.