Top four gimmick changes that saved careers of WWE superstars

From failed concepts to iconic transformations, these WWE superstars reinvented themselves

There have been numerous instances in WWE where a wrestler performs at the highest level but still struggles to connect with the fans. This has sometimes led to the promotion stepping in to save their careers.

Sometimes the wrestlers might need saving if the fans just cannot accept their gimmicks as they run out of patience or just get tired of such stars performing regularly.

Today we are going to look at four such stars who struggled to connect with fans but a gimmick change helped them achieve immense success and stardom in the promotion.

4. Drew McIntyre

McIntyre was the founding member of the Three Man Band (3MB) faction back in 2012. The group consisted of former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal, Heath Slater, and McIntyre. The creative team created these characters without any direction in mind.

The gimmick wasn’t very popular among fans and McIntyre was later released from his contract in June 2014. In his second run for the promotion in 2018, Drew became ‘The Scottish Psychopath’. The gimmick change not only helped him connect with the audience but it turned him into one of the biggest stars.

McIntyre went on to achieve immense success in the promotion and was involved in feuds with top stars including Brock Lesnar, CM Punk, and Randy Orton.

The Scottish Psychopath has held the WWE Championship and the RAW Tag Team Championship (W/ Dolph Ziggler) twice in his career. He has also won the NXT Championship and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship once in his second run.

3. Cody Rhodes

‘The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes is currently at the top of the WWE hierarchy. With his Undisputed WWE Championship reign, he has become one of the biggest names in the promotion.

However, he struggled to carve his way in his first run with the Stamford-based promotion. Rhodes debuted on the main roster in 2007, on the Red brand. During his first run in the promotion he tried multiple gimmicks including, The Legacy (w/ Ted Dibiase), Team Rhodes Scholars (w/ Damien Sandow), and The Brotherhood (w/ Goldust).

Rhodes’ gimmick as Stardust from 2014 to 2016 was the final nail in the coffin as he was irked by the way his character was handled by the creative team. Cody left the promotion in 2016 and tried his hands at different promotions.

Cody’s run in the All Elite Wrestling (AEW) was what made the Stamford-based promotion look and re-sign him in 2022. Since his return at WrestleMania 38, he has been involved in major storylines and has fought at the biggest stages claiming titles and records along the way.

As mentioned above, Rhodes is the current Undisputed WWE Champion and is involved in a feud with Kevin Owens. The American Nightmare recently created history when he defeated Gunther for the inaugural Crown Jewel Title at the Crown Jewel 2024 PLE.

Also Read: Top 10 best WWE returns of 2024: Ranked

2. Roman Reigns

‘The OTC’ Roman Reigns is currently involved in a storyline against the rogue Bloodline led by Solo Sikoa. Reigns is leading the OG Bloodline which consists of The Usos and Sami Zayn. The two factions will collide in a WarGames match at Survivor Series 2024 PLE.

Reigns is currently the face of the company alongside The American Nightmare but there was a time he was mercilessly booed by the fans. Despite multiple attempts, the fans were not impressed by the ‘Big Dog’ gimmick.

Reigns was also trolled and hated by the fandom due to his lack of skills on the mic. However, after battling leukemia in 2019, he returned as ‘The Tribal Chief’ of the Bloodline at SummerSlam 2020. This was the first time Reigns turned heel since The Shield days.

The OTC aligned himself with Paul Heyman and had one of the most dominant championship reigns in the history of the promotion. The OTC’s title reign of 1,316 days as Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion was the fourth-longest world title reign.

1. John Cena

The thought of fans disliking John Cena is a very alien concept for the newer generations but there was a time when the 16-time champion was hated by the WWE fandom. Cena has openly admitted that he was on the verge of being fired, and it was a gimmick change that ultimately saved his career.

While WWE was on tour, Stephanie McMahon spotted Cena rapping on the back of the bus and saw potential for an on-screen character, so she pushed to make it a reality. The Doctor of Thuganomics was thus born and the character became an instant hit among fans.

This change saved Cena’s career and stopped him from being just another babyface in the promotion. The 16-time champion reached immense heights and grabbed multiple accolades turning from a regular gut to the ‘G.O.A.T’ of the Stamdofrd-based promotion.

The GOAT has announced his retirement (at Money in the Bank 2024) from in-ring action at the end of 2025. The WrestleMania 41 will be the last WrestleMania for the 16-time champion.

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