From a bygone era where reality television ran supreme, WWE capitalized on the demand with its own show intended to create stars. In the early 2000s, the MTV show would have WWE hopefuls compete in various challenges in order to win a life-changing contract.
In a show that ran for six seasons in total, viewers saw stars born such as Maven, Chris Nowinski, John Morrison, and the Miz. Viewers even saw intriguing moments such as Daniel Puder and Kurt angle having a shoot fight.
Throughout the season, established superstars and legends of the WWE would be surprise guests, giving advice and mediating challenges. Getting a five star slap to the chest from The Big Show was a great way from separating the wheat from the chaff. We all remember Triple H punking out the young upstarts, however, throughout the series there have been famous wrestlers that we might have forgotten showed their face.
10 Taz
The ECW star and human suplex machine played the role of drill sergeant and trainer during the first season of the show. Taz played the no-nonsense instructor, that would chew out competitors that were not giving 100%.
He would go on to face the winner of the TV show, Maven, on Smackdown. In the Rookie’s first televised event, Maven showed a spurt of offensive momentum, before being submitted via the Tazmission. The veteran would clothesline Maven after the match and throw him outside of the ring.
9 Jericho
For those who missed the 2015 season, host Y2J played an integral role on the show. Chris Jericho made it a point to hang out with the WWE hopefuls, and try to get to know them. While Jericho was helpful in demonstrating in-ring techniques, his real expertise proved to be coaching promos.
Jericho tried to bring out emotion from the female winner Sara Lee, sensing that there was potential for her. Jericho was supportive, yet strict in making sure all contestants were giving their all during the show.
8 Stephanie McMahon
The heiress to the throne and queen of queens, made an appearance back in season one but not in a competitive role. Before Gordon Ramsey took aspiring chefs out to dinner for a reward on Hell's Kitchen, Stephanie did this with the women contestants.
Stephanie was playing the Billionaire Dollar Princess character at the time chatted with WWE hopefuls and offered advice. She would appear on the later revamped seasons of Tough Enough but to see her on the original 2001 MTV version is a forgotten sight.
7 Vince McMahaon
You read that right. The Chairman himself has appeared on Tough Enough and believe it or not it was all the way back in the first season. Like his daughter Stephanie, Vince McMahon made an appearance in the later seasons but this is appearance is a throwback.
Vince and executive producer Kevin Dunn appeared together on the final episode of the first season; visiting their training center to get a last look at the finalists. Vince wearing an outdated tracksuit by today's standards is a window into a different era.
6 Hulk Hogan
The 6th and to date final season of Tough Enough was tainted with controversy because of Hulk Hogan. The Immortal was one of the show's judges but during its production, a private conversation leaked of Hogan going on a racist rant.
The incident caused the WWE to remove Hogan from the show and from their Hall of Fame for a few years. Hogan would be replaced by The Miz, but for 5 episodes the Hulkster was running wild on Tough Enough.
5 John Cena
The champ was there! Even the 16-time Heavyweight champion graced the contestants of Tough Enough but only as a guest. John Cena appeared on the fifth and sixth season to give the contestants some words of wisdom about hustle, loyalty and respect.
Cena is no stranger to surprise one-off appearances; also appearing on an episode of NXT at Full Sail. Cena used this cameo to further his rivalry with Seth Rollins, accepting Seth's challenge for Summerslam 2015, which brought star power, but had no relevance to the show.
4 Mick Foley
The 10th episode of the first season saw an appearance by the Hardcore Legend, Mick Foley. Mick, who just recently became a best-selling author at this time, had his fair share of stories to tell about the industry and what people can expect.
The legend of Foley is an example of the consequences the wrestling industry's physicality can have on the body. Foley may have scared the contestants with tales of losing his ear and teeth, and might have made one contestant second guess their choice of career.
3 Daniel Bryan
Daniel Bryan was another face to appear on season 6 of the show in a recurring role. Bryan was one of the three judges along with Paige and Hogan, the latter of which was replaced with Miz. Bryan at this time had injured his neck for the second time in two years.
With Bryan rehabbing again, this non-physical role was a perfect fit and good opportunity for contestants. Although he displayed humility and kindness, he offered excellent critiques to empower contestants. He was the Paula Abdul of the judging trio.
2 Seth Rollins
2015's season of Tough Enough saw a lot of appearances from established stars. One appearance that was a golden opportunity, was by the then-WWE World Heavyweight champion Seth Rollins.
Rollins was three months off his historic Money In the Bank cash-in at Wrestlemania 31 and was the face of the company. Seth was a heel at the time and used his appearance to rip into and insult the contestants.
1 Roman Reigns
The Big Dog once made the grounds of Tough Enough his yard, as a mentor to the eager competitors. Once again, in season six a big-name guest appearance occurred when Reigns visited to share some inspiration.
Reigns said that he made the visit because the competitors are the future of the company. It wasn't long since he had been in their shoes, and he felt a need to repay his debts. Reigns himself was still awaiting his first heavyweight title win and this point.