An idea is as good as its execution. A gimmick in the wrestling industry is as good as how well it is being portrayed and how the viewers are reacting to it. A good gimmick is either loved or hated. A bad gimmick is a result of disinterest from the fan base. Gimmicks add life to a character and can revive or sometimes, even end careers.
While WWE has provided us with so many memorable gimmicks, there were also times when the superstars had to come up with a new gimmick to revive their careers. A select few have been able to bring their previous gimmicks and use elements or in its entirety in the WWE. Here are ten superstars to do so.
10 Drew McIntyre: Save Professional Wrestling
Following his initial run with the WWE, Drew McIntyre became Drew Galloway and found a new edge to his wrestling persona. He became a household name in the indies before signing to Impact Wrestling. In his new gimmick, he talks about how he wants to restore the glory of professional wrestling.
After signing with NXT and becoming the face of the brand, Drew McIntyre joined alliances with Dolph Ziggler in his main roster return. Drew was very impressive and cut a promo saying the locker room lacked fire and he was the wake-up call and reality check that place needed. With that, Drew was on a mission to bring back the glory of the WWE.
9 Matt Hardy: Broken/Woken
Matt Hardy is a creative genius who has reinvented himself multiple times over the years to stay relevant and top of his game. His revival came in the form of a 'broken' gimmick which he used in Impact Wrestling where he invented a whole new way of storytelling through cinematic matches and out of the world characterization.
After re-signing with WWE, Matt unveiled a very similar character and started to portray a 'woken' gimmick. It ended up being a knock off version of the actual gimmick but it did give the fans many great moments, most notably his rivalry turned friendship with Bray Wyatt.
8 Shinsuke Nakamura: The King Of Strong Style
Shinsuke Nakamura was one of the top guys in NJPW. He is immensely talented and extremely charismatic. He gave himself the nickname, "The King Of Strong Style" after he decided to resurrect a fallen art of wrestling within New Japan - Strong Style Wrestling.
He made his NXT debut at Takeover: Dallas and had an incredible match against Sami Zayn. The WWE universe witnessed a different wrestling style and they loved it. He continued with his "King Of Strong Style" persona throughout his NXT tenure before being called up to the main roster to be known as "The Artist."
7 Keith Lee: Bask In His Glory For He Is Limitless
When Keith Lee was introduced to the NXT audience, he was shown as an individual with limitless potential. And rightfully so. He is extremely athletic, weighs over 300 pounds but moves like a cruiserweight. The current North American Champion had many classics in his short tenure and has earned the respect of his peers as well as the Chairman.
The "Bask In His Glory" element and the "Limitless" gimmick were part of his character even before joining NXT. They have helped him get over the fans as well as the management.
6 Kevin Owens: Fight Owens Fight
Very few love the business like how Kevin Owens does. Before coming to NXT, Owens has worked for multiple promotions where he adopted a "Fight Steen Fight" gimmick (Steen being his real name) which became popular during his ROH days.
He was introduced to the NXT audience as someone who loves to fight. He brought the updated "Fight Owens Fight" gimmick to NXT as well as to the main roster following which he became "The Prizefighter" who would do anything to be a champion, even betray his friends.
5 Ronda Rousey: The Baddest Woman On The Planet
Ronda Rousey is The Baddest Woman On The Planet. She has conquered the octagon with an impressive record of 12-2. She then transitioned to professional wrestling when she signed with the WWE.
Although she is dubbed as "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey as a tribute to "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, she has always continued being The Baddest Woman On The Planet who knows how to break arms and make people tap out.
4 Adam Cole: Bay Bay
The longest reigning NXT champion in history also known as the Panama City Playboy is considered to be one of the best wrestlers in the entire world. He has been carrying "The Adam Cole" gimmick throughout his career. And also his "Bay Bay" catchphrase too.
Adam Cole, though, has always been consistent in maintaining stables wherever he goes. Whether it was The Bullet Club, The Kingdom, The Mount Rushmore of Wrestling or The Undisputed Era, Cole's gimmick always involved him leading or being part of a stable.
3 Sting: The Vigilante
From WCW till his last match in WWE, Sting has modified his look many times. The most famous version of the stinger is his vigilante/crow gimmick which he adopted in WCW to fight off the NWO. He found resurgence through this gimmick.
When Sting arrived in WWE, he debuted with the same gimmick to put an end to the then top heels of the company - The Authority. He continued the "vigilante" gimmick till the end of his career.
2 Matt Riddle - Broooooo!
Before professional wrestling, the Original Bro was a trained and professional MMA specialist. This helped him have a smooth transition to professional wrestling. Matt Riddle wrestled for several promotions before signing with WWE.
Even before NXT, The King Of Bros embraced the "Bro" persona which is a resemblance of his real-life character - an easy-going, relaxed individual. Once the bell rings, "Stallion Riddle" takes over.
1 Finn Balor: The Prince
Finn Balor aka The Real Rock N Rolla aka The Prince is considered to be one of the best wrestlers in the world right now. He had built a reputation by being the leader of The Bullet Club and unleashing his alter ego whenever he deems necessary.
The Prince brought back a few elements of his previous gimmicks to the WWE. Reforming The Balor Club, continuing his demon persona are a couple of those. In his second run at NXT, Finn Balor developed a new loner mentality and has brought back "The Prince" moniker. The inaugural Universal Champion has the best Takeover record which includes many instant classics.