10 Awesome Real Wrestler Names That Are Better Than Their Ring Names
Sometimes real life is better than fiction.
It is impossible to overstate the importance of choosing a ring name in the crazy world of professional wrestling.
Sure, talent, hard work and a little bit of luck may very well be more important, but if first impressions truly count then an interesting name on the card can be the difference between checking a match out and using the match as a bathroom break for the casual fan.
WWE hasn't the best track record when it comes to ring names over the past few years, as the trend towards a more reality based product has left us with in-ring competitors such as Dean Ambrose, Darren Young, Michael McGillicutty and more. Heck, it doesn't exactly get much better when old-fashioned gimmick names are used either, as Dolph Ziggler and No Way Jose can testify.
The less said about Braden Walker the better.
Wrestler's real names have always been something of a fascinating subject for fans, as the men and women we cheer and boo on our screens truly are multiple personality beings. There is a sense of intrigue and confusion that stems from it, whether it was finding out that Shawn Michaels is actually Michael Hickenbottom or that Brock Lesnar is actually his real name.
Every now and then, a wrestler's real name simply blows their gimmick name out of the water, as examplified by these ten performers.
10. Thaddeus Bullard Sr. & Fred Rosser III
'Titus O'Neill' isn't such a terrible name, but 'Darren Young' really is as bland as it gets.
'Darren Young' could be a low-level darts player, a discarded League Two utility player who will get snapped up by another club and spend yet another season on the bench. 'Titus O'Neill' sounds like an overly-macho American Football player, which is somewhat accurate in truth.
The duo have made a name for themselves in WWE as the Prime Time Players, so it is rather coincidental that together their real names sound like they would have made an excellent pompous tag team in any era. They were born Thaddeus Bullard Sr. and Frederick Rosser III, and if you can't imagine them pompously walking down the aisle being led by The Genius or Jim Cornette, then I don't know what do with you.
In fact, it if quite difficult to say either name without putting on a slightly arrogant accent. Titus and Darren have done well for themselves, but Thaddeus Bullard Sr. and Fred Rosser III could have been something truly special.