10 WWE Superstar Gimmicks That Nearly Turned Out So Differently

Early concept art behind WWE gimmicks you won't believe.

Have you ever taken a look at some of the great Superstars to come out of the 1990s and wondered where the ideas for their appearance came from? As it turns out, Vince McMahon utilized detailed conceptual drawings to iron out all of the details of each character before bringing them to life in the circus-like atmosphere that he created for his company during that decade. While the 1980s were still largely based in reality, with characters that fans invested themselves in, McMahon took it one step further in the '90s, delivering characters that were over-the-top and cartoonish in nature. Everything from their names to their appearance was straight out of a D-level comic book, and even that may be generous. In 2013, World Wrestling Entertainment's official website released some of the early conceptual drawings of some of the most recognizable stars in the history of the business. From Diesel to Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels to Razor Ramon, the drawings gave a rare look into the design process of the characters that McMahon would entrust the future of his company with. And Max Moon. It was a behind-the-scenes look into the creative process unlike any the company had ever allowed fans to see before and further evidence that the "genius" label applied to McMahon may not always be accurate. From future spacemen and survivors of the nuclear apocalypse to voodoo doctors and the Dude, it is incredible to see just how differently some of the most memorable gimmicks and characters nearly turned out. Who were they? What were fans nearly exposed to that could have forever altered their perception of certain stars? Exactly why did WWE Creative spend so much time designing a dud of epic proportions like Max Moon? Okay, so there's no explanation for that last one but the others? You're in luck...
Contributor
Contributor

Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.