8 Wrestling Gimmicks Based On Serial Killers

Real or fictional, there's no denying the influence these murderers had...

stone cold sledgehammer
WWE.com

Numerous wrestling characters throughout history have been influenced by pop culture personalities and real life celebrities. Classic examples include The Honky Tonky Man (Elvis Presley), The Road Warriors and Demolition (Mad Max & Lord Humungus), Razor Ramon (Scarface), and Sting (The Crow).

It's not uncommon for pro wrestlers to draw inspiration from what's happening outside the wrestling bubble, and the same can be said of those characters (both real and fictional) who operate under more sinister circumstances.

Monstrous mad men from the movies and chilling real-life serial killers alike have provided inspiration for some of wrestling's most memorable figures. Were it not for the influence of these murderous psychopaths, there's a very good chance guys like Steve Austin and Mick Foley wouldn't be the household names they are today.

The world will always be fascinated with murderers, specifically the psychology behind such horrible acts. Toned down and used in the wrestling spectrum, this cold-hearted, sadistic side of the human psyche can be highly effective, not to mention instrumental in redefining a wrestler's entire career...

8. Bray Wyatt (Charles Manson)

Austin Kuklinski
WWE.com/George Brich/AP

Obviously, Bray Wyatt's original character isn't the kind to advocate murder on WWE television (that wouldn't exactly fit in with the promotion's current PG demographic). Even without the murderous overtones though, the sinister Wyatt does have an air of Charles Manson about him, mainly due to his cult-leader aura and hippie vibe.

Manipulation of his followers and fostering a deluded loyalty even in the face of crime and murder were all hallmarks of Manson's life; known as 'The Manson Family', his followers were said to have killed as many as seven people in the 1960s all because Charles told them to.

Anyone who watches Bray Wyatt on WWE television regularly will see the links here: Wyatt even has his own group (The Wyatt Family), has a clear persecution complex, and relies on talk of conspiracy to rally his troops.

Bray has also been known to use his quirky personality to intimidate others; even when speaking in hushed tones, he has a menacing feel that reminds one instantly of Manson's laid-back, seemingly perverse need to make others feel uncomfortable.

Charles Manson isn't the only inspiration on Bray Wyatt, but he is one of the most obvious.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood.