10 Gimmicks WWE Desperately Need To Change In 2016

By Jack G King / December 10, 2015

Many of us will have already begun thinking of New Year's resolutions, promises such as going to the gym more or improving our diets. In the case of WWE superstars, they already go to the gym a hell of a lot, and most will have impeccable diets as well - so what on earth can they hope to improve upon in 2016? For many performers on the roster, a complete overhaul of their gimmicks wouldn't be a bad place to start. A depressingly high number of superstars on the WWE roster have gimmicks that simply aren't working. For various reasons, many wrestlers simply aren't connecting with the fans - whether it be a lack of passion for an ill-fitting persona, the wrong face/heel alignment, or the simple case of working the same gimmick for far too long. Of course, bad gimmicks aren't something that can be completely revamped by the superstars themselves. Sure, a wrestler can try to improve their mic work, or attempt to exhibit a little more personality in the ring - but WWE's creative team must share in the responsibility and come up with compelling characters, tailoring those templates to an individual superstar's needs. If there was ever a time to do it, the New Year provides the perfect opportunity for a fresh start.

10. Alberto Del Rio

Del Rio's return - and clean defeat of John Cena - was one of the most exciting moments of the second half of 2015, yet everything since has only succeeded in dragging the US Champion down. The main factor here is his bizarre gimmick alongside Zeb Colter, which has transformed Alberto into arguably the most one-dimensional man on the roster. Almost every appearance features Colter and Del Rio cutting a variation on the same old promo, preaching the virtues of 'Mexamerica', and insulting the crowd for being 'haters'. WWE may have made this alteration due to the fact that Alberto was undeniably stale towards the end of his initial run with the company, but that stagnation was more down to unimaginative booking rather than the gimmick itself. A return to his old, aristocratic ways would be a welcome change for both Del Rio and the fans - particularly if the classic cars (and Ricardo Rodriguez) made a comeback with it.