10 Wrestler Introductions You Don't Remember
From Paul Wight to Batista, which wrestlers made highly forgettable first impressions?
They say in life that first impressions are everything, and that is especially true in the world of professional wrestling. If you don't believe so, just ask Karrion Kross, The Shockmaster or The Gobbledy Gooker how devastating a poor introduction can be.
On the flip side, a good debut can be the catalyst for a successful run in WWE. The likes of The Shield, John Cena, Kevin Owens and countless others have arrived, made an immediate impact, and gone on to do great things. While some stars debut and immediately have a gimmick that sticks, many wrestlers show up with a poor gimmick and quickly transition to their legacy-building persona. Many fans will remember Kane's beginnings as Isaac Yankem, Steve Austin as The Ringmaster, or even Becky Lynch as an Irish dancer down in NXT.
Despite this, there are several wrestlers whose original gimmick fans do not remember. Whether it be as a wedding planner, hair dresser, or simply a fan in the crowd, there are numerous forgettable beginnings for memorable WWE superstars. With that in mind, here are ten wrestler introductions that you likely don't remember.
10. Paul Wight - Andre's Son
The man known as Paul Wight or The Big Show is known for his record number of face and heel turns throughout his legendary career. In his 27-year tenure across WCW, WWE and now AEW, Wight has largely kept the same gimmick of The World's Largest Athlete. However, back in 1995 he was brought into WCW as The Giant with a surprising backstory.
The Giant was the latest member of Kevin Sullivan's Dungeon of Doom, a faction created solely to take down WCW Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan. At Slamboree 1995, while Hogan was making his was to the ring, there stood The Giant at the top of the entranceway. The WCW audience was told that not only was this man a literal giant, but that he was the son of legendary wrestler Andre the Giant.
Given the size of The Giant, and his kayfabe connections to the Hulkster's greatest rival, it was no surprise when Sullivan's newest addition won the WCW Heavyweight Title from Hogan at Halloween Havoc in Wight's his first match - albeit by disqualification. Despite being a part of WCW for nearly four years, his connections to Andre the Giant were quietly dropped from his character, with nothing in the way of an explanation.