10 Fake Versions Of Popular WWE Superstars
Proof that an original is always going to be worth way more than a copy.
Whether it's a Gucci handbag, a Rolex watch, or a pair of Nike running shoes, there's nothing worse than paying for something real but being given a blatant fake. In that regard, the wrestling business is no different.
While several wrestlers have gone on to inherit established gimmicks over the years (e.g. Sin Cara, Rey Mysterio, and Tiger Mask), more often than not, it has been done in an official manner, with the blessing of the original or approval of the promotion that created the gimmick.
Meanwhile, there have also been countless “mini” versions of WWE superstars and numerous imposter angles where one superstar has attempted to trick his foe. However, there’s a big difference between using a double of a wrestler for the purpose of an angle and using a fake to sell tickets in an attempt to capitalise on the success of the original. This list focuses on the latter.
It's not only the indies that do it either; WWE is just as guilty as anyone else. Join us as we put ten of the most notorious wresting frauds under the microscope and delve into the worst cases of identity theft in wrestling history.
10. Doink The Clown - Various
If there's one gimmick that's been ripped off more times than your average Velcro strap, it's Doink the Clown. Despite having several legitimate runs in the WWE, the gimmick itself found popped up in hundreds of outlaw promotions across the world.
There have only been a handful of wrestlers to wear the DTC facepaint in WWE: from the originator, Matt Borne, and his long-time successor, Ray Apollo, to ad-hoc substitutes like Steve Keirn, John Maloof, Steve Lombardi, and even Nick 'Eugene' Dinsmore. So, for these men, at least their claims were valid.
Former WWE enhancement talent Dusty Wolfe is also licensed to wrestle under the Doink the Clown character and has appeared as Doink in a number of promotions since 1996. Meanwhile, independent worker, Mike Maraldo (aka Ace Darling), also donned the Doink colours for the NWA in '94 and '95 and even competed as Doink the Clown during the famous NWA World Heavyweight Title Tournament show in November 1994.
However, despite these notable instances, there have also been countless unknown wrestlers to dress up as Doink across the world. Regardless of size, shape or race, Doink is an easy gimmick to mimic and one that will likely continue to be ripped off in indie feds worldwide for years to come.