WWE didn't even try to hide the fact that John Hennigan's new gimmick in 2007 was a direct rip off of Jim Morrison. The lead singer of The Doors was a fascinating subject, even long after his death in 1971. Aged only 27 at the time of his passing, the rock musician had a natural charisma about him that was undeniable. He was deemed perfect for Hennigan. Looking similar to the singer didn't hurt, but the re-dubbed John Morrison needed more than just Jim's looks to succeed. During his promos, the wrestler started to self-aggrandise, something many had attributed as a common Jim Morrison trait. Speaking in an extremely laid back way, he was one of the more interesting characters on the old ECW brand. Eventually, once he had been established in the role, WWE moved Morrison away from his drug-influenced overtones. Suddenly, he didn't speak in such a calm and collected way, simply using his regular voice in promos. The same look was still there, but Morrison was no longer simply a Jim Morrison copy. At first however, that's exactly what the persona was. What other wrestling stars can you think of who were based on real people? What do you make of the entries listed here? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments section below!
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
