10 Gimmick Changes That Saved A Wrestler's Career
2. Fake Diesel To Kane
Glenn Jacobs had a tough introduction into the World Wrestling Federation. After initially being handed the awful Isaac Yankem persona based on a psychotic dentist, Jacobs was subsequently lumbered with the equally awful Fake Diesel gimmick in late 1996.
With an imposing frame, an even more imposing physique, and good in-ring ability for a man of his size, Jacobs' wrestling career was rapidly becoming a criminally wasted opportunity. After debuting as Fake Diesel in September '96, the big man was predictably viewed by fans as nothing more than a Kevin Nash knock-off - which is exactly what the gimmick was.
The Fake Diesel gimmick died a slow and painful death, making its last appearance on TV at Royal Rumble '97, incredibly making it to the final four. After a handful of house show appearances and an international tour to Kuwait, Fake Diesel was resigned to the scrapheap for good.
Luckily, the WWF had one last proposition for Jacobs - the gimmick of The Undertaker's demented and demonic brother, Kane. Making his re-debut six months later under the mask of 'The Big Red Machine', Jacobs made an emphatic statement at IYH: Badd Blood by tearing off the Hell in a Cell door and costing The Undertaker victory.
The new persona completely revitalised his career and he is still going strong 20 years later.