10 Most Shocking WWE Transformations Since 2020

Who changed the most during four years of Roman Reigns-led WWE dominance?

WALTER GUNTHER 2020 2024
WWE

Roman Reigns was the name on everyone's lips between 2020-2024. He was WWE's main star despite working a part-time schedule, and his value went through the roof thanks to unmatched performances as the heel 'Tribal Chief'. 2020 feels like it happened 10 minutes ago, but a lot more has changed in those four years than you might expect.

A collection of key wrestlers totally transformed in that timeframe, for example.

There were some ground rules here. Firstly, anyone included had to be on WWE's books at time of writing. That means no place for current AEW names like Adam Copeland or Toni Storm. Yes, they've both changed a lot, but they're on Tony Khan's roster not Triple H's.

Second, there is scope for those going the other way. One standalone champion went from AEW > WWE during Roman's sensational title saga, and you might be surprised by how different things were for him back in 2020. Let's just say he made an aesthetic decision that All Elite fans didn't necessarily get!

Right, who's changed the most since Reigns was returning to action in the summer of 2020?

10. JD McDonagh

WALTER GUNTHER 2020 2024
WWE

NXT UK was the then-Jordan Devlin's home brand in 2020. Back then, most fans who did watch the Brit-based show probably thought that was JD's ceiling in the company. Nope. He'd move to NXT proper in 2022, then started hanging around Judgment Day on Raw in 2023. Since then, he's been in one of the best spots possible on weekly WWE TV.

McDonagh was an unwanted nuisance to other stable members like Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley at first, but he'd eventually become a fully-fledged part of the team. Currently, he's part of the revamped Judgment Day alongside Finn Bálor, Dominik Mysterio, Liv Morgan and Carlito.

The good times keep rolling.

During Roman's time on top, McDonagh went through a name change, several brand switches, and totally rocked up his look to fit in with Judgment Day. He's also gone on to enjoy a World Tag-Team Title run alongside mentor Bálor. Life is good for someone who once seemed an unlikely fit for WWE's main roster.

Contributor

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.