10 Things In WWE That Started Awful But Turned Out Great
1. Steve Austin
When Steve Austin debuted for the WWF in 1995, he was one of wrestling's hottest prospects. So of course, they saddled him with the bland "Ringmaster" persona and tied him to Ted DiBiase instead of letting him fly on his own. Sensing that the gimmick wasn't working, Austin sought a character change. Instead of settling for one of the cringe-worthy names that were pitched to him ("Chilli McFreeze", "Otto Von Ruthless"), he went with 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin.
The rest, they say, is history.
Now separated from DiBiase, Austin won the 1996 King of the Ring and thrust himself almost directly into the spotlight with his post-match "Austin 3:16" promo. Unapologetic, obscene, but above all else, real, Austin was unlike anything that WWF fans had seen at that time. He was everything they wanted to be; someone who could sock their boss in the face and chug beer over their flattened body. His run at the top was immensely successful for the company, and he's often regarded as pro-wrestling's greatest superstar.
Though injuries cut his career short, Steve Austin's rise from generic heel to must-see attraction was enjoyable from start to finish.
(And thank goodness he didn't call himself "Otto Von Ruthless".)