10 Ways Wrestlers Became The Most Badass Versions Of Themselves

3. PAC: Embraced The 'Bastard' Within

Becky Lynch PAC
AEW

Roadblock: End of the Line played host to a stunning WWE heel turn, as Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann was blindsided by what he thought was a friendly Neville, cementing the Geordie's transformation from listless babyface to 'King Of The Cruiserweights.'

The former NXT Champion's most compelling WWE run commenced. He was outstanding throughout, drawing eyes to the oft-neglected 205 Live brand with his vicious new persona, combining searing promos with in-ring performances that successfully adapted his spectacular wrestling style into something more ruthless. Neville was great: the problem was that nobody was watching, and his employers refused to take him further.

Exile followed when his frustrations pushed him to walk out on the promotion, and it was a full year before he re-emerged. Doing so in Dragon Gate, his old Japanese home, PAC was immediately established as an Open the Dream Gate Championship contender. More than that, he'd refined 'The King Of The Cruiserweights' into 'The Bastard.' Free of WWE's shackles, his work became far, far grittier, and with DG's signature belt strapped around his waist, the 32-year-old has become one of the best "world champions" in wrestling.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.