10 Worst WWE Gimmick Ideas You Won't Believe Almost Happened

2. Chilly McFreeze

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WWE

WWE struck gold with 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin in the Attitude Era, but things probably wouldn't have worked out so well, had they gone with one of their original ideas for the character.

The story goes that Austin was deeply unhappy with how his career was going as 'The Ringmaster.' A fine in-ring technician, WWE gave him few defining character traits, and left him languishing in the midcard. It was a dead-end, and a discontented Austin knew it, so he approached Vince McMahon to suggest a change.

The Chairman initially rejected the idea, but Austin persisted. Having researched serial killer 'The Iceman' Richard Kulinski, the future 'Stone Cold' pitched a similar gimmick, in which he'd portray a cold-hearted, ruthless ass-kicker. Vince later came back to him with a number of different name suggestions, including Ice Dagger, Fang McFrost, and the best of the bunch, Chilly McFreeze.

'Stone Cold' was eventually born soon after, and Austin went on to become the biggest star of his generation. Would a man named 'Chilly McFreeze' become the Attitude Era's cornerstone, a six-time WWE Champion, and future Hall Of Famer?

It doesn't exactly seem likely.

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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.