10 Wrestlers Who Are Almost Unrecognisable Since They Retired

Some of yesterday's most familiar faces are no longer quite so familiar.

Vladimir Kozlov Now
WWE.com

Wrestling is one of the most outlandish professions in the entertainment industry. With overblown physiques, wacky costumes and larger than life characters aplenty, the cast of characters backstage at any one time could rival any circus the world over.

However, when the spotlight dims and a performer leaves the business, naturally the eccentric aesthetics diminish and stars often revert back to their civilian appearances. Whether they played clowns, garbage men or mastodons, life outside the wrestling business doesn’t really necessitate the need for fancy costumes, masks and face paint.

As such, the vibrant presentations we see on TV rarely carry over past retirement. Many wrestlers look a lot different when they transition into life after wrestling. While some superstars simply lose the muscularity of their heyday, others simply look a little older as time marches on. In some cases, superstars become almost unrecognisable once they step out of the squared circle.

From champions to legends and everything in between, there are countless former wrestlers that you would most likely pass right by in the street, without even a second glance.

So keep your eyes peeled as we run down some of the most dramatic aesthetic transformations of yesterday’s wrestling superheroes...

10. Perry Saturn

Vladimir Kozlov Now
YouTube

One of the saddest downward spirals in recent wrestling history is the steady decline of Perry Saturn.

Running roughshod over ECW as one half of The Eliminators, playing a pivotal role in Raven's Flock during WCW and eventually making huge headlines when he jumped to the WWF as part of The Radicalz, Saturn was seemingly a made man in the business by 2000. His impressive physique and excellent ability in the ring made him a stalwart of weekly TV, and he won multiple championships throughout his career.

Sadly, that career came crashing down once he left the WWE spotlight in 2002. A brief stay in WWA and TNA followed, along with a handful of tours with New Japan, which led him into retirement. The wheels fell off soon after.

In mid-2004, Saturn saved a woman from being raped, but was shot during the altercation. The injuries saw Saturn become addicted to meth, and the former global wrestling superstar fell off the grid for several years afterwards. During this time, he became homeless; however, he has since attempted to turn his life around.

Despite the struggles and the hard times, Saturn has somehow managed to remain positive. Although he looks drastically different and is suffering from the effects of brain trauma, he still tries to maintain an upbeat attitude.

 
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Contributor

Occasional wrestler, full-time gym rat and lifelong lover of the grapple game. Would probably buy you a shot of Jack at the bar in exchange for witty banter...and preferably more Jack. @MartynGrant88 for more wrestling-related musings and weight room wisecracks!