10 Wrestlers Who Are Almost Unrecognisable Since They Retired

A stand-out of the British wrestling circuit - and Frontier Wrestling Alliance in particular - Paul Burchill had all the makings of a star when he got the call from Vince McMahon's group in 2005.

Immediately teamed with fellow Englishman William Regal, Burchill looked set to become a staple of the Tag Team division; however, a bizarre move to a pirate gimmick saw him go solo and debut one of the most outlandish and cartoony gimmicks of the 21st century.

Despite the success of Pirates of the Caribbean movies at the time, Burchill's push under the guise of a pirate failed to garner much support backstage. As such, it had completely disappeared within six months.

Burchill returned alongside fellow FWA graduate, Katie Lea (FKA Nikita in the UK), making their debuts on Raw. After a number of midcard feuds, Burchill was demoted to ECW and eventually released. Despite the pirate gimmick lasting mere months, it was arguably the most prolific run of his career.

Since retiring, Burchill became a fireman and looks noticeably different from his in-ring years. Sporting short hair and a clean shaven face, Burchill today is lightyears away from the Jack Sparrow look of old.

After years away from the squared circle, Burchill began taking bookings again earlier this year, and recently took part in the Matt Cappotelli Benefit Show promoted by OVW.