10 Wrestling Gimmicks Originally Designed For Other Wrestlers

Stables in wrestling can be pretty hit and miss at times; however, when they are done well, the group can become a huge draw as a collective and the members themselves can become legendary. Such has been the case for many iconic groups of the past; from The Four Horsemen and New World Order to The Hart Foundation and D-Generation X.

Another group that can be added to that list is Evolution. Created in 2002, the gathering of Triple H, Ric Flair, Randy Orton and Dave Batista became one of the most entertaining parts of WWE programming and elevated both Orton and Batista to superstardom. However, Batista was very nearly not part of the equation.

The role of evolutionary enforcer had instead been given to former WCW star, Mark Jindrak. WWE even went as far as filming the vignettes and promo footage used for the groups entrance video. However, it was not to be and, for Jindrak, Evolution had passed him by. With immaturity cited as the main factor, Jindrak was dropped from the stable and edited out of the footage with Batista put in his place.

Batista would fill the role perfectly and forge a legendary career of his own. Had he not been part of Evolution under the tutelage of Triple H and Naitch, Big Dave may have never become the star he became. Jindrak has since gone on to become a big star in Mexico’s CMLL and AAA, now wrestling under the name Marco Corleone.