10 WWE Gimmicks Which Ripped Off Real People

9. Steve Austin - Richard Kuklinski

RVD Jean Claude Van Damme
WWE/HBO

Steve Austin probably knew he'd made a mistake burning all the bridges on his way out of Atlanta when Vince McMahon handed him a pair of racing green trunks and the new name of 'The Ringmaster'. It was a miracle he didn't get a top hat, a red jacket and a whip.

Manager Ted DiBiase's departure to become an actual million dollar man in WCW proved a blessing in disguise for Austin, who now had a chance at a fresh start. After being lumbered with a dead end gimmick, he had lots of ideas, his best inspired by serial killer Richard Kuklinski. The murderer would freeze his victims to make their time of death indeterminable - that modus operandi, alongside his stone cold stoicism, lent him the nickname 'Ice Man'.

Austin studied his mannerisms meticulously, considering them perfect for his new heel persona. When he pitched the 'Ice Man' idea to his superiors, they came back with 'Chilly McFreeze'. Just think of the star he could have been.

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Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.