10 WWE Greats Who Made TERRIBLE First Impressions

What almost wasn't.

daniel bryan vince mcmahon
WWE.com

The phrase, "You only get one chance to make a first impression" is technically true, but it masks the thought that a second one is just as important. That's certainly been the case in WWE - if wrestlers are talented and determined enough, they'll likely offset Vince McMahon's first reaction to them.

These dudes should be thankful that's the case.

Without a second impression, they might never have gone on to become the icons they are. Some had the boss scratching his head and wondering why his lieutenants had even recommended them in the first place, others did themselves a disservice during crucial early meetings, and some just had to fight back before they were pigeonholed as lost causes who'd never make the grade.

All of them went on to become key cogs in the WWE machine, and a handful are still contributing years after hanging up the boots themselves. There are nine former World Champions on this list (and one trusted trainer helping to shape the future), which is remarkable. That once seemed impossible, especially after that first run-in with McMahon...

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Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.