10 WWE Superstar Gimmicks That Nearly Turned Out So Differently
8. Bret Hart
Is there another moniker in professional wrestling cooler than Hitman? It screams badass, the type of wrestler who has the ability to take you out with any move at any time. Considering Bret Harts unmatched ring prowess and that he is as likely to defeat an opponent with his trademark Sharpshooter as he is a simple victory roll, the name fit perfectly. But, according to Harts 2009 autobiography, the pink and black and wrap-around shades of the Hitman nearly never materialize. George Scott, a legendary booker behind the scenes with WWE during the initial Rock and Wrestling explosion, had approached Hart and pitched him an idea for a singles run. Based on Harts upbringing in Calgary, home of the Calgary Stampede, Scott revealed the idea for Cowboy Bret Hart. The second-generation competitor scoffed at the idea, knowing the fans would see right through him. If you call yourself a cowboy, you better be one, he stated. Eventually, he convinced Scott to pair him with Jim Neidhart in a tag team. Had Scott been less receptive to Harts ideas, odds are the gimmick pitched to Hart would have killed him from a character standpoint in WWE before he ever had the chance to achieve all of the success he did with Neidhart in the Hart Foundation and in the midcard as intercontinental champion. Dont believe me? Ask Sam Houston. The idea of Hart donning a cowboy hat and chaps not enough? How about the Hitman character wearing a thong outside his long tights, with two little hearts planted firmly on his...um...cheeks? That was almost a thing, a thing that would have doomed Hart to ridicule and WrestleCrap infamy.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
