10 WWE Wrestler Attires That Paid Tribute To Other Wrestlers
CM Punk, The New Day and Candice LeRae share their passions for (other) wrestler fashions.
WWE is still an aesthetics industry, regardless of how many beloved independent darlings they warehouse in transatlantic Performance Centers or at the loaded catering tables during a regular Raw or SmackDown.
This is still the company where those over 6'5 will still get extra chances than those under because they might learn to work if the right utility wrestler rubs off on them. It is still owned by a Vince McMahon that one criticised the 1990 physique of Ravishing Rick Rude. The in-ring product's mid-2010 renaissance was informed by Triple H taking his myriad of influences to craft NXT as a vision of the main roster's future, but even he can't stop filling Instagram with gym selfies when WrestleMania season rolls around.
But what of those that perhaps don't have McMahon's traditional Superstar look but instead offer something else - a devotion to his product? It used to be frowned upon to be a fan first in WWE, but times have changed enough for the current crop to pay loving tribute to those from the past.
Fundamentally, it's still in keeping with McMahon's archaic ethos - even if they do the mechanics differently that he might prefer, these at least looked great doing them.
10. CM Punk - Bret Hart (SummerSlam 2012)
On commentary duties during Bret Hart's WrestleMania IX clash with Yokozuna, Macho Man Randy Savage said 'The Hitman' deserved and earned "R-E-S-P-E-C-T". His words hit hard, and by the Hulk Hogan-covered end of the show, they hurt.
On that night, Hart wore a stunning hot pink variation of his gear for what was at the time the biggest singles match of his career. He was supposed to be the headliner despite sharing billing with a returning Hulk Hogan, but evening belonged to 'The Hulkster' yet again after he flattened Yoko in 22 seconds after the sumo star had cheaply dethroned the 'Excellence Of Execution'.
It was a show of anything but respect. Unlike the threads CM Punk selected for his own similar topline crisis in 2012.
'The Voice Of The Voiceless' was in the middle of his own similar struggle, sliding down cards in favour of John Cena matches or contests deemed more important than the belt around his waist.
Bret's plight mirrored the harsh reality of Punk's own situation, and the gear sported for his title match at SummerSlam served as a subtle call back to the overlooked (and underrated) technician beloved by millions.