10 WWE Wrestlers That Changed Everything

Calling Gorgeous George a WWE star is undoubtedly a stretch, as he preceded even the WWF. However, this absolute icon of the industry is a WWE Hall of Famer. As such, it feels appropriate to measure up the profoundly impactful changes that he brought to the business with World Wrestling Entertainment.

Gorgeous George was born in 1915 and grew up during the Great Depression. When he began wrestling to earn money, things started like any other traditional grappling career, but soon George would introduce a sense of flair that truly revolutionised the industry.

He began to generate a character, often appearing pathetic and refusing to fight, and coating himself in garish flamboyant outfits that turned the crowds against him. He did play into some problematic ideas of masculinity, but for the time it worked perfectly. Fans hated him and would pay plenty of money to see him beaten.

The superstar didn't just bring the concept of entertainment to the wrestling industry, but he also revolutionised what it meant to be a villain and how to make a career from being hated.

Impactful is a word that barely does justice to the way that this man changed the game.