10 WWE Wrestlers Who Reinvented Themselves In TNA
9. Johnny Stamboli - Rellik
In both WCW and WWE, Johnny 'The Bull' Stamboli was presented as mafia-like muscle, akin to a hired thug for a local mobster. As a member of The Mamalukes in WCW and The FBI in WWE, the gimmick saw mild mid-card success, and gave 'The Bull' global TV exposure in the process.
However, upon moving to TNA, Stamboli got a huge makeover. Rechristened as Rellik, Stamboli began wearing a mask and was presented more like a horror movie villain than a traditional wrestling personality. In reality, Rellik was Stamboli's take on The Great Muta - a concept he had created on the indies in 2006 after playing a faux Muta for All Japan in 2004.
As Rellik, Stamboli aligned with Father James Mitchell and Black Reign in their quest to wreak havoc in TNA. Sadly for all, their quest fell short and they lost all their matches bar one. The constant reminders from the commentary team that Rellik was "killer" spelt backwards did the character no favours and acted more as incentive for viewers to roll their eyes.
Wihin six months, Rellik was no more, and Stamboli was gone from TNA.