10 WWE Wrestlers Who Reinvented Themselves In TNA

3. Crow Sting - Joker Sting

Goldust Black Reign
Impact Wrestling

By the time the summer of 2011 rolled around, Sting had been on top of the wrestling world for over 20 years. Moreover, 15 of those years had been spent under the black and white paint of his Crow gimmick, which debuted all the way back in 1996.

At the time, Sting was 52 years old and would have been forgiven for riding out his remaining years on the active roster as his tried and tested vigilante character. However, 'The Stinger' had other plans; he shocked the world with his evolution into 'The Insane Icon'.

A cross between Heath Ledger's Joker and Jim Carrey's Riddler character, Joker Sting seemed a huge deviation from the Steve Borden of old. Hellbent on burning Hulk Hogan's Immortal stable to the ground, Sting ran roughshod over Impact TV until Bound For Glory, when he finally defeated Hogan one-on-one.

The Joker Sting persona was one of the most memorable character reinventions in TNA history. It made for great TV. Sting's reference to the gimmick in his WWE Hall of Fame speech confirmed that he rated the angle highly as well, and the new slant on the old character breathed fresh life into his career.

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Contributor

Occasional wrestler, full-time gym rat and lifelong lover of the grapple game. Would probably buy you a shot of Jack at the bar in exchange for witty banter...and preferably more Jack. @MartynGrant88 for more wrestling-related musings and weight room wisecracks!