7 Wrestling Gimmicks WWE Should Recycle

6. The 1% Percent

Million Dollar Man
WWE.com

In these times of austerity and widespread political uncertainty, it would be remiss of WWE not to position one of their stars in a guaranteed heat-seeker of a heel role. The mega-rich arch villain is so detestable that it's a wonder WWE doesn't deploy them more frequently. There's something about someone with money - especially cash that's flaunted and or barely earned - that riles people up into a frenzy.

To their credit, WWE did try to revive the trope by literally wheeling out Alberto Del Rio in a fleet of luxury cars - but without the illusion of kayfabe which so benefitted Ted DiBiase, it was altogether more difficult to suspend disbelief.

Fans would be more willing to believe in a character who has already reached a - and been seduced by his - massively monied position.

Enter Roman Reigns. Already a loathed beneficiary of nepotism, the man is practically begging to be re-contextualised into a man who would sneer at such supplication. He already occupies the 1% bracket, in a way; as a Vince McMahon pet project, he breathes rarified air. Why not press the issue by flaunting his wealth, as well as his status, in the face of fans?

Fans don't need another reason to hate Reigns - but a DiBiase/Drew McIntyre hybrid is, if you'll forgive the pun, money.

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!