8 Gimmicks From The Past That Wouldn't Work In Today's WWE
Roman Reigns probably wouldn't have made it if he was presented as a snarling savage.
Wrestling is a peculiar universe to say the least. It's a three ring circus condensed into one. There aren't many spectacles that offer athletic competition, gigantic individuals and death-defying stunts all in the space of one show.
Nevertheless, while athletes, giants, and stuntmen will always have a place in wrestling, some gimmicks do not. As times change, so too does the wrestling industry and not everything that was successful before will necessarily be a success now. In fact, some of the most successful acts of all time may have languished in today's wrestling climate.
Societal changes are often key to success in the wrestling business and a close eye on current affairs can give a promoter a leg up on creating a great draw. Look no further than global relations and war for proof of just that. Post World War 2, the biggest heels were Nazis; meanwhile, during the Cold War, the villains became Russians. Exploitative? Maybe. Smart? Definitely.
The ability to evolve with the world and keep a finger on the pulse is vitally important to success in wrestling. Which is why these gimmicks in particular would struggle in the product of today.
8. The Lovable Hillbilly
Happy-go-lucky hillbillies are one of the classic personas in pro wrestling. A staple of WWE TV for decades, it seems like every generation of fans has had their fair share of hillbilly gimmickry.
Dating all the way back to the '60s and the monolithic 600 lbs of mass that was Haystacks Calhoun, the hillbilly gimmick was a popular part of the product back in the day. Owing in large part to Calhoun's gigantic size, the massive country boy was a big draw for crowds and paved the way for those that followed.
Those that followed happened to be a whole family of countryfolk. Aptly named The Hillbillies, the stable consisted of Hillbilly Jim, Cousin Junior, Cousin Luke, and Uncle Elmer and the band would have memorable feud with Roddy Piper, Bob Orton Jr and Jesse Ventura. While Jim was undoubtedly the best known of the group, Uncle Elmer was the '80s equivalent of Haystacks and mirrored Calhoun quite a bit as a mountain of man.
The '90s also had its share of southern justice in the form of The Godwins. Originally managed by Hillbilly Jim, it was a nice update for the gimmick while still maintaining its roots. Nevertheless, it ultimately didn't last and the traditional hillbilly gimmick has been virtually dropped altogether since the turn of the century.