8 Wrestlers With Gimmicks Ripped Off From Comics

3. CM Punk (Anarky)

CM Punk Anarky
WWE.com/DC Comics

Anarky, originally introduced to Batman fans as young Lonnie Machin, is a character compelled to tear down authority and improve social conditions as a result. He's a powerful beacon of rage mixed with good intentions, and Anarky is one of DC's most underrated, yet nonetheless intriguing, personalities.

In wrestling, there's been nobody closer to Anarky's mind set than CM Punk. He even pretty much dressed the same at periods in his WWE career. That hood-up entrance, moody (almost sneering and defiant) facial expression and the anarchist symbolism emblazoned across his chest had to be inspired by Machin's second self.

Looking at Punk's rise from cherished indy prodigy to renegade WWE superstar makes it all the more glaring that he lifted elements of Anarky, or was at least inspired by them.

In a bizarre sense, Vince McMahon became akin to how Anarky viewed Bruce Wayne in the comics. By disrupting an entitled millionaire's plans, Punk talked his way up the ladder and appeared almost as an anti-hero in WWE.

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Peyton Royce
 
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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.