WWE: Paul Heyman's 10 Greatest Protegees

9. 911

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLoqds9dZkI Independent wrestler Al Pollig was so touted for future success that in 1994 (as "Al The Sledgehammer) he was awarded Pro Wrestling Illustrated's "Rookie of the Year" award. 1995 found him in ECW, as hardcore enforcer 911, one-third of the "New Dangerous Alliance" with Sabu and The Tasmaniac (later shortened to Taz). Always one with his finger on the zeitgeist, Paul E.'s idea for 911's gimmick was simple. Whenever ECW would have not-so-hardcore elements appearing in the ring, 911 (accompanied by Heyman) would storm the ring and give the offending party a chokeslam. In 1994, the chokeslam was arguably the hottest move in mainstream pro wrestling, as WCW's The Giant was using it as his finishing maneuver. However, there was something far more unrestrained about 911's chokeslams, as the bumps that ex-WCW lower-card talent Jim Steele and yes, Sanata Claus, took, were different. In fact, 911 got so over with the gimmick (even given a pronounced lack of in-ring seasoning) that by 1996, the re-christened "Big Al," "Sledgehmmer" or "Tombstone" was signed by World Championship Wrestling and appeared as an lower-card talent on WCW Monday Nitro and other programming.Thus, it's another classic example of Heyman hiding weaknesses and in associating himself with a character's strengths, made him appear to be a larger than life superstar.