WWE: Lord Tensai and 8 Wrestlers Who Prove the Gimmick Era Is Making a Comeback

The arrival of Lord Tensai not only marks the return of the wrestler whose real name is Matt Bloom, but also serves as the revival of over the top gimmicks.

The majority of the WWE roster lacks true gimmicks.

Sure, they all have their personalities.

Jack Swagger is the All-American American, but the nickname is as far as it goes. Kofi Kingston uses a cultural shtick, but it’s really not a gimmick. CM Punk uses “straight edge” as his persona, a lifestyle the man behind the character abides by as well.

These we can all believe with ease.

The WWE hasn’t utilized outrageous gimmicks for a while. The kind that, though we don't believe one bit, we still somewhat enjoy.

Based on these nine guys, it appears the trend is making a comeback.

Sin Cara

Spoiler alert: Rey Mysterio isn’t proof of a gimmick.

So why is Sin Cara on this list when Mysterio is absent?

Mysterio wrestles with a mask on to represent his heritage, but beyond the mask, he’s really just another wrestler. He doesn’t have a gimmick.

Sin Cara on the other hand absolutely does and it starts with his name.

Spanish for “faceless,” Sin Cara uses the mask both as an ode to his heritage as well as a plain and simple way to add intrigue and mystery to his character.

Santino Marella

It might seem like Santino Marella simply portrays an Italian wrestler.

But Marella crosses from character to gimmick by incorporating several additional aspects. These include the upright, speed walk and the silly Cobra Strike.

There’s nothing plain about Marella.

The more the fans eat up his act, the more Marella transforms into a gimmick.

Zack Ryder

Are you serious bro?

Zack Ryder is another “regular guy” with a gimmicky twist.

Make no mistake—the “Long Island Iced Z” actually has ties to Long Island.

What started as a cocky character has blossomed into a full-fledged gimmick stock with merchandise and catch phrases.

Woo woo woo.

For more proof, stand Ryder side-by-side next to a dozen "regular" wrestlers like Daniel Bryan, Sheamus, John Cena, Chris Jericho and so on.

He's clearly the least normal of the bunch and therefore, most gimmicky.

Hornswoggle

Does this one really need any explanation?

Hornswoggle has done everything from act as a leprechaun to jive with Brodus Clay.

He was the flag runner for Team Teddy at WrestleMania 28 and once even wooed AJ.

If you think he’s a legitimate wrestler, you’ve been hornswoggled.

Hunico

The wrestler began his WWE career as Sin Cara Negro before being unmasked by Sin Cara Azul.

Since then, he’s become Hunico.

The stereotypical gangbanger dons a bandanna and white tank top. He even rides down to the ring on a low rider bicycle.

It’s a terrible gimmick that isn’t doing anything for anyone—wrestler, fans or company—but it’s still a gimmick.

Brodus Clay

Brodus Clay has gone from a tough bodyguard to a dancing fool.

Hate him or love him, Clay has caught the WWE Universe by storm.

I personally love Clay’s real self—the rhinoceros-like tough guy who mows over his opponents with strength and aggression.

Regardless, it looks like the soft, rump-shaking side of Clay is here to stay awhile.

Kane

Lest we forget, Kane entered the WWE as a gimmick.

For a brief time, he ditched the mask—the main attribute to the gimmick. However, it’s back and so too returns the gimmick.

Kane represents the WWE’s need for gimmicks.

They hoped success would come to Kane without the mask, but soon realized it (the mask and hence the gimmick) must be revisited.

Lord Tensai

When Matt Bloom wrestled as Prince Albert there wasn’t really much gimmick to him.

He was a big, angry man—with a lot of facial piercings—that dominated the competition.

It was simple enough.

Now, after a lengthy absence from the WWE, Bloom has returned as Lord Tensai.

The gimmick is loaded with back story, intrigue, and even fancy facial tattoos to replace the piercings.

Still, fans are seeing right through the attempt. Chants of “Albert” ring out each time he sets foot into the ring.

R-Truth

Had R-Truth continued on as just a guy who seemed a little off his rocker, he wouldn't have made this list as a gimmick.

But it's clear the WWE felt he needed an extra boost.

Insert Little Jimmy.

R-Truth isn’t just a regular wrestler with a particular personality anymore.

The more excessive, the more exaggerated, the more likely the character has transitioned from standard personality to full-blown gimmick.