WWE: Why Alberto Del Rio's Shtick Is Getting Tired

Alberto Del Rio needs to change his gimmick.

After signing with the WWE in 2009 and debuting on Smackdown in 2010, Del Rio has been the same character. Nothing has changed.

He has the same entrance, cutting the same promos and has even kept Ricardo Rodriguez as his personal ring announcer. Though Del Rio is still in main event matches, his fans cannot buy him anymore. They don’t believe Del Rio’s character, which is why their reaction when he enters the arena is indifferent and unexciting.

Del Rio is not over as a heel, which could be trouble for the former WWE and World Champion.

Let’s take a look at why Del Rio’s shtick has gone stale.

Promo Work

In a November edition of Raw in London, CM Punk pointed out a few things on Del Rio during their feud for the WWE Title.

Punk pointed out that he always says the word “destiny” at the end of each sentence. It is his “destiny” to become champion. There isn’t a problem saying one word in this business.

The problem is Del Rio says it the same way in the same manner, every time. Fans are sick of the destiny speeches. They want to hear Del Rio say something different. Maybe Del Rio can work in the word destiny in differently.

Regardless, Del Rio’s “destiny” isn’t with the same speeches.

Ring Work

Del Rio is one of the WWE’s best workers. The problem lies with his move-sets and the way he executes them.

Del Rio has one of the best enzuigiri's in the business. He can hit the kick on any opponent. Plus, his cross arm breaker is a deadly submission hold that has made many superstars tap out when under this hold.

However, it’s the setup that gets old. Del Rio uses a variety of moves targeting the arm.  He uses arm breakers and arm bars to set up the submission.

His work ethic is second to none, but the move set needs an upgrade. 

Entrance

Del Rio’s entrance has always been the same.

He drives up in an expensive car parking it right near the entrance ramp. The former champion climbs up on the ramp and struts while pyro rains down from the rafters.

All this unfolds while Ricardo Rodriguez gives an amazing introduction for Del Rio. It was a great introduction when Del Rio debuted. The introduction still insights some boos from the crowd. Unfortunately, that too is getting stale.

Even though Del Rio comes out with a new car every time, the entrance is the same. It’s become clockwork for him, just like his ring work and promos.

Gimmick

The gimmick has gone on long enough. Del Rio has had opportunities to bring new sides to his personality and on-screen gimmick. However, we haven’t seen that.

We always see the same sides to Del Rio as both angry and smug. He brings no other emotions in the ring. Rodriguez, Del Rio’s announcer, has had more time to grow than Del Rio. He became a comedy character and is effective in his comedic role.

When an announcer has had more time to evolve than a superstar, problems ensue. The gimmick effects a person’s entire presentation. Without a natural evolution to the gimmick, Del Rio could become lost in the shuffle.

He might not fall back to the mid-card role, but he could become a glorified jobber for main event stars.

Endless Cycle

Alberto Del Rio seems to run in cycles with his enemies.

Once again, Del Rio will fight Rey Mysterio in one shape or form. Their matches are great, and both men work well together. But, it’s a match we’ve seen already. We saw this match two years ago, as Mysterio was Del Rio’s first big opponent.

In fact, it was Del Rio who Mysterio last wrestled before he tore his ACL at a house show last year. Del Rio needs to move on from Mysterio and overhaul his gimmick. It’s time the WWE Universe sees a different side of Del Rio.

He needs to reinvent himself to ignite interest from the WWE Universe and its fans.