WWE & TNA: Stylistically Speaking on the Importance of Character Names

How does a superstar get over?

This question makes or breaks plenty of WWE superstars’ careers each year. Unsurprisingly, there is neither a straightforward answer nor a clever algorithm for success.

In the 80s, wrestlers were presented as larger-than-life characters. Currently, most superstars use their real names or names that sound real enough.

The intent with giving characters first and last names seems to be making the characters relatable.

In the 80s, we had wrestlers named The Ultimate Warrior, The Great Muta and Andre the Giant. These characters were gimmicks; the wrestlers that used the first and last names still had a nickname to accompany it. Examples are “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan and “Macho Man” Randy Savage.

Often times, the wrestlers with stronger appeal outside of wrestling fans would use the first-and-last-name method.

But what is in a name?

The Rock has had a great deal more success than Rocky Maivia. Would we remember Ric Flair if he was still “Rambling” Ricky Rhodes?  “Mean” Mark Callous’ career in WCW paled in comparison to the legendary Undertaker in WWF/E.  Sexton Hardcastle never made it to the WWE, but Edge did.

The name that the fans hear is the name they will chant if a superstar is over—at least, it used to be. Now, with so many generic-sounding names, fans are cheering for finishers.

Ken Anderson got over to a large degree simply by how he said his name. Dos Caras always reminds us that his name is Alberto Del Rio but you already knew that; it won’t be long before “ADR” chants fill arenas, assuming he is pushed properly. 

Many fans felt that Tyler Black’s name change to Seth Rollings was almost a demotion. Many of the same fans did not want to accept Bryan Danielson as Daniel Bryan. Fans feel strongly about a character’s name. The name has to fit the person, and when a superstar has an established name, fans often feel awkward about calling him something else.

Hulk Hogan’s name came during the Golden Age of comics when nearly every superhero’s name was some form of alliteration: Clark Kent, Peter Parker, Reed Richards, Bruce Banner. Hulk Hogan was built to be a superhero, and it also helped people remember his name.

An important part of the creative process is the name; it’s how first impressions are made.