WWE: 15 Stars from Yesteryear and Modern Stars Who Replaced Them

Many people disapprove of comparing current superstars to those of a past generation but let’s face it—it’s hard not to.

The torch has now been passed from the older generation to that of the new breed—well, almost.

If we look at the roster today, it is surprising to see how close it is to those of the past.

I have come up with a list of 15 comparisons/replacements that I believe are relevant.

Enjoy!

John Laurinaitis Replaced Vince McMahon

Granted, this one is a long shot, but I believe that if John Laurinaitis stays prominent on WWE television, he could easily develop into a Mr. McMahon character as Vice President of Talent Relations.

We have already seen some of it as he has tried to manipulate situations only for them to blow up in his face. He also left in a car with Kevin Nash a couple of weeks ago on Raw.

He would need to get the walk down to a T though.

Ezekiel Jackson Replaced Brock Lesnar/Bobby Lashley

Ezekiel Jackson is the powerhouse of the WWE at the moment.

His larger than life physique is a presence in the WWE that has replaced that of Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley.

He is the former Intercontinental Champion and is currently mid-carding.

Despite not having been pushed as quickly as the wrestlers I am arguing he is replacing, he is definitely a force to be reckoned with, shows ridiculous displays of strength and is probably a future World Champion.

Beth Phoenix Replaced Chyna

The first of my Diva comparisons—Beth Phoenix, or The Glamazon as she likes to be known, is well muscled, athletic, can handle guys in the ring and sexy.

Chyna was all of the above and has been replaced by this newer model. Beth Phoenix eliminated The Great Khali in the Royal Rumble last year but Chyna paved the way by being the first woman entered in the Royal Rumble.

Beth is now trying to take a hold of the Divas division which is what Chyna did when she joined the company as a body guard for Triple H.

They are so alike I’d just love to see Chyna vs. Beth Phoenix—it is one of my fantasy matches.

Kelly Kelly Replaced Sable

In the second of my Diva comparisons I am looking at Kelly Kelly and how she has replaced Sable.

In her time, Sable was women’s champion and considered the sexiest Diva in the WWF.

The same could be said for Kelly Kelly in the WWE today.

She is currently Divas Champion and the majority of people would consider her the hottest Diva in the WWE (not me though, I like Beth) and it is because of these two blatant similarities there are grounds to argue that she has replaced Sable...without the nudity and puppies etc.

Cody Rhodes Replaced Mankind

I said as soon as Cody went through his character formation that he was exactly like Mankind in almost every way.

His excellent portrayal of a madman has allowed him to flourish in the WWE and Mick Foley would be proud I’m sure.

Cody Rhodes has completely transformed into a demented guy with a monotone voice and an ability to pull off an amazing promo, just like the guy he has replaced.

Could we see multiple personalities from Cody in the future?

Only time will tell.

Wade Barrett Replaced the British Bulldog

Wade Barrett has brought the UK back into the limelight after it disappeared with the Bulldog.

Granted, we had Regal but he is generally portrayed as a stereotype of the upper class Brit.

Wade Barrett is just a straight talking Brit and doesn’t play on his accent or particular English preferences just like The British Bulldog.

He is also a powerhouse as Davey Boy was.

He is the closest we will get to the British Bulldog in the WWE.

Daniel Bryan Replaced Chris Benoit

Both are technical wrestlers who utilise the Crossface as their finishers.

Daniel Bryan has certainly replaced Chris Benoit with the style of wrestling he has brought with him to the company.

When I first saw Daniel Bryan I remember making the comparison straight away.

There are not enough wrestlers that could wrestle like the Wolverine so it is good that Daniel Bryan is here to carry on exposing that technical ability to people.

Chris Benoit went on to be World Champion, just as Bryan is looking set to do with his Money in the Bank briefcase.

Jack Swagger Replaced Kurt Angle

Jack Swagger has replaced Angle as an over-patriotic American wrestler.

They both have a firm past in Amateur wrestling and both have the Ankle Lock as their finisher.

The only difference between the two is that Jack Swagger has been so de-pushed he was in the corner of Michael Cole for a good two months.

Swagger certainly has the potential to replace Angle in the WWE but it depends on how he is rebuilt and it may be a while.

John Morrison Replaced Shawn Michaels

High-flying, good looking (so my fiancé tells me) and good entertainment all round, John Morrison has replaced the Heartbreak Kid.

The Shaman of Sexy has many years to get to the top of the mountain and many believe he can do it including me.

Some may be calling him Mr. WrestleMania in years to come.

He even has similar attire to HBK.

He is more agile and more of a risk-taker than the man he has replaced but what would be the point if he was an absolute carbon copy?

Christian Replaced Bret Hart

A good wrestler, Canadian and a whiner—he is the new Bret Hart, there is no denying it.

He has been World Heavyweight Champion a couple of times now as Bret achieved in his years in the WWF.

Many people in the dirt-sheets and at places just like Bleacher Report knew Christian deserved to be a World Champion because of his impeccable abilities in the ring.

He fought and fought to get noticed despite his smaller stature and he finally achieved his dream.

Sounds similar don’t you think?

CM Punk Replaced Chris Jericho

"

“I am the best in the world at what I do!”

-Chris Jericho

“I am the best wrestler in the world!”

-CM Punk

"

Both claim to be the best, both are considered pretty much the best so there aren’t a lot of differences.

They are also both excellent at cutting promos.

Both have been the first undisputed Champions of their time—Jericho unifying the WWF and WCW championships and Punk unifying two WWE Championships.

The only way you would find out who is the best in the world, is to book them in a match against each other.

There are so many similarities between the two men it is clear to me that CM Punk has replaced Jericho as he tours with Fozzy. Will he come back to try and reclaim his “best in the world” moniker?

Sheamus Replaced Triple H

Big, strong, billed as a warrior, these two are extremely similar and Sheamus is the Triple H of his era.

Given a few years and a major push, Sheamus could be looking at becoming the top guy in the company, holding multiple World titles and deciding who gets pushed and who doesn’t.

OK maybe he won’t go that far but he will certainly be dangerous.

I can also guarantee that if we weren’t in a PG era where weapons aren’t allowed to be prominent, Sheamus would have something similar to The Game’s sledgehammer at his disposal.

The Miz Replaced The Rock

Bear with me on this one. When Miz became the most must-see WWE Champion in history, he became increasingly like The Rock.

His catchphrase is very much like The Rock’s in the sense that it is easy for the crowd to join in with and the delivery is similar as well.

In terms of his wrestling, his finisher resembles a Rock Bottom in the way that it can be used quickly and efficiently with not much set-up.

He has the potential to match the Rock in terms of charisma and after his recent heel turn, it wouldn’t surprise me if we hear chants of “Miz sucks”, mirroring the “Rocky sucks” chants of long ago.

Randy Orton Replaced Steve Austin

The Viper, The Rattlesnake. Need I say more?

OK then.

Many have compared the RKO to the Stunner for starters.

His intensity also resembles that of Austin’s in the ring. Granted, he is not as popular as Austin was but let’s not forget, he still has at least another ten years in his career.

Orton has replaced the personification of the snake in this era.

John Cena Replaced Hulk Hogan

He sure did. He is the poster child for the WWE—everything the company stands for is implanted in John Cena.

He is who the kids come to see; he is who the people cheer for.

Like him or not he is the new Hulk Hogan.

He hulks up just like Hogan and always seems to win unless it is a really special occasion.

He is a goldmine in terms of merchandise just as Hogan was and he is the king of his era.

He is immortal.

Thanks for Reading!

There you have it. Fifteen modern superstars and the legends they have replaced to create a new WWE.

Many would argue that they can’t compare to the older wrestlers and therefore can’t replace them but I have to disagree.

The roster will always stay more or less the same, with the same hierarchies, the same abilities amongst superstars and the same gimmicks.

Did I miss any comparisons you have thought of? Do you disagree with any of mine?

Please leave a comment below.

Thanks for reading!