WWE: Linking Superstars to Historical Figures Part 4

Hi, everyone; it's Deron Butler once again with part four of my series "WWE: Linking Superstars to Historical Figures". This time around, new superstars are being added to this list, including some Hall of Famers. Some of you will agree with these comparisons, while others may not and compare the superstar with another historical figure.

Sit back, relax and enjoy part 4. 

Vince McMahon: Qin Shi Huangdi

Few men in today's business world can claim they've been linked to kings, emperors and other forms of royalty. Vince McMahon is one of those people who claim to such a boastful thing. Unfortunately, however, it's not any of the rulers I have mentioned over the last three slideshows, but rather, a tyrant. That tyrant being none other than China's first ruler, Qin Shi Huangdi.

While both men have been credited for many monumental achievements, nothing can excuse the controversy they have brought upon. Qin Shi Huangdi unified all of China during the warring states era. McMahon took over all territories by taking their top stars and making his father's company, a national promotion in the 80s. Qin Shi Huangdi created perhaps his most recognizable work in the Great Wall, which took many years to finish and a lot of lives lost. McMahon can be credited with the creation of WrestleMania, having to spend every nickel and dime that he had and turning it into the pop culture phenomena that it is today.

Emperor Qin started to become delusional by having books burned so no one could be smarter than him, as well as enact severe laws and punishments. McMahon, over the years, has become one of the most controversial figures in the wrestling industry, not just for politics, but as well as for treatment of various superstars and even punishing them for not being loyal to WWE, only to come back and undergo more punishment.

Emperor Qin had many assassination attempts on his life, but was ultimately done in when he ingested mercury pills, believing it would grant him immortality. Vince may had several competitors looking to take him out, but now that they're gone, many feel as though Vince wants to keep being at the head of WWE, but you can only rule for so long. 

Chris Jericho: Richard the Lionheart

Throughout history, we've seen great men, terrible men, impalers and conquerors. But there has been one lionhearted man, and that being King Richard I.

In wrestling, we've seen brusiers, killers, executioners and doctors, but one man in wrestling history can claim the title of "Lionheart." That man is none other than Chris Jericho.

As many people and historians should know about Richard the Lionheart, was he played an important role in the Crusades, leading his men into Jerusalem. Jericho played a vital role during the WWE's inception when he became the first WWE Undisputed Champion and later as the man who will "save" the WWE.

Richard the Lionheart renounced his past sins and took up Christianity. Jericho's ring name was inspired from Helloween's album, Walls of Jericho, and not the actual biblical walls themselves.

The reason why Richard the Lionheart was given his nickname was because of his bravery. Jericho's nickname Lionheart comes from his days of wrestling in Mexico under the name "Corazon De Leon," which means Lionheart, and later his days in ECW and WCW. 

Stone Cold Steve Austin: Stephen Austin

We all know Stone Cold Steve Austin is the Texas Rattlesnake, an anti-hero, beer drinking, rule breaking, no-nonsense badass that kicks ass and write names after. But did you know there was another Steve Austin before the one we know today?

Stephen Austin isn't really much a badass like Stone Cold is, but he is known as the Father of Texas for having colonized there while the state was Mexican territory. Stephen Austin is also known for the Texas Revolution to fight against the Mexican army and eventually claim Texas as part of the United States.

Stone Cold Steve Austin is widely known by wrestling fans for having ushering in the Attitude Era and becoming not only the face of the company, but also fighting against Vince McMahon. Stephen Austin became an empresario, which means entrepreneur  in Spanish, and it also means that the person is given the right to settle on Mexican land in exchange for recruiting and taking responsibility for new settlers.

Steve Austin is now a movie star and has endorsed video games, t-shirts and other merchandise. 

Wade Barrett: King Arthur

England is known for its many tales of kings and chivalrous knights. And throughout history, King Arthur is perhaps of one of the most notable kings in history. Wade Barrett is making history himself by creating an uprising on Smackdown.

King Arthur is widely known for having a round table of knights at his disposal. Wade Barrett commanded his legions when he was leader of the Nexus and later, the Corre. King Arthur ruled over Camelot and wielded the sword Excalibur. Wade Barrett will one day rule over Smackdown! or RAW, depending on what brand they put him in if he becomes WWE Champion or World Heavyweight Champion for the WWE and wield his will upon those less fortunate. 

Eddie Guerrero: Pancho Villa

Eddie Guerrero will always have a place in our hearts as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. He knew how to lie, cheat and steal and be able to get away with it. He is also perhaps a revolutionary in the way we see Mexican wrestlers in the WWE today (i.e. Rey Mysterio, Sin Cara, Alberto Del Rio,etc.).

But if there was a historical figure to Guerrero, it would be Pancho Villa. Pancho Villa fought for his people against the federal troops of dictator Porfirio Diaz in the Mexican Revolution. Guerrero was the people's champion, having the crowd on his side and cheering him on to victory. Pancho Villa was not only a hero to the Mexican people, but also a governor of the Mexican state of Chihuahua while he continued to liberate Mexico.

Guerrero is a legend looked upon by many wrestling fans alike for his technical prowess, aerial assault and his tactics to win.

Pancho Villa's spirit and legacy lives on through the Mexican people and revolutionaries. Guerrero's legacy lives on, not just through Vicky Guerrero, Shaul Guerrero(Raquel Diaz in FCW) or any of the Mexican and Latino wrestlers, but also those who've cherished each moment of Eddie Guerrero entertaining us in the ring. 

Jerry Lawler: King Henry VIII

It takes a king to know a king. Jerry "The King" Lawler is perhaps one of the most prolific names in the history of wrestling.

Then there's King Henry VIII, one of the most prolific kings in all of history. King Henry VIII was known to have many wives during his reign. Lawler is very well known for his womanizing ways, whether it was looking at the "puppies" or looking at how the divas are smart, sexy and powerful.

King Henry VIII wanted to leave a lasting impression on the Tudor Dynasty by having a son claim his throne, although he had several daughters before that.

Although Jerry Lawler has a son, we're pretty sure that he won't be claiming the throne of his father, let alone the crown. Let's face it, if King Henry VIII were a WWE Superstar, he'd be Jerry Lawler. 

Brock Lesnar: Hercules

When he came onto the scene in 2002, Brock Lesnar was heralded as "The Next Big Thing" for the WWE, possessing the raw athleticism and strength not seen in quite some time. It's almost like he's an incarnation of Hercules.

Lesnar became the youngest WWE Champion at SummerSlam in 2002. Hercules was partially immortal, but still possessed the strength and abilities as that of Zeus. Brock dominated in a way many people saw as Hercu-lesque( if there ever was such a word), as he feuded with various superstars such as The Rock and The Undertaker, either using raw strength or by using cheap tactics. Hercules did 12 labors without cheating and made sure that each one was done right while serving king Eurystheus.  

Although Lesnar is no longer a WWE superstar and is now fighting in the UFC, he left a lasting impression few wish to make when entering the business, much like how Hercules made such an impact on not just Greek culture, but the world, inspiring numerous TV shows, movies and video games. 

Shawn Michaels: Sir Isaac Newton

OK, you're thinking to yourself how is Shawn Michaels and Sir Issac Newton linked to one another? Well, let me explain. Shawn Michaels, as we all know, is The Showstopper, The Headliner, The Icon, The Heart Break Kid and Mr. WrestleMania.

Sir Isaac Newton was a lot of things: an alchemist, an astoronomer, mathematician, theologian and physicist. Sir Isaac Newton defined gravity as 'What goes up, must come down."

That same logic applies to Michaels, doing his death-defying aerial moves ranging from his signature elbow drop to his famous body splash on Razor Ramon at WrestleMania X in the first ever ladder match. It should be also noted that Sir Isaac Newton is highly religious, being an Unorthodox Christian and sharing his views on the religion.

Michaels is a born-again Christian, often at times showing his devotion to God in his entrances and even in his wrestling attire. It still may be a little odd to compare someone as controversial as Shawn Michaels to that of Sir Isaac Newton but at least they have some things in common.