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Being over the top is one of the primary characteristics of professional wrestling. The sport combines theatrics with athletics… along with Hollywood-caliber storylines. Still, just because a character has a wild storyline, that doesn’t mean audiences will automatically gravitate toward them. The best gimmicks combine the unbelievable with the relatable.
Still, being over the top in the world of entertainment is always a bonus. In fact, it’s what some audiences look for in popular media—and it transcends the world of pro wrestling. For example, consider a top online casino, which will offer dozens of slots to its players.
As the most popular casino game, platforms curate a huge list of slots for users to choose from, each more fantastical than the last. There’s Playboy Fortunes, Nika Queen of Persia, Adventures of Captain Juan, and much more. The more elaborate and exciting the theme, the more likely a player is to select that slot… which might feel familiar for long-time fans of the WWE and AEW.
While wrestlers don’t always have to go over the top to gain stardom (looking at you, Kenny Omega), it’s definitely one of the standout elements of pro wrestling. The bigger the character, the higher the stakes and the more viewers are invested in seeing how the angle pans out.
So, what are some of the most OTT and successful wrestlers from AEW and WWE since 2000? Keep reading for some of the best.
The Fiend
Bray Wyatt
Even when Bray Wyatt debuted on the WWE’s main roster back in 2013, he surprised and delighted wrestling fans with his role as head of The Wyatt Family. The cult leader gimmick suited Wyatt’s spooky demeanor… but it was his turn as The Fiend that really pushed Wyatt into OTT territory.
The Fiend was first introduced to fans as part of the WWE’s cross-programming of Firefly Fun House, a spine-tingling show that featured puppets and witch dolls. Throw in more sinister clothing and a terrifying mask, then a defeat by the Mandible Claw during a Hell in a Cell match in 2019, and The Fiend was officially a fan favorite.
The WWE’s Firefly Fun House gimmick, combined with Wyatt’s incredible ability to transform into a highly unsettling character has made The Fiend (and The Wyatt Family) one of the most satisfying heels to boo from the stands.
Edge
Adam Copeland
When Edge burst onto the scene in the early 2000s, his entrance marked how successful and creative his gimmick would be. Edge entered through the crowd—which paired well with his reputation for attacking strangers on the street for no reason. What put Edge into OTT territory was his intuition in the ring and ability to play mind games.
He didn’t struggle to convince audiences that he was a heady villain, which helped him take home multiple titles. And who can forget his decision to slap John Cena’s dad as a form of psychological battle before stepping into the ring for the Summerslam match?
Edge hit such heights with the wrestling community that SmackDown ratings took a beating when he left the WWE. Aside from his character, he’s also remembered for being a tag team champion and a pioneer for WrestleMania events.
Jon Moxley
Jonathan Good
Jon Moxley did well for himself during his stint in the WWE as Dean Ambrose and part of The Shield. When he made the switch to AEW in 2019, he returned to his Jon Moxley character. Similar to The Fiend, Moxley’s charm is all about his deranged persona, which feels incredibly real.
And Jon Moxley’s best matches have come from AEW (and the NJPW) as a result. He immediately began making waves, using a Paradigm Shift on Kenny Omega in their debut match and then going on to help form the Blackpool Combat Club. Behind it all is Moxley’s even-keeled lunacy, which seems to feel even more real as he continues his reign in AEW.
