20 best WWE gimmicks of all time, ranked
By Mark Lynch
6. The New Day
Real names: Ettore Ewen (Big E), Kofi Nahaje Sarkodie-Mensah (Kofi Kingston), Austin Watson (Xavier Woods)
"New... Day rocks." -The New Day
The New Day’s beginning was not a pleasant one. People hated them. However, the trio turned that disdain into a heel gimmick. After that, Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods transformed the New Day into a million-dollar merchandise machine. The New Day unicorn horns, multicolored shirts, and Booty O’s sold out all over the world. Of course, money isn’t everything. But that, combined with their wrestling personas are the reason why the WWE has kept them on television for so long.
Kofi Kingston's road to WrestleMania is one of the greatest runs of all time. Big E winning the WWE title shocked and delighted the world. Xavier Woods turned his popularity into an unmatched gaming platform. This is all because of the power of positivity that they promoted and believed in to make their name. The New Day conquered where people thought they couldn't.
5. Roman Reigns
Real name: Leati Joseph Anoaʻi
"Acknowledge me." -Roman Reigns
There was always something special about Roman Reigns. You could see the moment he made his debut with The Shield. Regardless of what anyone saw, no one could have seen what he’s become. What’s that you ask? The WWE's Tribal Chief is one of the hottest things to ever grace sports entertainment.
Few people talk trash like he does. It isn’t just what he says, it’s how he says it. He delivers his lines like an actor on a movie set. There's emotion behind each word. It's even better when he's talking to the camera without a microphone. That's why Roman saying he’s box office isn’t just talk. He’s that good. When his reign (pun intended) is over, he will become the model for future stars.
WWE took a long time to get the gimmick right with Reigns, but he hasn't looked back since his heel turn began. That moment established him as one of WWE's best current stars.