May 1, 20204 min read

30 Day Wrestling Challenge - Day 13 Favourite Gimmick

Updated: May 2, 2020

From the wacky characters, to the technical wizards, the gimmick is what can really push a guy over the edge. Here are some of the nerds favourites.

Ross - Million Dollar Man - Ted Dibiase

Is there ever a greater gimmick than The Million Dollar Man? He was the personification of ’80s affluence, a smug, smirking pretty boy garishly dressed in dollar sign-emblazoned golden tuxedos who proudly proclaimed that everyone had a price during an era when everyone did.

His theme song fit him perfectly, and his manic laugh when proving his wealth could buy him exactly what he wanted was fantastic for making you despise him even more. He would clear out pools so he could swim undisturbed. He would kick out diners so that he could eat alone in world-class restaurants.

He would bribe Superstars to wrestle on his behalf and even paid Andre The Giant handsomely for his WWF Championship. When Jack Tunney stripped him of it, he simply went to the jewellers and created his own ‘Million Dollar belt’.

This was Vince McMahon’s creation and a despicable 80’s version of himself - the hokey version of what would later become Mr. McMahon - and I loved to hate it.

Shafi - NJPW 'King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura

"It's like Freddy Mercury and Michael Jackson had a Japanese kid, and he decided he didn't want to sing, he wanted to knee people really really hard in the head."

It's very difficult to aptly describe the greatness of Shinsuke Nakamura but this quote is as valiant an effort as any I've seen. The first time I saw him I was struck by the fact that this guy is COOL.

I've been a big fan of NJPW for quite a few years now and whilst I have always really appreciated the matches of Tanahashi, Okada and Omega I wasn't necessarily drawn to their characters. Shinsuke was a whole different story.

His flamboyance, dancing and mannerisms boarded on the effeminate but still maintained a threat of being able to seriously fuck you up. As a complete package Nakamura was unparalleled. As soon as 'Subconscious' hit at Wrestle Kingdom and Swagsuke would dance down the ramp he had every ounce of my attention as I knew something special was about to occur.

The super confident members of society are a rare breed. They can wear the most outlandish outfits and do the strangest things but they have so much belief in themselves that you have no choice but to believe in them too and start questioning whether you should shave one side of your head and start dressing like Freddie Mercury (don't, you look like a sad cry for help). Shinsuke was one of the rare breed.

Wrestle Kingdom 8 is the only time that the IWGP IC Title headlined over the IWGP Heavyweight title, this was due to the fans deeming it the more popular contest. Shinsuke was the champion and with the belt in his possession it never felt like a secondary title. Nakamura could have humbly accepted his place in the main event after the vote but instead he entered for his match surrounded by fireballs and pole dancers in the ultimate flex.

The flamboyance was not restricted to just an entrance though. It manifested itself in everything he did in the ring and was effective in his use of mind games during a contest. Just when an opponent would get comfortable or complacent Shinsuke would bring them back to reality with a stiff kick or knee. He more than his moniker as the "King of Strong Style".

I've been lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend shows that have had a lot of NJPW talent on them but Shinsuke Nakamura is the only one I've ever paid for a photo with. Still dripping with sweat he grabbed me and his perspiration penetrated my shirt. I did not protest. In fact I was hoping I would absorb some of his swag through osmosis alone. Alas it was not to be but the photo of my meeting with the man behind my favourite wrestling gimmick ever was more than a worthy consolation. Yeaoh!!!

Brum - Raven

I just wrote

Raven By Brum

And then work made me do stuff

EDIT: Sat in the corner of the ring. Leather jacket. Jorts. Not weird Cena jorts. Hot cool guy jorts. Plaid shirt wrapped around the waist. Bad ass boots. Grunge band T shirt. Coolest hair in the fucking world. A look like he doesn't give a shit about your or your dog. A pound shop "Come As You Are" playing in the background.

The question isn't "Is This The Best Gimmick Ever"? The question is "Is This The Best Thing To Happen To The Human Race?"

30 DAY CHALLENGE

DAY 1 - FAVOURITE MALE WRESTLER

DAY 2 - FAVOURITE FEMALE WRESTLER

DAY 3 - FAVOURITE MOMENT YOU'VE SEEN LIVE

DAY 4 - FAVOURITE TAG TEAM

DAY 5 - YOUR FIRST WRESTLING MEMORY

DAY 6 - FAVOURITE FACTION

DAY 7 - FAVOURITE PROMOTION

DAY 8 - FAVOURITE MANAGER

DAY 9 - FAVOURITE COMMENTARY TEAM

DAY 10 - FAVOURITE ENTRANCE THEME