WWE Superstars Who Had the Most Hated Gimmicks That Eventually Got Over

WWE has always been about creating larger-than-life characters, but not every gimmick hits the mark right away. Some wrestlers are met with groans and jeers when they first appear, as fans reject their personas or storylines. However, with persistence, creative adjustments, and raw talent, certain superstars managed to flip the script, turning some of the most hated gimmicks into fan favorites. These wrestlers didn’t just survive bad booking or initial rejection — they thrived, winning over even the harshest critics. Whether it was a drastic character shift or staying the course until fans caught on, these WWE superstars proved that sometimes the most disliked gimmicks can become legendary. Here are four wrestlers whose once-hated personas eventually became beloved by the WWE Universe.

1. Rocky Maivia – From Rejected Babyface to “The Rock”

When Dwayne Johnson debuted in WWE as Rocky Maivia, the crowd wasn’t having it. Billed as a third-generation superstar with a squeaky-clean, smiling babyface persona, Rocky was relentlessly booed, with fans famously chanting “Die, Rocky, Die!” and “Rocky sucks!” It was a brutal response for a young star trying to make his mark. But Johnson knew the character needed a change. After turning heel and joining The Nation of Domination, he embraced arrogance, reinventing himself as The Rock. With sharp mic skills, unmatched charisma, and a cocky swagger, he flipped fan perception completely. What started as one of WWE’s most rejected gimmicks eventually gave birth to one of the biggest icons in wrestling and pop culture history.

2. Becky Lynch – From “Irish Lass Kicker” to “The Man”

Becky Lynch debuted on the main roster as the “Irish Lass Kicker,” a fun-loving, underdog babyface. While talented in the ring, her character felt bland compared to other stars, and she struggled to connect deeply with fans. Things changed dramatically in 2018 after SummerSlam, when Lynch attacked Charlotte Flair, sparking a character shift. Though WWE initially positioned her as a heel, the fans embraced her rebellious attitude and authenticity. She rebranded herself as “The Man,” a confident, no-nonsense fighter who wasn’t afraid to call out anyone. With a new swagger and undeniable connection to the audience, Becky went from struggling to get noticed to headlining WrestleMania 35 and becoming one of the top stars in the company.

3. Bayley – From Hugger to Role Model Villain

Bayley was beloved in NXT as the ultimate underdog and “hugger,” but when she moved to WWE’s main roster, her cheerful, kid-friendly persona didn’t resonate the same way. Many fans found the gimmick stale and too gimmicky, especially when compared to more complex characters like Sasha Banks or Charlotte Flair. After years of struggling to maintain her momentum, Bayley amazed everyone in 2019 by turning heel, cutting her signature ponytail, and destroying her inflatable tube men. As “The Role Model,” she adopted a sarcastic, ruthless personality that brought out her depth as a performer. Her new character work, paired with strong in-ring performances, helped her reach new heights, becoming SmackDown Women’s Champion and redefining her place in WWE history.

4. Roman Reigns – From Rejected Top Guy to “The Tribal Chief”

Roman Reigns was heavily pushed as the face of WWE following the breakup of The Shield. Yet, despite his talent, fans rejected him due to forced promos and predictable booking. Every major win sparked loud boos rather than cheers, as many felt his character lacked authenticity. For years, WWE tried to position him as the next Cena-like babyface, but the crowd wasn’t buying it. Everything changed when Reigns returned in 2020 after a hiatus and transformed into “The Tribal Chief.” Now a dominant heel aligned with Paul Heyman, Reigns embraced his natural intensity, becoming one of the most compelling characters in WWE. His storytelling, paired with top-tier matches, finally won over fans and critics alike, proving that even the most disliked gimmick can become a masterclass in character development.

These superstars show that even if a gimmick starts off on the wrong foot, it’s not always the end of the road. With evolution, determination, and the right creative shifts, any character — no matter how disliked — can become unforgettable.