Wrestlers that would work in any era

[Deleted]

I'm hoping this won't turn into a "This guy couldn't work for shit" kind of negativity thread, but instead be more of a celebration for guys who had a style and a way of working a match that seems timeless, and could have a good to decent match in both 1982 and 2022.

Some are super obvious. Bret and Owen may have had to adapt a bit to the more spot-oriented modern style, but it's nearly universal that they'd both have absolute bangers with the Omegas, Danielsons, AJ Styles of the world.

Others you would think might be slam dunks, but I'd argue aren't. Austin and Rock both definitely know how to work, but they're entertainers first and wrestlers second, if that makes any sense. Austin maybe wasn't before his neck injury, but definitely was after it. They were perfect for their time, but if they were debuting today I can't see them reaching the vaunted status they have now.

Anyway, my first thought would be Big Bossman. He was big, he was athletic, and he knew how to be both a powerhouse yet smooth as silk all at the same time. In many ways, I think Bossman was sort of the prototype for the more "explosive" type of Hosses we'd see in later years, like Umaga. Could I see him walking the ropes and doing moonsaults off them like, say, Lance Archer does? No, but I could see Ray Traylor being a lot like Dustin Rhodes where he's quick as a cat with good size and range without all the flips and dives.

[tafkaga]

I don't think about 2 Cold Scorpio a lot, but every time I see him, I am reminded how much fun he was to watch in the ring. Now that I think about it, I can't think of one 2 Cold Scorpio promo or even remember if he could do a promo, but he seems like a good candidate for this thread.

[Deleted]

The guy's a dickhead, but Braun Strowman/Adam Scherr.

[Deleted]

I don't think about 2 Cold Scorpio a lot, but every time I see him, I am reminded how much fun he was to watch in the ring. Now that I think about it, I can't think of one 2 Cold Scorpio promo or even remember if he could do a promo, but he seems like a good candidate for this thread.

Aug 26, 2022 9:35:42 GMT -5 @dax said:

The guy's a dickhead, but Braun Strowman/Adam Scherr.

2 Cold Scorpio I could see being used the same way someone like Ricochet should be used. They usually hang out in the midcard, but no one is going to have any doubts of credibility if they're in a main-event program or even get a short run with a major title.

BRRRRAAAAAAUUNNN is a great choice, which.. yeah, makes it even more unfortunate that he's such a dickhead, because he's the first "Giant" since Big Show that hasn't been 2 left feet and slower than frozen molasses.

[Deleted]

Aug 26, 2022 9:48:48 GMT -5 @hedm2005 said:

I don't think about 2 Cold Scorpio a lot, but every time I see him, I am reminded how much fun he was to watch in the ring. Now that I think about it, I can't think of one 2 Cold Scorpio promo or even remember if he could do a promo, but he seems like a good candidate for this thread.

Aug 26, 2022 9:35:42 GMT -5 @dax said:

The guy's a dickhead, but Braun Strowman/Adam Scherr.

2 Cold Scorpio I could see being used the same way someone like Ricochet should be used. They usually hang out in the midcard, but no one is going to have any doubts of credibility if they're in a main-event program or even get a short run with a major title.

BRRRRAAAAAAUUNNN is a great choice, which.. yeah, makes it even more unfortunate that he's such a dickhead, because he's the first "Giant" since Big Show that hasn't been 2 left feet and slower than frozen molasses.

Honestly, as gross as it makes me feel admitting it... I would've said Lars Sullivan, too, if he was still around. I thought his in ring work there was decent enough (at least when he was in NXT anyway) and he had a look that was unique in today's era and also would've been perfect for the '70s and '80s.

[Deleted]

Dalton Castle

Mance Warner

[Mid-Carder]

Sean Waltman and Paul Orndorff could have fit in any era

[Mozenrath]

Miro/Rusev is one of those guys who would be money wherever you put the guy.

[tafkaga]

What about Bam Bam Bigelow?

Dude could work a classic encounter with anyone and adapt to just about any style.

[thecrusherwi]

I think most of your well rounded stars in their prime would get over in any era. If 1984 Hulk Hogan or 1987 Randy Savage were around today bringing the crazy character outside the ring and frenetic energy to their matches AND instead of working with Big John Studd or Honky Tonk Man they’re working with Seth Rollins or Roman Reigns they definitely would be over. 1977 Dusty Rhodes would’ve been a huge star in 1998. And your top guys today in the 80s with more input on their promos and characters would flourish too. If you’re good, you’re good.

[Mozenrath]

Aug 26, 2022 12:47:04 GMT -5 thecrusherwi said:

I think most of your well rounded stars in their prime would get over in any era. If 1984 Hulk Hogan or 1987 Randy Savage were around today bringing the crazy character outside the ring and frenetic energy to their matches AND instead of working with Big John Studd or Honky Tonk Man they’re working with Seth Rollins or Roman Reigns they definitely would be over. 1977 Dusty Rhodes would’ve been a huge star in 1998. And your top guys today in the 80s with more input on their promos and characters would flourish too. If you’re good, you’re good.

Bruno Sammartino and Tiger Mask are definitely guys that would stand out even now, just for obviously very different reasons.

[fw91]

As a character? Elias? Although he’d have to be more hair metal for the 80’s.

[Citizen Snips Has Left]

“Ravishing” Rick Rude. The gimmick could be dialed up or down depending on the sensibilities of the time and his look and ringwork would be excellent whenever.

[Triangle Lancer]

Dynamite Kid was a tough bastard that could work any style, regardless of his opponent. His top rope moves would have fans stunned at the athleticism. Would fit in fine with the lighter stars of the past like: Verne Gagne, Ad Santel, Jim Londos, Leroy McGuirk. (And if he tried any shit, just match him with Danny Hodge for a night.)

Late 70s Ken Patera, the World's Strongest Man, the Olympic athlete, the arrogant asshole heel that can toss anybody around and claims to be the best.

Dory Funk Jr. because he HAS worked in any era. (Ba-da-Bum! TSSSSSS!)

[XIII]

William Regal. Great technician/legit grappler, can brawl, good promo, good physical charisma, can sell anything with just a facial expressions. The snooty British guy trope works in most any era, but especially back in the day.

[Stone Coke Miami Watson 🥃]

Bob Backlund....worked in the golden era and worked in the New Generation era when he snapped.

I could see crazy Bob work in the attitude era or see him tear it up in Ring Of Honor.

[EP 54 is banned from Collision]

Eddie Kingston. The 'working class hero' character is universal and Eddie can talk.

[MrElijah]

Terry Funk-He can make you care,,he can make you want to see the shit beat out of him

The Midnight Express-Any combination. Hell, book them as a trio. Plus Bobby Eaton being smooth as hell in the ring would be a treat to see.

Sid-Just book him as a killer.

Vader-Now what if Sid could work and was a athletic freak?

Dusty Rhodes-Working Class Blue Eyed soul would be over anytime, anywhere

[Natural Born Farmer]

Vader and Bam Bam Bigelow would be right at home today, whether it was PWG or any of the major televised companies.

[tafkaga]

Jacques Rougeau.

Big dude, crazy charisma, very athletic. He might go over even better now than he did in his time.