Could a gentleman thief gimmick work?

[Deleted]

Genuine question because I have no idea how on earth you could possibly do the idea any sort of justice in a wrestling format. Just the question's been simmering in my mind playing Persona 5 the past few days since the theatricality of that sort of thing feels right for wrestling but... I just can't come up with a way to make it work.

Between big wrestling matches generally being arranged in advance to begin with, there being little real opportunity to actually steal something in wrestling, and it being a lot easier to prepare for, "I'm going to attack you at this time," than, "I'm going to rob you," I just genuinely can't think of a method through which it could work or would really turn into anything but a classier Bray Wyatt. To say nothing of how that character type is pretty much made solely to win.

[J Lee O'Brien]

Dec 18, 2018 19:17:43 GMT -5 Lizuka #BLM said:

Genuine question because I have no idea how on earth you could possibly do the idea any sort of justice in a wrestling format. Just the question's been simmering in my mind playing Persona 5 the past few days since the theatricality of that sort of thing feels right for wrestling but... I just can't come up with a way to make it work.

Between big wrestling matches generally being arranged in advance to begin with, there being little real opportunity to actually steal something in wrestling, and it being a lot easier to prepare for, "I'm going to attack you at this time," than, "I'm going to rob you," I just genuinely can't think of a method through which it could work or would really turn into anything but a classier Bray Wyatt. To say nothing of how that character type is pretty much made solely to win.

I could see it working.

Long-reigning heel champ has trounced the roster. No one wants to challenge again, so he gets complacent. Rumors start swirling about new competitor. Champ is initially intrigued, but that gives way to anxiety as the rumors grow. Due to booking schedules or whatever plot device you wish, the champ never encounters this mystery badass. Eventually, someone whispers in the champ's ear (figurative or literal) that the new guy has his sights on him, this further riles up the champ and maybe he starts going overboard is his matches trying to send a message.

Calling Card is sent with a date and contract for title match, and you're off and running from there (presuming you book Thief to win).

As for when Thief has to job, not every heist goes to plan...maybe they got cocky, or their opponent had an ace you their sleeve.

[OVO 40 hunched over like he 80]

Well The Rock feuded with the Hamburglar in 03

[Deleted]

For anything more cinematic in wrestling especially more out there characters the auto anwser is Lucha Underground.

There are many valuable items that liter lucha underground that have means that go beyond just being a champion to the thief could have a litney of motivations for stealing the things they steal.

The belt
the medallions
the gauntlet

Then u got the personal things ..whether it be a mask that was passed down or the bull on Darios desk that these people hold dear for whatever personal reason.

And with how LU tells stories it is very easy to have him steal one thing which leads into much larger conflicts.

Lets say he steals a medallion well now u got issues with the boss and the representitive tribe......which could lead into a conflict with Aerostar since he needs the tribes to be reunited etc

And specifically in LU the thief never has to wrestle anytime soon if at all.

[2coldMack is even more baffled]

There was a Dragon Gate guy named Lupin Matsutani whose gimmick was based off of Lupin III. Unfortunately, his career ended to a neck injury before he could take off.

[Deleted]

I once booked a kleptomaniac stable on TEW. They all had the prefix of 'Covetous'. Colt Toombs was the leader.

In the end they split because they felt 'Covetous' Kwang the Ninja Clown had divided loyalties, being part of the Ninja stable and the Clown stable too.

This was basically a series of in jokes with a friend that were utterly impenetrable for most.

[carp (SPC, Itoh Respect Army)]

It'd work, but you'd have to branch out from being a thief. It'd have to be someone who breaks the rules, but does it for a just cause.

Like, horrible bully evil heel is in a match, this guy attacks him from behind when the ref's back is turned. Or, there's some match and the odds are stacked unfairly against a particular face, this guy runs out and hits the face, so the heel gets disqualified.

[J. Hova]

Thievery would have to be one facet of the gimmick, otherwise you'd end up with Repo Man v2.0.

[Duke Cameron]

On the subject of Persona, how about a wrestling Mara gimmick...?

[This Player Hating Mothman]

Dec 18, 2018 23:30:12 GMT -5 Duke Cameron said:

On the subject of Persona, how about a wrestling Mara gimmick...?

Already happened

[Deleted]

Jimmy Havoc in a dress shirt

[4real]

As long as he wears sneakers....for sneaking.

[Deleted]

This sounds like an amazing use of Money in the Bank

[YAKMAN is ICHIBAN]

Dec 18, 2018 20:11:34 GMT -5 2coldMack is even more baffled said:

There was a Dragon Gate guy named Lupin Matsutani whose gimmick was based off of Lupin III. Unfortunately, his career ended to a neck injury before he could take off.

Damn, what a cool look.

[FinalGwen]

My first thought is a slightly more refined version of face Eddie Guerrero.

[Chainsaw]

In a way, isn't that what Toru Yano's gimmick is? But without the gentleman part?

[MrElijah]

Dec 19, 2018 9:58:23 GMT -5 FinalGwen said:

My first thought is a slightly more refined version of face Eddie Guerrero.

I was coming to post that. I think Eddie was the closest to a Lupin type gimmick. The real question is, would a Zennigata gimmick work?

[Deleted]

Dec 19, 2018 8:50:05 GMT -5 @phoenixtrigger said:

This sounds like an amazing use of Money in the Bank

That actually probably would be pretty cool, just someone going, "I'm cashing in on this random Raw. I'm not announcing when in advance," and then just letting the champion become increasingly more paranoid all night until it eventually happens. Could make for a pretty memorable show-long story arc.

[Rumble McSkirmish]

Yes, but if only they use this as their entrance theme: