The road to superstardom in wrestling is rarely smooth. While some competitors instantly capture the audience’s admiration with a compelling debut or a strong storyline, many others struggle to win over fans. In some cases, wrestlers must endure intense dislike before proving their worth.
Over time, wrestling history has witnessed remarkable turnarounds, where initially rejected performers evolved into beloved icons. Whether through character reinvention, improved storytelling, or undeniable in-ring skill, these wrestlers silenced their critics and earned their place in the spotlight.
The Rock: From Rocky Maivia to The People’s Champion
WWE had high hopes for The Rock, initially introducing him as the clean-cut, fan-friendly Rocky Maivia. However, the late ’90s wrestling audience rejected his generic babyface persona, showering him with boos and the now-infamous “Die, Rocky, Die!” chants.
A pivotal heel turn saw him align with the Nation of Domination, allowing his natural charisma and arrogance to shine. As “The Rock,” he became one of the biggest superstars in WWE history, cementing his status as an all-time great.
Baron Corbin: The Unlikely Underdog
For years, Baron Corbin was one of WWE’s most despised heels. Whether it was his prolonged push as an upper-card villain or his tenure as WWE’s authority figure, fans were reluctant to embrace him.
Surprisingly, his downfall became his redemption. The “Sad Corbin” gimmick showcased his comedic chops, making audiences appreciate his versatility. By the time WWE released him, fans had grown to respect his dedication, and his return to independent wrestling was met with an enthusiastic reception.
Karrion Kross: Reinventing Himself After a Rocky Start
Upon arriving in NXT, Karrion Kross was positioned as an unstoppable force. However, his transition to WWE’s main roster was disastrous, as fans failed to connect with his character. For a time, he seemed destined to fade into obscurity.
Recently, Kross has rebuilt his persona by embracing a more psychological, manipulative approach rather than relying solely on brute force. This shift has helped him regain credibility, with many fans now anticipating his next move.
Hangman Adam Page: From Doubt to Devotion
Early in his career, Adam Page’s inclusion in Bullet Club and AEW’s first title match against Chris Jericho led to skepticism from fans. Many questioned whether he had earned such a prominent spot so soon.
Page ultimately won over the audience with his deeply personal storyline involving The Elite, showcasing emotional depth rarely seen in wrestling. Today, he is one of AEW’s most beloved figures, proving that patience and storytelling can turn skepticism into devotion.
Santino Marella: From Failed Face to Comedy Gold
Santino Marella’s WWE debut saw him win the Intercontinental Championship in an underdog story against Umaga. Unfortunately, fans rejected his run as a generic babyface, leading to a swift downfall.
A heel turn changed everything. By embracing comedy and exaggerating his Italian persona, Santino became a fan favorite. His comedic timing and absurd antics kept him relevant for years, making him one of WWE’s most memorable entertainers.
Cody Rhodes: A Career Reborn
Despite playing a major role in AEW’s creation, Cody Rhodes gradually lost favor with the fans due to confusing storylines and promos that missed the mark. His attempts to remain a heroic figure backfired, leading to increasing boos from AEW audiences.
However, his decision to return to WWE in 2022 completely revitalized his career. Presented as the ultimate babyface, Cody thrived in his new role, eventually capturing the WWE Championship and proving his critics wrong.
The Miz: From Laughingstock to Living Legend
Debuting as a reality TV star-turned-wrestler, The Miz had one of the rockiest starts in WWE history. He was mocked for his lack of experience and clumsy promos, struggling to earn respect from fans and peers alike.
However, Miz’s persistence paid off. His work ethic, charisma, and ability to reinvent himself led to multiple WWE Championship reigns and one of the most successful careers in modern wrestling. Now a surefire Hall of Famer, The Miz stands as a testament to perseverance.
Nikki Bella: A Hard-Earned Legacy
Initially, Nikki Bella’s dominance over WWE’s women’s division was met with backlash. Fans were especially displeased when she broke AJ Lee’s record for longest-reigning Divas Champion, suspecting WWE’s intention to erase Lee from history.
Over time, Nikki proved herself as a dedicated performer, improving her in-ring skills and earning fans’ respect. Today, many look back on her contributions fondly, and rumors of her return to WWE are met with excitement rather than resentment.
Sheamus: The Warrior Who Won Fans Over
Sheamus’ early push in WWE saw him claim world championships quickly, but fans rejected him as an overly manufactured top guy. His feuds with beloved figures like Daniel Bryan further fueled resentment.
However, as time went on, Sheamus gained respect through sheer hard-hitting action and consistent performances. His brutal battles with Gunther and others showcased his passion for wrestling, turning him into a fan favorite years after his initial push.
The New Day: From Rejected Faces to Iconic Champions
Kofi Kingston, Big E, and Xavier Woods initially struggled as a trio, with their gospel-like gimmick failing to resonate with audiences. Fans vocally rejected them, chanting “New Day sucks!” at every turn.
Instead of folding under pressure, they turned heel and leaned into the criticism, using humor and creativity to win the crowd over. Their transformation led to record-breaking championship reigns and cemented them as one of WWE’s most legendary tag teams.
Conclusion: Evolution Overcomes Rejection
The stories of these wrestlers prove that fan rejection is not the end—it can be the beginning of something great. Whether through reinvention, persistence, or simply embracing what makes them unique, these stars turned boos into cheers and carved out legacies that will never be forgotten.
In professional wrestling, the audience may not always love you at first, but the best performers find a way to win them over in the end.
