A huge part of being a successful WWE Superstar is having the right look – and that doesn’t just mean physical assets. Ring gear can make or break a character, which is why it’s imperative that wrestlers choose the gear that’s not just functional, but also memorable and unique.
Here are ten of the most iconic ring gear in WWE history.
10. Chyna
It would be an injustice not to include a female on this list, and Chyna is the one that stands out in my mind. Her signature black patent leather gear showed off her physique while also communicating the point that she was not one to be messed with. In other words, it was a perfect reflection of her character.
9. Mankind
Mick Foley has portrayed several iconic characters throughout his career, but none more so than Mankind. Not only is Mankind’s mask instantly recognizable, but he managed to take an old dirty sock and turn it into one of the most beloved characters in WWE history in Mr. Socko.
8. Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels certainly wore some of the flashiest ring gear in WWE history, particularly throughout the 1990’s. With a penchant for assless chaps and chains, it’s no wonder he earned the nickname “The Showstopper.” But the signature “Heartbreak Kid” logo he often wore on his tights is iconic enough on its own.
7. The Legion of Doom
The Legion of Doom, a.k.a. The Road Warriors might have lifted their gimmick straight from Mad Max, but it certainly produced some of the most recognizable ring gear in WWE history. Road Warrior Hawk and Road Warrior Animal’s spiked football pads have influenced many wrestlers’ ring gear, from The Ascension to Natalya and Beth Phoenix.
6. Bret “The Hitman” Hart
Who doesn’t recognize those sunglasses and that leather jacket? Bret “The Hitman” Hart wore virtually the same pink and black gear throughout his entire career, easily making it some the most iconic gear in WWE history – so much so that Hart’s niece Natalya has carried on the motif in her career.
5. Kane
Kane has gone through quite the evolution over the years, but the gear he donned throughout the late 90’s and early 00’s is without a doubt the most iconic version of “The Devil’s Favorite Demon.” The full face mask he wore only added to his fear and intrigue, and it’s since become one of the most recognizable pieces of WWE history.
4. Ultimate Warrior
No one cornered the market on tassels in WWE quite like Ultimate Warrior, and no one has since. To kids in the 80’s and 90’s, Warrior looked like a comic book character come to life. His iconic face paint and neon-colored gear were a perfect reflection of his character: wild, crazy, and attention-grabbing.
3. “Macho Man” Randy Savage
Where Ultimate Warrior did tassels, “Macho Man” Randy Savage did fringe – and lots and lots of it. Perhaps no one in wrestling history had more brightly colored or ornamental ring gear than Savage, and it was certainly one of the most notable parts of the character. Many wrestlers have paid tribute to Savage by emulating his ring gear, including Zack Ryder, CM Punk, and Bayley.
2. Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan is one of the most iconic wrestlers in the world, so of course, he has some of the most recognizable ring gear ever. When it comes to pro wrestling, red + yellow = Hulkamania. However, it could be argued that Hogan’s nWo gear during his turn as “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan is even more iconic than the red and yellow combo.
1. The Undertaker
Without a shadow of a doubt, The Undertaker has the most iconic ring gear in WWE history. What more needs to be said? Heck, ‘Taker even left his hat and trench coat in the ring as a sign of retirement after his loss to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 33, and none of the WWE crew touched it even long after all the fans had left the building. If that’s not iconic, I don’t know what is.
These are just 10 examples of some of the best gear throughout WWE history; with so many colorful characters, there are obviously much, much more. Who do you think has the most iconic wrestling gear? Share your picks below!