Photo Credit: Damian Priest (Instagram)
A wrestler’s look is crucial to their success in the professional wrestling industry. For male wrestlers, the physique is the most important aspect in terms of looks, helping wrestlers cement their places as larger-than-life characters. Apart from the body, hair also helps shape gimmicks.
Superstars emerge in different hairstyles. While some have long straight hair, some are curly-haired WWE wrestlers, keeping long or short lengths. Check out these male performers who have flaunted their natural curls in style and possessed powerful influence in the squared circle of WWE.
7) Carlito
Carlito is recognized for his unique curls, reaching remarkable heights in his career through talent and charisma. In his maiden WWE run, he turned out to be a primary mid-card star of the company, capturing the United States and Intercontinental Championships, besides becoming a tag team champion twice.
Now, in his recent WWE run, the former US Champion is thriving as a Judgement Day member. In his initial days, Carlito had signature curly hair that looked identical to the afro hairstyle. Years later, he still has kept the same look intact.
6) Damian Priest
Damian Priest ranks among WWE’s biggest stars of the present generation, having already made a significant impact since his debut on the main roster. After winning the Money in the Bank, he is already a former World Heavyweight Champion with a solid reign to his name.
The 42-year-old has stunning long hair with curly and aesthetic dreadlocks. As per his character change, he tries new hair makeovers, showing his commitment as a top WWE star. Despite the length of his curls, it has never been an obstacle in his squared circle performance.
5) Mr. Perfect
A second-generation wrestler, Mr Perfect aka Curt Hennig, was a one-of-a-kind talent in the 1990s when he wrestled for WWE. Although never became a world champion, he was an asset to the mid-card division of the company, winning the Intercontinental title on two occasions.
When WWE was facing hardship in the New Generation Era, Mr. Perfect stood out with his aura and in-ring prowess. In his wrestling days, he kept long and curly hair. The look and hairstyle added a unique flair to Mr.Perfect’s gimmick, which turned him among most notable blonde-haired 1990s WWE Superstars.
4) Rick Rude
Rick Rude belonged to the golden generation of WWE known as the Golden Era. In the 1980s, which was predominantly ruled by Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Macho Man Randy Savage, the Ravishing Rick Rude shone as an underrated gem of the WWE roster. He possessed a well-built and athletic physique, which was not common in that era. Playing a narcissist gimmick, he ridiculed fans for their appearances, while flaunting his muscular body and impressive abs.
Rude’s good looks were complimented by his curly hair. Rocking his full head with natural curls, he kept a mustache. The whole appearance gave him the classic look of an 80s icon in the ring.
3) Sycho Sid
Sycho Sid or Sid Justice remained a notable star in the 1990s. Standing six feet and nine inches, his imposing stature qualified him as a star Vince McMahon wanted in his top Superstar. Consequently, during his tenure in WWE, he received a substantial push, getting the opportunity to main event WrestleMania 8 and 13, respectively.
Regardless of WWE’s attempt to push, he failed to attain the stature of big 90s stars such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, and The Rock. In his WWE tenure stretching to two different occasions, he won the WWE Championship twice. On the other hand, he replicated a similar success story in WCW, where he competed in the 1990s. Apart from headlining the defunct promotion’s biggest live event, Starrcade, in 2000, Sid grabbed the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice.
From the beginning of his wrestling career, Sid kept curly hair because it was his natural hairstyle. His golden curls added elegance to his in-ring persona during his heyday.
2) Mick Foley
The hardcore wrestling legend Mick Foley was distinguished for his skills, endurance, and toughness as a performer. He redefined hardcore wrestling by popularizing the style in WWE, portraying gimmicks like Mankind, Mick Foley, and Dude Love. His Mankind character became iconic in the Attitude Era, with his fall from the top of the cage against The Undertaker remaining among the greatest jaw-dropping moments of all time.
While playing the Mankind gimmick he wore a mask but sported curly hair. His look and physique remained more or less the same throughout his wrestling career. The WWE Hall of Famer is a three-time WWE Champion, attaining the feat in the Attitude Era.
1) Andre The Giant
Andre The Giant was a larger-than-life figure with an enormous build of seven feet and four inches. It is the reason he was termed the ‘Eighth Wonder in the World’ in the squared circle. Due to his sheer size, he was a special attraction in WWE, drawing a myriad of mainstream audiences to professional wrestling.
Besides his gigantic size as one of the biggest men in the industry, he had beautiful dark curls. Hence, he was among the most accomplished male curly-haired WWE wrestlers of all time, headlining the company’s biggest PPVs and winning the WWE Championship once.
Avik Das is an English Literature graduate with an experience of over six years as a professional writer. He has written for renowned publications such as The Sportster, Sportskeeda, Pinkvilla, and The Things
