Luck plays a major role in WWE just like any other cut-throat company. Having the right connections, timing, good looks, and stature are some examples of luck in this extremely competitive business. Other examples of luck include avoiding a major injury or surviving a life-threatening incident.
Luck, unlike strength and in-ring work rate, isn’t earned. The pro wrestling business has seen many superstars pushed to greater heights because they had luck on their side. Stars such as The Ultimate Warrior and The Great Khali weren’t exactly known for their technical prowess or mic work yet they ended up being world champions.
CM Punk’s injury paved way for Drew McIntyre’s road to WWE WrestleMania
Drew McIntyre’s current WWE direction is a testament to his sheer dedication and a little bit of luck by his side. The Scottish Warrior headlined WrestleMania 36 with zero fans in attendance. He hopes to right all the wrongs at WrestleMania XL.
McIntyre’s road to WrestleMania 40 has been nothing short of extraordinary. He wasn’t even in the world title picture. CM Punk versus Seth Rollins was the direction until the Straight Edge Superstar tore his triceps at the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble.
McIntyre once again found himself in the world title picture following Punk’s injury. He won the 2024 Men’s Elimination Chamber to earn another shot against Rollins. Here’s hoping the Scottish Warrior McIntyre wins the big match come April.
Kevin Nash
Kevin Nash survived multiple gimmicks before he gained recognition as Diesel in WWE. The big man brought his real-life friendship with Shawn Michaels to television in the mid-nineties. Diesel would play HBK’s bodyguard before the eventual implosion.
Vince McMahon pulled the trigger on a massive push for Nash. He’d defeat Bob Backlund in a matter of minutes to win his first and only WWE Championship. Not many wanted to see Nash as top champion but his reign lasted for more than 350 days.
Randy Orton
Randy Orton was seen as another nepotism hire when he first started in this business all those years ago. His grandfather was a wrestler. Father “Cowboy” Bob Orton worked multiple WrestleMania events.
Orton has literally been in fortunate situations more than most people in this business. His ties to the right people prevented him from being fired on multiple occasions. The Viper learned things the hard way and ended up being one of the greatest of all time.
According to WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray: “When it comes to in the ring, when it comes to actual professional wrestling, the psychology, the registering, the selling, the story, Randy’s as perfect as it comes.” (H/T PWMania)
Big E survived a career-ending injury
You’re probably wondering why Big E’s name is on this list. The man is the definition of hard work and persistence. He’s shed sweat, blood, and tears for this business. The former WWE Champion is respected by fans and peers alike.
With that being said, Big E surviving his neck injury might be one of the greatest examples of having luck by your side in this injury. The New Day member landed head-first following a botched belly-to-belly suplex by Ridge Holland in 2022.
The footage itself is an extremely uncomfortable watch. Luckily and thankfully, Big E didn’t break his neck upon impact. The doctors told he could’ve been paralyzed. Fans are anticipating the superstar’s return to active in-ring competition.
Triple H is WWE’s Chief Content Officer
They call Triple H “The Cerebral Assassin” for a reason. The real-life Paul Levesque jumped ship from WCW to WWE in the mid-nineties. His friendship with The Kliq helped him in a major way in his early career with the company.
Many people would argue that Hunter’s romance with Stephanie McMahon became the reason for his massive success. There may be some truth to it, but his dedication and hard work played a huge role as well.
Triple H proved he was a student of the game early on. His success as WWE’s Chief Content Officer speaks volumes about his incredible understanding of the business. In the end, it’s all about the game and how you play it.
Also read: Eric Bischoff says Triple H Was Consistent And Good, But He’s Never Been A Superstar
