Favorite underdog in wrestling

[Stuntz]

Quite a simple yet diverse subject crossed my mind today, so I figured I would ask you all the same question.

Who was the most interesting underdog, or what was the best underdog story in wrestling, that was in any of the major brands in history?

To me the one that pops into my head over and over, was the Zack Gowen storyline in WWE in 2002 - 2003 culminating with the beating he took against now UFC badass Brock Lesnar. This guy for those of you who dont remember was about 150lbs soaking wet and had one (yes I said one (1))leg. To me this kids entire WWE career was amazing just because he actually wasnt to bad in the ring and he got his over on Vince in the long run.

 

[Hulk Hogan's Brother]

I'd go with Jeff Hardy as my choice for the best underdog in pro wrestling. What I liked was the fact that he was actually booked as an underdog most of the time in the sense that he lost some matches and won some as well. It was never a sure thing that he would win, and I felt that way right upto the point when he won his World Title in 2008. His offense was also realistic unlike say that of a Rey Mysterio and so was the fact that that one of his major title victories came in a Ladder match, a match he specializes in.

Rey Mysterio is the quinessential underdog in the WWE but I lost interest in him the moment he started winning matches on a daily basis. The most annoying thing about him is the 619. I know that in wrestling you have to suspend reality but there comes a point when it gets too far. This is one such case.

Zack Gowen was good for what he was but he was a novelty act who was never going to be a long term option. With guys like Jeff and Rey you can actually build a fanbase but how do you build a fanbase for a guy whose USP is that he had one leg?

 

[neildittmar]

As an aside, Zach Gowen not being a long-term option was probably one of the single biggest mistakes Vince and company has ever made. This is particularly true with hindsight knowledge that the "PG era" was about to unfold after his departure. Gowen was absolutely made for this era, providing a true-life "overcoming adversity" story that characters like John Cena only hint at. The "Ruthless Aggresion" years would've provided Gowen all the experience he needed to truly excel in the years that would follow.

But I digress...

My favorite underdog story is probably Mikey Whipwreck. Upon first glance, this kid looked like he was a fan or at the very best, part of the ring crew (which is actually how he got his "in"). Paul E. put him out there and he proceeded to get his clock cleaned, much to the delight of the rabid ECW fanbase. He wasn't just counting the lights on a daily basis, but literally getting destroyed by anyone they put in front of him.

Then something changed. A fluke tag-title win with Cactus Jack gave Mikey a much needed rub as well as some credibility. A legitimate singles run was in the cards. After beating a number of name guys in typical underdog fashion (beaten for most of the match, only to sneak or steal a win), he was looking at a world title match against Sandman which he won, making him the youngest world champion in ECW history. Other career highlights include his legitimate win over "Superstar" Steve Austin (in which Austin put him over big time in an interview that followed) and giving Cactus Jack his last ECW match.

For me, there was just something that clicked about Whipwreck. He truly seemed like the perennial jobber thrown out there merely to satiate the extreme crowds thirst for blood and guts. Along the way though he got better, then he got legitimate, then he became a world champion. Making something out of absolutely nothing... that's the best underdog story one could possibly tell.