12 rare photos of Superstars before they made it to the WWE
WWE Superstars are certainly not immune to having photos from the past come back to haunt them. While some are as innocent as an old yearbook photo, others may contain some less-than-flattering material. Nonetheless, all superstars had their own paths to make it to the WWE. Some had it a little easier than others, but they all shared the success of making it to the pinnacle of their profession.
Take a look at some of the rarest photos you’ll likely come across, featuring some of your favorite current and former WWE Superstars.
#12 Ricochet
We have all seen pictures of Triple H posing with Ricochet when the latter won the North American championship. However, the picture above might have been missed by many. Look at how much Ricochet has changed since then!
#11 Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens has had quite a career under Vince McMahon's promotion. From defeating John Cena in his debut match to carrying RAW on his shoulders as Universal champion post-draft, The Prizefighter is one of the MVPs of the company. That is why Owens was made Stone Cold Steve Austin's opponent for the Hall of Famer's final match at WrestleMania 38.
But much before KO became the legend he is, he was a wrestling fan like all of us. However, this fan was lucky enough to have a picture clicked with Stone Cold Steve Austin. Who would have thought back then that this young kid would someday main event WrestleMania against Austin 3:16 himself!
#10 Paige
It’s anyone’s guess where Paige has her head at right now. She is no longer the most up-and-coming promising young star she once was. She has been a part of WWE Backstage and the General Manager of SmackDown, but her in-ring career had to come to an end due to injury.
With Edge and Daniel Bryan able to return from potentially career-ending injuries, fans hope that Paige will be able to make a similar return. But for now, it seems unlikely. She may have to continue to be content with her non-wrestling roles, which she has shown herself to be immensely capable of performing.
Long before Paige signed with the wrestling behemoth, she was competing in singles competition at the age of 13. Paige comes from a family of highly respected professional wrestlers and promoters in the UK.
#9 Big Show
One of the last remaining active and working legends, The Big Show has been manhandling opponents now for over two decades, and is currently doing the same as Paul Wight in AEW.
In his college years, The Big Show was a “big man on campus,” standing 7’1” at the age of 19. Show was an accomplished basketball player, as you would probably imagine. He played for a number of collegiate basketball programs, including Wichita State, as shown in this photo.
#8 Naomi
Naomi is without question, one of the most underrated stars in the entire company. She has worked her way from the very bottom, all the way to the very top and no one is more deserving than she is.
Prior to her WWE career, Naomi was a professional dancer. She was a member of the Orlando Magic cheerleading squad from 2007 through the 2009 season. Naomi also made appearances in a number of hip-hop videos for artists such as Flo Rida.
#7 Sasha Banks
Before she was known as The Boss, Sasha Banks was wrestling on the independent scene as Mercedes KV, which simply stands for her real name, which is Mercedes Kaestener-Varnado. Sasha competed in a number of indie promotions, including the NWA, Chaotic Wrestling, and New England Championship Wrestling, just to name a few.
It’s also worth mentioning that Sasha Banks is related to a few well-known recording artists as well. Hip-Hop recording artists Snoop Dogg, Ray-J, and Brandy are all related to Sasha.
#6 WWE legend Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar grew up on a dairy farm in Webster, South Dakota. It was at a young age that Lesnar began competing in amateur wrestling. https://t.co/t0kr5lk00Z
Brock Lesnar remains one of the most popular WWE Superstars of any era. His name on any card is a guaranteed ticket sales increase, if not a sellout. Brock is notoriously known as a vicious and relentless brawler. Despite taking a couple of quick losses at the hands of Goldberg, Lesnar recovered and defeated him to gain back the notoriety he had lost. The Beast Incarnate is still one of the most feared Superstars on the roster.
Here’s a hilarious bonus from the Beast Incarnate’s college yearbook:
Prior to making professional wrestling his career, Brock was a very accomplished amateur wrestler in his home state of South Dakota, before becoming a two-time All-American, two-time National Champion Heavyweight Collegiate Wrestler at The University of Minnesota. While at Minnesota, Lesnar was a teammate, as well as a roommate with Shelton Benjamin.
#5 Bayley
Long before she was the lovable, huggable former Raw Women's Champion or the heelish character that she is today, Bayley was a very accomplished high school, multi-sport athlete. She excelled in track, volleyball and basketball at her San Francisco Bay Area High School in Alameda County.
Bayley is a life-long wrestling fan, as noted in a number of childhood photos she has taken with former WWE Superstars. Her dream has always been to become a wrestler. In 2008, Bayley began competing on the California Area Independent Circuit and her passion for the sport quickly turned into a success for her inside the ring, as WWE would soon come calling.
When Bayley made her NXT debut in 2013, she wore a mask in her first match. As odd as it may sound now, Bayley originally wanted to be a masked-luchador. However, she quickly opted for a happy-go-lucky persona that we have all come to know and love today. Her gimmick may be different now, as she has shown to have more of an edge, but it is a far cry from what she might have done as a masked Superstar.
#4 Enzo Amore
This may not come as a surprise to you, but Enzo Amore has always been the life of the party. Following a pretty successful college football run, Enzo eventually landed a gig as the Disc-Jockey for the NFL’s New York Jets football team. Enzo also tried his luck as a manager for the popular restaurant chain, Hooters, prior to becoming a professional wrestler.
Enzo is someone who came to WWE with no prior wrestling experience whatsoever. His success is a true testament to how far one can go if they possess the desire to succeed, and in Enzo’s case, a ton of charisma. Unfortunately, it ended up not working out due to his attitude outside the ring affecting how others thought of him. It seems unlikely that he will return to the company.
#3 Renee Young
Renee Young is someone with a plethora of interesting facts surrounding her and her journey to WWE. Prior to becoming an on-air commentator with the wrestling behemoth, Renee was on television in her native land of Canada. She worked as the co-host for a program called “Right After Wrestling,” which was later renamed “Aftermath.” The show aired on The Score Television Network, all throughout Canada.
Another interesting tidbit about the lady behind the Lunatic Fringe is that she was once a child model in Toronto. It’s also worth noting that after high school, Renee began training in improv comedy.
Her ability to entertain had seen her become a major part of the company before she eventually left for greener pastures.
#2 Carmella
Before she was a wrestler, Carmella was a professional cheerleader for the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, as well as the NFL’s New England Patriots football team. Carmella is also a nationally accredited fitness instructor, as well as a personal trainer.
In 2013, Carmella officially signed her WWE contract, at which time she was paired with Enzo and Big Cass in NXT. As we now know, Carmella has now had to battle it out alone on the main roster, with Enzo and Cass being released. She has since established herself and even won the Women's title, outlasting both Enzo and Cass to become a veteran on the roster.
Another interesting note is that Carmella’s father, Paul Van Dale, was an enhancement talent for WWE back in the mid-1990’s.
#1 Braun Strowman
While no longer with WWE, Braun Strowman has made quite an impact in the company. Before becoming a wrestler, Braun had another career that required him to use his strength. Braun was a professional Strongman and competed in globally known competitions, such as the Arnold Strongman Championships.
In mid-2013, Braun found himself on the NXT roster. His impressive size and unmatched power was a feat to behold. As Braun began to improve, he started gaining the attention of more and more officials, most notably Vince McMahon. Braun is also known as one of the best guys in the locker room. While he may portray a monstrous destroyer, Braun is known to be a kind-hearted soul outside the ring.
The Monster Among Men was surprisingly released in 2021, and has since joined EC3 to start his own wrestling promotion.