One reason today's 'Netflix Era' and everything in between, the promotion is ever-changing. The same can be said about the stars of World Wrestling Entertainment, who are constantly subject to potential gimmick changes, through their own ideas or those of the creative department.

Over the years, we have seen successful shifts in persona, like when a certain bald wrestler went from being a Ringmaster to becoming Stone Cold. While that change helped fuel Steve Austin to unbelievable success and fame, not every switch-up provides that kind of result. A recent example was when Vince McMahon tried to re-package LA Knight as the head of the Maximum Male Models talent agency. It proved to be a total failure, and it wasn't long before the talented star was restored to his more successful role.

Although a wrestler trading one personality for another doesn't guarantee anything, it gives them a 'fresh coat of paint'. It allows for a reset and an opportunity to win over the crowd differently. Even some of the most bizarre character changes can be a success, provided that the performer puts their effort into it and the audience accepts it. For many viewers, it's simply a 'recasting' of some of their favorite stars, however, a handful of WWE performers could stand to shake things up themselves in 2025.

5 Nikki Cross

She Has Disappeared as Part of the Wyatt Sicks

It seems as if every other year or so, we discuss why WWE needs to change Nikki Cross and do something with her. The 36-year-old veteran has been under contract with the promotion since 2016, and she's certainly had her ebbs and flows in her time there. Cross went from being the Twisted Sister of NXT to Almost a Super Hero to her current incarnation as the spooky female lead in the Wyatt Sicks. Because her current faction is running on fumes due to injuries and lack of TV time, it's time for World Wrestling Entertainment to finally settle her into a different type of character.

Make no mistake: Cross is very talented, and her original gimmick of a raving (but lovable) maniac was probably what she was best suited for. That era of her career was when the fans embraced her the most. They love 'Crazy Nikki', but they don't buy into the spooky stuff she's portraying now.. She's lost in an abyss that only a full-on character switch can rescue her from.

4 Andrade

Talented Luchador Has Never Really Found His Niche in WWE

Considered one of the best lucha libre performers in the world, Andrade is a terrific in-ring performer. However, he's never really expanded as a character in either WWE or during his stint with All Elite Wrestling. He's always been considered a commodity by multiple promotions, but he's never evolved as a character. It's more of a stereotype than a gimmick, and that's held Andrade back. And there's no shame in that; several performers over the years have been a round peg in a square hole.

But Andrade's situation is a little different. He was positioned in NXT several years ago as a future star on the main roster. He was even married to wrestling royalty, as the spouse of Charlotte Flair. But even that wasn't enough for him to be propelled to the next level, and the two were never really intertwined in a major story together (the couple divorced in 2024.)

Andrade needs to avoid the normal stereotypes surrounding Hispanic performers and find an out-of-the-box type of persona that no one saw coming. Again, there's nothing wrong with his ring work, but his persona has been mostly bland. It seems like it's time for Andrade to take a big risk and bet on himself to come out on top in the end.

3 Maxxine Dupri

The Beautiful Star Needs to Strike Out on Her Own

It's not clear whether WWE sees Maxxine Dupri as a wrestler or simply as a manager/valet. She has wrestled several matches for the company, particularly on the syndicated program, Main Event. However, she's still a work in progress inside the squared circle. Even if she improves, it's hard to imagine her getting on the same level as one of the top workers in the organization.

Luckily, she doesn't need to be the next great ring technician to be a breakout star in WWE. But she needs to separate herself from Otis and Tozawa to do so. The remnants of Alpha Academy are merely a low-level act now, while Dupri has the looks and the attitude to be a star all on her own. Perhaps she could switch to a more cold and calculating side of her persona, acting as both a manager and occasional wrestler. For now, she is acting as the unofficial cheerleader for a squad that doesn't win very much. Asg her to back up a main event star in WWE would help boost her profile.

2 Finn Balor

A Natural Babyface, Balor Needs a Fresh Start Away From Judgment Day

It's hard to believe that nine years ago, Finn Balor was the very first WWE Universal Champion. And while that title was merged with the WWE Championship (now held by John Cena), it was considered very prestigious at the time. Sadly, the Irishman was injured in the title bout and vacated the crown the very next day. And his extended stay on the injury list has probably sidetracked his career ever since. He's never been pushed to that level again.

Now, he's playing second fiddle in a faction that he helped assemble. As good as the Judgment Day story has been, it's time for Balor to break away and become a babyface again. This time, though, he needs to market himself as a wrestling machine and someone capable of taking any title at any time. Again, this may be another case of 'going back to what worked', but in Balor's case, it's a whole new environment now. His time in WWE as an underdog babyface seems like ancient history now. Perhaps a fresh re-packaging as a 'good guy' could restore him as a legitimate singles contender again.

1 Karrion Kross

His Original Persona and Name Were the Best Version of the Star

This one is a no-brainer, as Karrion Kross has already hinted that he's reinventing himself in an awesome work-shoot promo right after WrestleMania 41. While much of it was storyline-driven, there was just enough of real life thrown in there to make his words fascinating. So much so that many are calling it 'this generation's pipe bomb'.

Kross has always been an effective communicator, often weaving intelligence and insanity together to produce spine-tingling promos. During his rant after 'Mania, he referred to himself as 'Killer Kross' (his old gimmick from TNA Wrestling and the Indy circuit), which could mean he's going to delve into a darker, and even more sadistic, side of his persona. And quite frankly, that's the Kross that most fans want, anyway. The WWE Universe is clamoring for the bald assassin they saw in NXT, not the switched-up and watered-down version of the character they saw on the main roster.

While he may not shave his head again, the Killer Kross persona is more fitting for the performer. Complete with the dazzling but dangerous Scarlett by his side, it's his best shot at becoming the main event performer that the fans have been waiting to see.