Re-imagining the Toronto Maple Leafs as 1990s Professional Wrestlers

The world of professional wrestling is a bizarre one. There aren’t many industries that require putting on tights and face paint in order to prepare for work. While some may be wondering what that has to do with hockey, others will recognize that this is the next in our series of re-imagining the Toronto Maple Leafs.

To catch up on the rest of the series, read about who the le Toronto MapLeafs would be if they were Disney Princesses, if they were the cast of Seinfeld, if they were dinosaurs or if they were hot peppers.

Now, let’s pull up those boots and head to down the ramp to the squared circle

We are about to step between the ropes and connect which Leafs players fit the WWF (Now WWE) wrestling characters of the 1990s.

Re-imagining the Toronto Maple Leafs as 1990s Professional Wrestlers

Luke Schenn as The Undertaker

When the Maple Leafs traded Luke Schenn to the Philadelphia Flyers for James Van Riemsdyk in 2012, it looked like it was the end of the defenseman in Toronto. He was dead to Leafs fans until Kyle Dubas resurrected him in a trade deadline deal this season.

Schenn is perfect person to creep out little kids as the Undertaker. The Undertaker was known for his stoic and unflappable demeanor, and Schenn embodies those same same qualities on the ice. With his tall stature and imposing presence, Schenn would be a natural fit for the Undertaker persona. Afterall, he can still strike fear into the hearts of his opponents thanks to his thundering hits.

John Tavares Bret “The Hitman” Hart

John Tavares is one of the most talented players in the NHL today, much like Bret Hart was in the wrestling world of the 1990s. Hart is known for his precision and accuracy, even being knicknamed “The Excellence of Execution.” Tavares has long been believed to be a robot thanks to sharing those same qualities. The two sharpshooters are iconic in their respective sports. They both also know that nothing good happens in Montreal.

Mitch Marner as “The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels”

Mitch Marner is a dynamic and innovative player who can make magical things happen anywhere on the ice, much like Shawn Michaels could in the ring. Michaels was known not just for his wrestling prowess but also for his charisma. Marner hasn’t had to kick his friend Auston Matthews through a barber shop window to prove that he too has a large personality. Instead, the pair has just been having fun singing songs together.

With his boyish good looks and showmanship, Marner would make an excellent “Heartbreak Kid”. Like the Michaels, Marner is a fan favourite both on and off he ice.

Michael Bunting as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin

Michael Bunting has been the focus of NHL referees. Much like Steve Austin spent the 90s fighting with authority, it appears Bunting is headed down the same path. These days the only way Bunting could draw a penalty is if he were to take a stunner from Stone Cold. Even then, Bunting may take a diving penalty.

Auston Matthews as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

Matthews is an incredible goal scorer. He uses his skill to rack up the wins just like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Matthews flash and swagger translate both on and off the ice.

Johnson was known for his flamboyant personality and his love of the spotlight. That would be an apt description of Matthews. With his stylish wardrobe and ability to lay the figurative smack down, Mathews would make a great “Rock”.

There’s only one question left to ask. Whatcha gonna do when Leafamania runs wild on you?