How did he make such a cheesy, cartoon gimmick work so bloody well?

>>2737649

Nostalgia is why he lasted. It was a different time when he debuted and gimmicks like his were normal. The only reason he stuck with the business as long as he did is a mixture of mutual respect with anyone he worked with and political savvy.

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Because Taker was a master of kayfabe.
I wish he tried another heel gimmick like Big Evil before he retired.

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>not liking Bikertaker

I think it truly is underrated how he took what might be the stupidest gimmick ever and made that motherfucker goddam work.

>>2737649
>never drew a penny
He didn't

Reinvention. Not just the image (from western mortician, to cryptic minister, to biker, etc) but also his moveset. He adapted his love of watching boxing and MMA to some extent into his in-ring performances.

>>2737727
Disagree. At least a few wrestlemanias were sold on the back of "well, at least Taker will have a good match."

>>2737649

because he was always booked strong

when he debuted he never sold or lost, not hard to get over if your booked like that

during 1998 Stone Cold could not even get a clean win over him, thats how strongly he was booked

>>2737727
Well memed my friend

>>2737675
>political savvy.
It's not political savvy to literally be Vince McMahon's bitch and lap dog.

>>2737649
Be surrounded by worse, more uncool cartoon gimmicks.

Reinvention and kayfabe as stated. Yhe guy doesn't run a fucking twitter/facebook so what you see on screen is what you get, and he gets time in your headspace through his performances and wondering what the dude is like in real life. Any part in a wrestler's book talking of or giving any insight into the man is an instant highlight for me personally.