10 Wrestlers Who Became Global Stars Without Ever Using a Famous Last Name

Edge

10.⁠ ⁠Kane

Before becoming one of WWE’s most terrifying characters, Kane wrestled under the name Isaac Yankem. His transformation into Kane marked a turning point, not just in presentation but in storytelling. Introduced as The Undertaker’s brother, Kane was positioned as something darker and less human. The name itself, tied to meanings associated with warriors and angels, fit perfectly into WWE’s narrative. Adding a surname would have made him feel grounded and ordinary, which went against the entire purpose of the character. Kane’s Hall of Fame career confirms how effective that creative choice was.

9.⁠ ⁠Paige

Paige made an immediate impact upon joining WWE, first rising through NXT and then shocking fans by defeating AJ Lee for the Divas Championship on her main-roster debut. Prior to WWE, she wrestled on the independent scene as Britani Knight, and her real name is Saraya-Jade Bevis. Despite later leaving WWE, she never felt the need to adopt a last name. Instead, she continued using a single name when she joined AEW, performing as Saraya and maintaining the same minimalist identity throughout her career.

8.⁠ ⁠Sting

Sting is one of the most enduring names in wrestling history. A WWE Hall of Famer, he enjoyed success across multiple promotions and finished his career with an undefeated run in AEW. Regardless of the version of his character, whether the colorful surfer persona, the dark Crow-inspired vigilante, or the chaotic Joker-style gimmick in TNA, the name Sting always fit. Fans never needed anything more to recognize him, and changing it would have only weakened his legacy.

7.⁠ ⁠Batista

Batista’s wrestling name is a shortened version of his real name, Dave Bautista, and is derived from the Latin word for “baptist.” Early in his career, he appeared as Deacon Batista, but dropping the first name made a huge difference. Known for his powerhouse offense and “The Animal” nickname, going by just Batista made him feel more dominant and marketable. While he uses his full name in his acting career, wrestling fans still associate him with that single, impactful name.

6.⁠ ⁠Yokozuna

Although Yokozuna was part of the legendary Anoa’i family, WWE chose not to lean into that lineage. Instead, they gave him a name that directly supported his sumo-inspired gimmick. Yokozuna is a term used to describe the highest rank in sumo wrestling, instantly establishing his credibility and dominance. The name helped sell the character far more effectively than a traditional surname ever could. Today, he is remembered as both a former WWE Champion and a legendary Hall of Famer.

5.⁠ ⁠Sabu

Sabu, whose real name is Terry Brunk, became one of the most influential hardcore wrestlers of all time. He rose to fame in ECW, where his silent, violent, and unpredictable style made him an icon. Using only one name added to his mystique and made audiences curious about who he really was. The name itself was given to him by his uncle, Ed “The Sheik” Farhat, as a tribute to an actor he admired. Over time, Sabu fully made the name his own.

4.⁠ ⁠Edge

Edge chose his ring name after hearing a radio station called “The Edge,” later removing “The” to avoid confusion with the U2 guitarist. The result was one of the most recognizable names in wrestling history. While he later competed in AEW under his real name, Adam Copeland, many fans felt the original name carried more star power. He even attempted to shorten it further to “Cope,” but that never gained traction. Regardless, Edge remains one of WWE’s most memorable single-name stars.

3.⁠ ⁠Bayley

Bayley is a rare case where the name itself isn’t flashy or intimidating. In fact, she initially disliked it. WWE presented her with a list of possible names, and she chose “Bailey,” later changing the spelling to Bayley as a tribute to her Bay Area roots. Over time, her success transformed the name into something special. As one of the Four Horsewomen, Bayley helped redefine women’s wrestling in WWE and elevated a simple name into a historic one.

2.⁠ ⁠Asuka

Asuka stands out as one of the most recognizable names in modern WWE. She built an iconic undefeated streak and has earned a reputation as one of the greatest women’s wrestlers of all time. Her charisma, presence, and aura of unpredictability make her feel unique, and using only one name enhances that mystery. Asuka’s presentation consistently leaves fans intrigued, which is exactly why the single-name approach works so well.

1.⁠ ⁠Goldberg

Goldberg is synonymous with dominance. A WWE Hall of Famer, he became famous for his legendary undefeated streak in WCW, where he was portrayed as an unstoppable force. While his first name, Bill, was never hidden from fans and is used in non-wrestling roles, it never appeared on screen during his peak. Simply being known as Goldberg made him feel more intense, more marketable, and far more intimidating—and it played a huge role in his success.