A wrestler's "gimmick" is his or her in-ring persona or alter-ego. The gimmick is portrayed primarily in the wrestler's entrance when they transition from the backstage area down the ramp and to the ring. This entrance is treated with much pomp and circumstance as it is the best time the gimmick can be completely highlighted. The personality of the wrestler is illustrated in the way they dress, their entrance theme music, their interaction with the audience, and their associated video-tron which plays above their head. It is here that it can be determined whether or not the wrestler is a face or a heel.

 

Gimmicks are subject to change. They are not permanent and are often phased out for many different reasons, including but not exclusive to inability to get over (generate approval from the fans, generate sales of merchandise, etc.) or plain old boredom on the part of the wrestler playing the gimmick. The gimmicks that get the best fan reactions are generally those which are relateable to the fans, or are the most shocking and out-of-this-world.

 

WWE will often employ gimmicks that are religious in nature. Most religions used in WWE gimmicks are well known, mainly Christianity, Judaism and Islam, although there have been many other religions and religious overtones. Often times, stereotypical conflicts between religions are settled in the ring after months of feudal build up. The WWE have been known to use storylines in which the heel is a bloodthirsty foreigner, usually a Muslim character from the Middle East, and the prevailing babyface is a Jesus-loving, apple pie-gobbling, good old American boy. These sorts of feuds are incredibly offensive, but often well-recieved by American fans who love to see their country and values on top. Feuds and conflict are necesscary to create the theatric performance that professional wrestling is.