In an alternate universe, these wrestlers would be the cool villains giving the Justice League a hard time.
How do I know that Suicide Squad will be better than that albatross known as Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice? Well, Zack Snyder and David Goyer didn’t write or direct it, so that’s good enough for me.
As Warner Bros. keeps shooting themselves in the foot when it comes to their DC Comics properties, the geek faithful are holding out hope that Suicide Squad will put an end to that trend. Hitting theaters this Friday, August 5, this latest comic book blockbuster assembles the worst supervillains, as they’re sent on a secret government mission to fight a bigger threat than themselves. This unusual work release program involving lethal and psychotic individuals, features over-the-top, classic DC characters like Harley Quinn and Deadshot.
A stable or faction of bad guys isn’t exclusive to the world of comic books. Pro wrestling has seen its share of madmen and outlaws banning together to create trouble. Everyone knows about the New World Order (NWO) and The Four Horsemen, but do you remember the Dungeon of Doom or The Hennan Family?
Outside of The Wyatt Family and The Bullet Club, wrestling’s villain factions have been dormant in recent years. But we’re here to fix that. Taking on the role of Amanda Waller, we’ve put together our version of wrestling’s Suicide Squad, a group that will have you loathing and cheering for them.
Deadshot – AJ Styles
Floyd Lawton codename Deadshot, is a deadly assassin-for-hire that has been known to do battle with the likes of Batman and the rest of the Justice League. While having no super powers, Deadshot is a top marksman using any weapon he gets his hands on with scary accuracy.
AJ Styles doesn’t have superpowers (that we know of), but the man is a marksman in the ring. His in-ring prowess delivering kicks, elbows and aerial maneuvers from anywhere he wants is the reason why people call him “The Phenomenal One.” Having won heavyweight titles in TNA and NJPW, Styles will do anything to add the WWE Championship to his collection, including continuously beating up John Cena. Just as Deadshot’s been the default leader of the Suicide Squad, Styles has been the leader of villain groups like the bad boys terrorizing Japan known as The Bullet Club; and more recently the streamline version, The Club in WWE.
Harley Quinn – Alexa Bliss
Harley Quinn is the ultimate girl your mother warned you about. In addition to being The Joker’s main squeeze, the fanboys/girls love her, as she’s turned into the most popular member and face of the Squad. Before she went crazy turning to a life of crime, she was Dr. Harleen Quinzel, psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum, who treated The Joker as she slowly fell for his insane charms. Her love for Mr. J is only matched by her dislike of Batman.
She’s got the hair and attitude, so all that Alexa Bliss is missing is the outfit and makeup and she’s the real-life version of Harley. What Ms. Bliss lacks in her small build, she makes up for in her ferocious and nasty temperament in the ring. Both women started off a goodie two-shoes then came to their senses that being bad is better. Alexa also led Blake and Murphy to tag team titles but dumped them for singles success. While she doesn’t have the luxury of using Harley’s oversized mallet or revolver, Alexa’s cold stares and eye rolls get her points across. If they don’t, then her array of moves (including the impressive Twisted Bliss) will.
Captain Boomerang – Chris Jericho
Frankly, Captain Boomerang is a pretty crappy villain name. It’s right up there with Captain Kangaroo in terms of creating intimidation and fear. Unfortunately, that’s the card Digger Harkness has been dealt. Sworn enemy of The Flash, this Australian supervillain and expert thief uses numerous types of boomerangs to commit his crimes.
Chris Jericho may not have a lame codename but he’s worn a Lite-Brite leather jacket, so that about levels the playing field. Between that and his love of wearing scarfs just like the Captain, Jericho is the perfect fit to be the campy, ham member of the team. His in-ring theatrics and one-liners would provide the comic relief during battles. Just drink it in, man.
The Joker – Shinsuke Nakamura
What else can be said about the iconic Clown Prince of Crime?!! Not only is he the most famous supervillain in all of comics, but you could make an argument that he’s even more popular than his archenemy, Batman. Too wild and unstable to be an official member of the Squad, that alone should tell you how lethal of a threat Joker is.
Some fans are probably expecting Finn Balor in this spot, having dressed up as The Joker during his days as Prince Devitt:
I like Finn but there’s only one man that can capture the charisma, insanity and rock star allure of The Joker. That man is Shinsuke Nakamura! “The King of Strong Style” has only been in the WWE/NXT for a few months, but he’s taken over the place. His flamboyant and cool personality has translated well with the WWE Universe, with fans singing his theme song at every match. From his Michael Jackson Thriller-inspired attire to his quirky dancing and hand gestures, the enigmatic anti-hero is filled with that same frenetic energy you’d expect from Gotham’s biggest villain. Simply put, if The Joker had a favorite wrestler, it’d be Nakamura.
Killer Croc – Braun Strowman
Every villain team needs a monster and that’s where Waylon Jones comes in, aka Killer Croc. Born with a rare medical condition that gives him a reptilian appearance with superhuman strength, Croc is an 8-foot tall monster with a bad attitude. The "King of the Sewers" obviously has no fear if he’s constantly getting into fights with Batman.
The WWE’s version of Croc is Braun Strowman, who goes toe-to-toe in strength and size with Croc. Originating from the swamps as a member of The Wyatt Family, this silent giant uses his brute force to do the talking for him, as he tears through opponents. With the freakish size, beard and crazy eyes, the mutated Samwell Tarley look-a-like, would also fit right in with the comic book version of Suicide Squad.
Enchantress – Paige
June Moone was an archaeologist who stumbled upon an ancient evil presence transforming her into the powerful sorceress known as The Enchantress. As a mistress of the dark arts, her powers revolve around dark magic that allows her to do pretty much anything she wants. From conjuring up beings to teleporting, Enchantress’ twisted ways tends to create more havoc for the team than help.
Enchantress’ moral ambiguity is right in line with her WWE counterpart, Paige. Is Paige a friend or foe? Who knows! One week she goes from helping out an ally like Becky Lynch, then the following week she’s beating up a close friend like Natalya. Whatever her alliance is, the “Anti-Diva” or “Gothic Princess” is a serious threat in the ring, having already won the Diva’s Women’s Championship.