4 second-generation wrestlers who never made it to the WWE main roster

Numerous second and third-generation wrestlers have been through the WWE. Names like Orton, Hart, Anoa'i, Guerrero, and Rhodes are big in wrestling. WWE has shown a willingness to sign certain names solely on who their parents are, even if they don't have prior wrestling experience. The fact that they are crowd pullers is the reason why WWE loves to capitalize on their famous lineage in the hope that can inherit the same talent and charisma as their relatives.

This doesn't always pan out to be the case. Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes are testaments of the highest order to this strategy, while Ted DiBiase, Manu, and Sim Snuka failed to make the same impact. As a matter of fact, for every Randy Orton, Eddie Guerrero or Roman Reigns, there are probably 3 or 4 wrestlers who come from famous families only to fail in the industry.

Some others such as David Hart Smith or Carlito achieve some level of success because of their surname. Some get the opportunity but are unable to take advantage, despite their head start in the industry. This is a list of 4 wrestlers who were signed to WWE developmental contracts but did not make a single appearance on WWE TV.

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# 4 Jake Carter

Jake Carter, son of WWE legend Vader

Jake Carter is the son of former WCW, WWE and NJPW Legend Vader. Jake wrestled for 2 and a half years on the independent scene. During this time he was able to wrestle alongside Vader in tag team matches. In 2011, it was reported that Jake had signed a developmental contract with the WWE and would be training and wrestling at Florida Championship Wrestling.

While at FCW, Jake wrestled formed a tag team with Corey Graves, winning the FCW Tag Team belt from Bo Rotundo and Husky Harris, or as they are better known today as Bo Dallas and Bray Wyatt. They would lose the belts to Leakee and Mike Dalton, who would go on to become Roman Reigns and Tyler Breeze respectively.

When WWE transitioned their developmental program to Full Sail University and NXT, Carter was brought along as a singles wrestler. He would face Kassius Ohno, Leo Kruger, and Trent Barretta, losing all three bouts. In 2013, Carter would wrestle at the Royal Rumble Fan Fest and WrestleMania Axxess against Bray Wyatt, Percy Watson, and Kassius Ohno but, once again, lost all three bouts. His last appearance on NXT TV came against Xavier Woods.

Carter would be released from his WWE developmental contract in 2013. He returned to wrestling on the independent scene a few more times, including 2 fights alongside his famous father. However, his last match of note was against Kahagas at an MSWA event in 2015.

# 3 Dakota Darsow

Son of Demolition's Smash, Dakota Darsow failed to make a similar impact to his famous father

The name Barry Darsow won't be familiar to most wrestling fans. Barry Darsow wrestled for the WWF between 1987 to 1993. Darsow is probably best remembered as being Smash, one half of the dominant Demolition Stable whose first tag team title reign lasted 478 days which was recently passed by the New Day. However, during the 90s he also wrestled as the Repo Man

Barry Darsow's son, Dakota Darsow, also beame a professional wrestler and in 2008 signed a developmental deal with the WWE and was sent Florida Championship Wrestling. Wrestling under both his real name and as Barry Allen for the promotion from 2008 until his release in 2009. During his time he would wrestle future WWE stars like Drew McIntyre, and Derrick Bateman, as well as wrestle other pedigreed wrestlers like Tank Mulligan, Brett DiBiase, and DH Smith.

Dakota would be released from his developmental contract with WWE in the middle of 2009. He continued to wrestle after his release, eventually signing with TNA but he failed to make a significant mark there. His last match was for the Legends of Wrestling promotion where he faced Deimos.

# 2 Shaul Guerrero

Shaul Guerrero, also known as Raquel Diaz, is the daughter of Vickie and Eddie Guerrero

With a family name like Guerrero, it's understandable that the daughter of Eddie and Vickie Guerrero would be involved in the wrestling industry. Shaul, largely thanks to her family name, skipped the independent circuit and was brought to Florida Championship Wrestling by the WWE.

Shaul performed under the name Raquel Diaz during her time in FCW. She defeated Aksana to pick up her first title, the Queen of FCW and backed it up by unifying the female belts by picking up the FCW Diva's championship a month later. She would later enter feuds with another multi-generational wrestler in Paige. And, when FCW closed its doors and WWE moved to Full Sail, Diaz wrestled in tag matches against Paige, Emma, and Bayley.

However, in 2012 Guerrero asked for her release from NXT but returned to wrestle a single match in late 2013. She has since returned to wrestling making an appearance at the Reality of Wrestling promotion owned by Booker T. She also signed with the Women of Wrestling promotion as a Ring Announcer. She is also married to WWE wrestler and 205 Live Commentator Aiden English.

# 1 Richie Steamboat

Richie Steamboat is the son of Ricky the Dragon Steamboat

Son of Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, Richie looked set to follow in his father's footsteps after wrestling for both Florida Championship Wrestling and NXT. During his time with both promotions at FCW, he would win the promotions main title as well as a run with the Tag-Team belts alongside Seth Rollins. In 2012 he also made house show appearances for the main roster against Damien Sandow and JTG.

When WWE transitioned to NXT, Richie Steamboat was also moved across and participated in the inaugural Gold Rush tournament to crown the first NXT Champion. Steamboat defeated Leo Kruger in the Quarter Final progressing to the final 4. He would go on to lose to Jinder Mahal in the Semi-Final of the tournament.

After the tournament, Steamboat feuded with Kassius Ohno. During one of their bouts, Steamboat injured his back. The injury required surgery and, according to his father, meant that Richie wouldn't be able to wrestle again. There was a brief hope that Steamboat would be able to return to the ring in 2016 but it has not panned out.