5 forgotten stars of the Ruthless Aggression Era: Where are they now? 

The Ruthless Aggression Era is, according to many fans, one of the most under-rated times in wrestling. Seen as lasting from 2002-2008, the six years saw stars like stars such as Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, John Cena and Batista all debut in the WWE.

These four stars have become iconic stars in WWE, with each of them holding multiple World Championships and main eventing WrestleManias.

But whilst these stars are surefire future WWE Hall of Famers, not every star of the time was such a huge success, and here are 5 forgotten stars of the Ruthless Aggression era, and what they are up to now.

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Chris Nowinski

Whilst his time in WWE may have been brief, Chris Nowinski holds the accolade as the first ever Harvard Graduate to appear in WWE.

As the runner-up on Tough Enough, Nowinski eventually made his way to the company in 2002, but had his nose broken at the 2003 Royal Rumble.

In addition, a series of injuries led to Nowinski retiring due to post-concussion syndrome.

These days, Nowinski is an advocate for safety in sports, and created the Concussion Legacy Foundation. Whilst he did not hold a title in WWE, his work post-retirement is felt by every wrestler in the company.

#2 Maven

The same year Chris Nowinski came runner-up, Maven won Tough Enough, earning himself a spot on the WWE roster.

Appearing at the 2002 Royal Rumble, Maven shocked the world, eliminating The Undertaker, and later defeating The Deadman for the Hardcore championship, albeit with some help from The Rock.

Released from WWE in 2005, the former school teacher retired in 2007. However, it is clear that it is hard to shake the Wrestling bug, as Maven appeared in Create A Pro Wrestling Academy in 2015, and appears on TV for VH1.

#3 The Basham Brothers

Appearing on SmackDown, the Basham Brothers gained quick success, winning the WWE Tag Team Championships on numerous occasions.

Their biggest success, however, came as part of JBL's Cabinet, a villainous group formed to keep the Texan as WWE Champion, a title he held for 280 days.

After their release from WWE in 2006, the pair joined TNA Wrestling, before leaving for Puerto Rico.

Interestingly, the duo have continued to wrestle, a startling fact considering many superstars on this list hanging up the boots long ago.

Fun fact: Despite their similar appearance, the two are neither twins nor brothers!

#4 Charlie Haas

As one half of Team Angle, later christened the World's Greatest Tag Team, Haas worked with current SmackDown Live Superstar Shelton Benjamin to become a dominant force in WWE.

When the group split, Haas bounced around other partners, before reuniting with Benjamin on RAW.

After that, he was given an impersonation gimmick, where he mimicked stars like JBL, Hulk Hogan and Beth Phoenix.

After leaving WWE, he joined ROH and is now considered a semi-retired pro wrestler.

Outside of wrestling, Haas now owns the Custom Muscle Nutrition and Smoothie Shop, a company he runs with his wife.

#5 Victoria

As an early pioneer of the Women's revolution, Victoria proved herself to be one of the most unique women of WWE in the Ruthless Aggression era.

Debuting as a deranged enemy of Trish Stratus, Victoria became a two-time Women's Champion, as well as one of the most capable hands in women's wrestling at the time.

Famously, she defeated Molly Holly in Madison Square Garden at WrestleMania 20, and shaved Holly's head afterwards.

After leaving WWE in 2009, she joined TNA Wrestling as Tara, winning the company's Knockouts and Knockout's Tag Team Championships.

Victoria also opened up 'The Squared Circle' a wrestling-themed restaurant, but has since turned the business over to others.