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Since winning Monday Night Wars against WCW 20 years ago, WWE became the leading wrestling promotion in the world. Many companies have tried outperforming them, but all of them failed.
At one point, getting a job in WWE meant success for a wrestler, but things have changed a lot since the past few years. Independent wrestling circuit has evolved a lot in recent times, and many Superstars have found success through that.
Now, WWE employs hundreds of wrestlers from all around the world and it’s evident that everyone doesn’t get things they actually deserve. Apart from a few Superstars, everyone is struggling to get to the top which makes things even more tougher.
In this article, we will look at four wrestlers who failed in WWE initially and 1 that made his name outside of the WWE.
#5 Failed Initially: AJ Styles (ROH, TNA, and NJPW)
AJ Styles joined WWE in 2016 and made his debut during the Royal Rumble match. His initial months weren’t great in WWE, but after getting victories against John Cena and Roman Reigns, the Phenomenal One became a top Superstar.
However, during Styles’ first WWE run in 2002, he failed to make a name for himself. WWE also offered him a developmental contract, but due to his wife’s college schedule, Styles rejected their offer.
The Phenomenal One joined ROH and TNA and played a significant role in both companies. Styles also worked for NJPW as Bullet Club’s leader, and under his wings, this stable became more popular than before.
Later, WWE offered him a contract again, and this time he accepted it. Now we are in 2019 and Styles is still our favourite wrestler in WWE.
#4 Thriving outside of WWE: Cody Rhodes (ROH, TNA, and NJPW)
Cody Rhodes has changed our point of view regarding the independent wrestling scene. Initially, WWE considered Cody as a mid-card Superstar, but over time, he ended up becoming a jobber. However, the former Intercontinental Champion wanted to do much more with his character, and thus, he demanded his release and left WWE. Nobody would have thought that Cody would become a major name in wrestling, but he did precisely that.
In less than two years, he became a famous Superstar by working for various independent wrestling promotions along with ROH, TNA, and NJPW. Cody now works as an AEW wrestler, and is the vice president, and desires to make this company a successful wrestling promotion. In a few weeks, AEW will host their first show Double or Nothing, and the show is already sold out and has even gotten a broadcasting deal.
Cody is scheduled to face his brother Goldust at the event and fans are expecting this match to live up to the hype.
#3 Failed initially: Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre debuted as The Chosen One, but WWE failed to do something bigger with him. As a part of 3MB (along with Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal), McIntyre worked as a jobber, and due to budget cuts, WWE released him in 2011.
McIntyre returned to the independent wrestling circuit where he rebuilt himself and also worked for multiple promotions including TNA. The Scottish Psychopath had the potential to become a megastar, but due to numerous reasons, WWE failed to push him.
After getting released McIntyre returned to the indies and after rebuilding himself a bit, he joined TNA, where he had a great career. WWE signed him again in 2014, and now, he is one of the most significant heels in WWE. McIntyre is participating in this year’s Money in the Bank ladder match, and it wouldn’t be shocking if Vince hands the briefcase to him.
#2 Failed initially: Bobby Lashley
Bobby Lashley returned to WWE after ten years of prolonged absence. Since the beginning, Vince McMahon handed everything to Lashley, but due to lack of charisma, mic skills, and other factors, The Dominator never got over with the crowd.
After leaving WWE, Lashley joined TNA and didn’t succeed in his first run. However, four years later, he became TNA’s face and dominated everybody. He also won their World Championship belt and fans were surprised to see how much Lashley has improved.
Even though Lashley returned to WWE in 2018, the creative team didn’t use him properly for some months which killed his momentum. Since turning heel, The Dominator has become relevant, but now, it seems like WWE is again out of ideas for Lashley.
His pairing with Lio Rush also received a mixed reaction, but at least he was getting legit heat from the crowd. As of now, Rush is also not appearing on television due to backstage heat, and it could force WWE to change their plans for Lashley.
#1 Failed initially: EC3
EC3 once worked for WWE as a developmental talent in NXT. He had the potential to become the next breakout wrestler, but WWE didn’t think so. After four years of working with WWE, he got released and then joined TNA.
Much like the other Superstars mentioned in this article, EC3 too received a significant push in this promotion, and he also managed to become TNA World Heavyweight Champion. Seeing his performance, WWE offered him a contract which he accepted. After working in NXT for some months, Triple H brought him to the main roster where he is getting lost among other Superstars.
Even though EC3 has gotten a victory over Dean Ambrose, WWE doesn’t seem to have any further plans for him which is why he is still not thriving as a Superstar. Does this mean EC3 will flop in WWE once again? Considering the current situation, this is likely to happen.
