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Like many of you, I am a die-hard WWE fan. No matter how terrible the product gets, I will always be a fan. Sure, sometimes things can get a bit hokey and there are times when I cringe just like anyone else. But at the end of the day, it's sports entertainment and eventually, things will get better.
One of the primary contributors to making things boring, or stale, is the blatant mismanagement of talent. While I'll be the first to admit I am far from being qualified enough to be a WWE writer, there are some things that simply rely on common sense alone.
When you look at the current WWE main roster lineup, you pretty much see the same handful of Superstars at the top, the same mid-carders, and then everyone else peppered-in, with the occasional surprise. With that said, it has grown increasingly obvious that some guys deserve much better.
There are some who excelled tremendously in NXT, but when they got called-up, they were essentially thrown on the backburner and forgotten about. Then there were those who came to the company after having huge success elsewhere, only to be tossed in the middle of the mid-card land.
Sometimes things need to be shaken up a bit. It's okay to go against the grain from time-to-time and in this case, it's certainly perfectly okay to throw a bone to a deserving talent. What's the worst that could happen? He or she sets the world on fire and gives the WWE Universe a healthy alternative to get behind.
Today we explore our options, so-to-speak, and give readers something to chew on. Take a long, thoughtful look at both the RAW and Smackdown rosters and try to think of just one Superstar who deserves a better booking opportunity than they are currently being given.
Here's a look at my 5 WWE Superstars who deserve better.
#5 Apollo Crews
Apollo Crews has the look, the size, the build and the in-ring presence needed to be a top-tier Superstar. Not to mention the guy moves flawlessly around the ring. During his time as an independent wrestler, he made a name for himself as "Uhaa Nation."
During this time, he was lighting the indie scene on fire and once news broke of his WWE signing, a lot of fans, including myself, were extremely excited about what this star could bring to the table. Unfortunately, Apollo has yet to be given adequate opportunities to prove his worth as a WWE Superstar.
Despite not getting much love from WWE's creative squad, it appears Apollo has maintained his composure and from what I've heard, he's very popular and well-liked in the locker-room. This should help him moving forward as more opportunities present themselves. Apollo Crews is definitely worth taking a chance on.
#4 The Ascension
If you have followed my work over the past year or so, you're probably well aware that I am a firm believer in The Ascension. I became a fan when these guys were lighting it up in NXT and I've stuck with them ever since. Unfortunately, their time on the main roster has been nothing to write home about.
Konnor and Viktor are grossly underrated and I can tell you from first-hand experience, they are extremely good guys outside of the ring. I have had the opportunity to meet both of them on two separate occasions and both times, they were a joy to be around.
From my interaction with them, it was obvious that they were very grateful to be WWE Superstars and they are excited about their future with the company. Now if fans and WWE officials alike can just give them a chance, I think we will all be happy with the outcome.
#3 Mike Kanellis
Here we have yet another instance of a top indie star signing a WWE contract, but falling flat on his face upon arrival.
Mike Bennett was once one of the top independent stars in the world. He has won multiple championships with Ring of Honor, NJPW, Top Rope and Impact Wrestling. While most of his titles have been tag team championships, Mike still held his own as a singles competitor.
One of the unique dynamics that made Mike such an intriguing talent, was how he was able to use Maria, his real-life spouse, as his valet. Ironically, the tables were turned once the couple signed with the WWE.
When Mike and Maria made their debut and we saw how Mike had adopted Maria's last name, I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. Here we had a pre-packaged tandem, proven and ready to go...then we flip the whole thing upside down. Thankfully, Mike has been finally getting some in-ring work lately. This is a good sign for a possible future run as a legit main roster WWE Superstar.
#2 Tye Dillinger
Tye Dillinger is one of those guys who you cannot help but get behind. Everything about him just screams potential. Having spent over a decade with the company, mostly in the developmental system, Tye is more than ready to take his skills to the next level.
Dillinger made an electric main roster debut as a surprise entrant in the 2017 Royal Rumble match. Fans immediately accepted and embraced the Perfect 10 Superstar and it appeared he was finally where he needed to be, on the big stage, with the big boys of professional wrestling.
Tye had an up-and-down year in 2017. However, he finished fairly strong and came very close to winning the WWE United States Championship. Hopefully, he will take that momentum into the New Year and take advantage of whatever opportunities the company throws his way.
#1 Tyler Breeze
Continuing on with the theme, we have one more former NXT Superstar who excelled to the top of the yellow brand's roster, only to fall through the cracks on the main roster and get lost somewhere in the middle of the mid-card chaos.
Fans seem to have forgotten how well Breeze did while in NXT. Sure, the metrosexual gimmick was sort of difficult to take seriously at first, but Tyler owned the persona and actually made it pretty cool. Towards the end of his time on the Yellow Squad, Breeze was main-eventing and stealing the shows at weekly NXT tapings, as well as Takeover pay-per-views.
I have to admit, I have enjoyed the Breezango run for what its worth. But let's be honest, Breezango is a tag team consisting of two main roster Superstars who have much more to offer, and if booked properly, the fans will easily rally behind both Breeze and Fandango as they move forward into more deserving singles runs.
Even though many called him the next Shawn Michaels, things haven't really panned out for Tyler Breeze.
