5 WWE Superstars who nearly joined major stables

For everyone who enters the WWE, their quest is to one day be a World Champion. The top position in the company, it is for the majority, the highest accolade they can achieve, and a symbol of the impact of their legacy in the company.

With that said, the journey to being the top dog doesn't have to be lonely, as many Superstars have banded together into stables in the pursuit of their goals. Classic stables like the Alliance, the Four Horsemen and the Shield have all appeared in WWE. Though there have been some Superstars over the years who nearly got in, but for whatever reason, didn't make the cut.

Here are six WWE Superstars who nearly joined major stables.

#6 Rey Mysterio – The Radicalz

Mysterio nearly joined the WWF in early 2000 as part of the Radicalz.

Though they may not have accomplished a ton as a team, the debut of the Radicalz in the WWF in early 2000 was a huge deal. Four of WCW’s most popular stars, the group of Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko, Chris Benoit and Perry Saturn were a huge score for the WWF, and another loss for the Atlanta-based promotion. With that said, there was reportedly another star ready to join them in the WWF, Rey Mysterio.

Though the high-flyer reportedly asked for his release the same time as the Radicalz, his request was denied, perhaps because Mysterio’s colourful mask and outfits made him a bigger merchandise seller than the others. Regardless of the reason, it’s probably for the best that Mysterio didn’t join in 2000, as the group debuted as heels, whilst Mysterio’s natural underdog status made him one of WWE’s top babyfaces upon his arrival in 2002.

#5 Chyna - the New World Order

The Ninth Wonder of the World was given the chance to jump to WCW.

Even today, Chyna remains a one of a kind Superstar in wrestling history. Debuting in the WWF in 1997, the ninth wonder of the world broke down what it meant to be a woman in the industry, tackling with her male counterparts during the majority of her career.

Chyna's look and charisma quickly attracted the attention of WCW, as the Hall of Famer revealed in her autobiography that she had been offered a contract to jump ship and was promised a spot in the nWo. Ultimately, it would be Shane McMahon who would convince the future Intercontinental Champion to stay, and though WCW would have a Chyna rip off (the unoriginally named Asya), this replication never had the same success or iconic career as the ninth wonder of the world.

#4 Christopher Daniels – The Brood

Daniels nearly got a huge break as part of the Brood in the WWF.

Christopher Daniels is probably best known for his time in TNA Wrestling, where he helped elevate the promotion to new heights with his in-ring ability and charisma. But years before Daniels entered the six-sided ring, he signed a developmental contract with the WWF in 1998.

After impressing everyone backstage, Daniels was in line for a push and was even chosen to be part of The Brood, a trio of gothic Superstars led by Gangrel. In an interview years later, the Vampire said how Daniels was the original pick, but his spot went to Christian, thanks to Captain Charisma’s long-time friend and fellow Brood member Edge. Instead, Daniels never received a big break in the company, though we couldn’t help but wonder how his, and Christian’s careers had been if the Fallen Angel was given the push in 98.

#3 Matt Morgan – The Brothers of Destruction

Morgan (right) with Crimson as the TNA World Tag Team Champions.

For over 20 years, the Brothers of Destruction have ruled WWE, toppling all who have stood in their way, and on occasion, battling each other. In 2005 though, the company decided to add a twist to the story and reportedly planned to have a third Brother of Destruction, who would match the two legendary stars in size and power.

This third brother would be called Abel, a play on the Biblical brothers Cain and Abel, and was going to be played by Matt Morgan, who hadn’t been seen on WWE TV since early 2004. In an interview with Wrestling Inc, Morgan said he was supposed to wear a mask similar to Kane’s, and compete with a style similar to The Undertaker, leaving fans to put the puzzle together.

Ultimately, it was Vince McMahon who killed this angle, possibly because he has been fiercely protective of the Undertaker’s brand. Instead of Abel, Morgan made his return to the main roster in April 2005 with a stuttering gimmick.

#2 Chris Benoit – The Million Dollar Corporation

The Canadian nearly made it in WWE in 1995.

We all know that Ted DiBiase is rich, so when the Million Dollar Man stepped away from the ring, it was only a matter of time before the affluent Superstar made his presence known again. Now a manager, DiBiase formed the Million Dollar Corporation, buying out contracts of the largest Superstars to compete on his behalf.

But in 1995, the company decided they didn’t want just large guys in the stable, and almost decided on having Chris Benoit join the team. A technical wizard, Benoit was very different than other members, which included Bam Bam Bigelow, King Kong Bundy and Psycho Sid.

Appearing with DiBiase in dark matches, Benoit impressed many people, though the company decided not to hire him. Instead, Benoit would eventually join with the Radicalz in 2000 and would capture the World Heavyweight Championship four years later.

#1 Big E - The Shield

The New Day star was reportedly considered as a Shield member.

One-third of the New Day, Big E has entertained fans alongside Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, with a mixture of in-ring offence, laughable one-liners, and A LOT of gyrating. But before all of that, the former Tag Team Champion was reportedly considered to be part of the Shield, according to Seth Rollins, and would’ve worked alongside the Architect, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns as a quartet.

According to another report though, the group was always meant to be a trio, with Kassius Ohno replacing the Big Dog. Whatever the truth may be, Big E never made it to the group, probably for the best, as after years of entertaining millions of fans with the power of positivity, fans can’t imagine what the powerlifter would have been like if he’d traded in his unicorn horn for a tactical vest.