Professional wrestling is a deceptive industry. From an outsider’s perspective, the life of a WWE Superstar is one of fame, fortune, and bright lights. However, life as a WWE Superstar is completely opposite of those luxurious notions.
There is an extreme amount of pressure on all WWE Superstars right now. Never before has the talent pool been so deep with quality Superstars, each one hungry for Championship gold. Once you get beyond all of the supreme talent on the main rosters, then you have the men and women of NXT to contend with.
Simply put, if you are not at your optimal performance level, you may as well pack it up and head for the hills, because you will get run over.
Considering the number of incredibly gifted Superstars on WWE’s payroll, combined with the fact that storylines are limited, it’s obvious that there will be some Superstars who feel somewhat left out. Some of them may feel as if they have plenty of talent, but just aren't being afforded the opportunity to display their skills.
For those guys, there will likely come a point when they have to consider whether they are in the right place, at the right time. It might be a difficult pill to swallow, but for some, it may very well be time to trade the pride of calling themselves a WWE Superstar, in exchange for a smaller scale promotion, where they will be able to actually utilise the talent they have.
After all, the common line that is told to all outgoing talent is- “the door is always open for a potential return.” Independent wrestling is different compared to what it was 20 years ago.
These guys are no longer working for a 20 dollar bill and hot dogs, they actually make a great living travelling the rural roads, making the smaller towns. While they may not be selling out huge basketball arenas, these small towns are still coming out in droves, to support their local indie promotion.
More often than not, you are hearing about a lot of these promotions turning people away at the door, due to high ticket sales. These are the five WWE Superstars who are better off taking their talents to the independent scene.
#5 Jack Swagger
While he’s not involved in any sort of angle at the moment, Jack Swagger has plenty of raw talent to offer. Swagger signed with the WWE back in 2006, after impressing creative scouts during a tryout for Deep South Wrestling, which used to be affiliated with the WWE as a sort of farm system, so-to-speak.
Jack was a highly touted collegiate wrestler at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned All-American honours.
Swagger was someone who the WWE had a lot of confidence in early on. While in the developmental phase of his career, Swagger won the FCW Championship, which is equivalent of today’s NXT Championship.
Swagger had several highlights that he can certainly be proud of throughout his career. Soon after arriving on the main roster Swagger captured his first Championship, winning the ECW title.
As we know, Swagger also has a WWE World Heavyweight Championship under his belt as well. Not to mention he has also enjoyed his own “Wrestlemania Moment,” by winning the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at Wrestlemania XXVI.
The independent wrestling lifestyle would be a drastic change for the All American-American. But, with his credentials, plus being a well-known WWE alumni, Swagger could draw a nice living, as well as enjoying more time at home, with his family.
#4 Apollo Crews
I know, he’s still new to the WWE, right? Well, sometimes the writing is on the wall from the beginning, and when it comes to Crews, I don't see the creative confidence that he so desperately deserves.
I honestly hope I’m wrong on this one, but I just feel like Apollo Crews is not being offered a chance to shine, which those of us who followed his pre-WWE career, know he is very much capable of.
I still remember how excited I was when I heard that “Uhaa Nation” had been signed by the WWE. However, once he made his debut, there was a whole lot of nothing to follow. Had it not been for last year’s brand-split, Crews would be somewhere in the lower portion of the NXT roster, I am afraid.
Again, I hope WWE creative officials prove me wrong, and Apollo Crews gets one heck of a push. But, as for now, I have very little faith in that happening.
#3 Curtis Axel
A lot of my wrestling friends give me constant grief over the fact that I am such a big fan of Curtis Axel. Sure, he has yet to show fans much at all, but for whatever reason, I still believe in the third-generation Superstar.
I was really excited when he was paired with Paul Heyman and given a run with the Intercontinental Championship. But, even that angle felt as if there was not much effort put into place to give Axel a really good chance at being a great Champion.
I get it, he certainly lacks a degree of charisma. That is a trait from his late father, which was not passed down. However, the kid can work, there’s no denying that. But, at the end of the day, these guys and gals can only go as far as the creative system allows them to go.
Curtis Axel has a lot of appeal that would guarantee him a lot of good booking opportunities if he were to leave the WWE. Using his family name, accompanied with his WWE accomplishments, as minimal as they may be, would help him make a great living, in the small towns.
#2 Titus O’Neil
I have often stated that Titus O’Neil should have been a WWE Champion by now, possibly several times over. Titus has the look, the charisma, the power and in-ring presence needed to be a big star.
Unfortunately, he has yet to receive the necessary opportunity as of yet. Call it politics, call it what you will, but the guy simply hasn't had the opportunity handed to him yet.
If you attend any of the house shows, you have probably noticed that O’Neil is one of the most loved by the fans. Many times, Titus is the one in the pre-show VIP meet-and-greet, simply because fans like the guy. I definitely believe he would be a great Champion, but I sincerely doubt his time will ever come, at least with the WWE anyway.
#1 Heath Slater
“But, he’s a former tag-team champion!” Yep, so was David Otunga.
Heath Slater is a tremendous talent, in my opinion. I have always enjoyed the comedic relief that is very much needed in this business. Sadly, I believe that is all WWE thinks Slater has to offer. Heath has been such a good sport, despite the ridiculous angles he has been thrown into.
No matter the situation, he seems to find a way to make the most of it, which is probably the reason he has remained on the payroll for over a decade now. I can only imagine the draw Heath Slater would bring if he were to be booked on some of these independent cards.
Considering how well he interacts with the fans now, I’m sure he would turn that up on the more intimate scale. There’s no shame in being a part of today’s indie scene. Besides, he’s got kids!
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