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NXT's journey in WWE as a third brand started in 2012. Spearheaded by Triple H, it was initially somewhat of a developmental system, before becoming its own full-fledged show some years later.
Superstars usually graduate from the black-and-gold brand before being called up to the main roster. It eventually became the place where superstars wanted to perform because of the sheer quality of product that the brand was producing.
Over the years, we have seen a number of elite superstars arrive from NXT such as Charlotte Flair, Seth Rollins and of course, The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. However, there are many big names didn't make it to the main roster after a run on NXT for one reason or another.
That being said, let's take a look at the five biggest WWE superstars that didn’t make it out of NXT.
#5 Hideo Itami didn't move up WWE's main roster
You may know Hideo Itami as KENTA in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, who also recently appeared in AEW. Before making his way back to Japan in 2019, he competed for WWE on NXT.
During his time with Triple H's brand, he hit a few obstacles along the way in the form of some major injuries. At one point, the one-time IWGP United States Champion was ruled out of action for a year and a half.
Despite being one of the most talented wrestlers in the world, after signing with WWE from Pro-Wrestling NOAH in 2014, he never made it to the main roster. He did compete for WWE's 205 Live brand in a number of matches on RAW, but he was never officially considered a part of RAW or SmackDown.
The now-KENTA spoke with NJPW1972.com about his time with WWE:
"It’s hard to put into words but… it was a very tough five years. I got hurt, and beyond that I was really grasping for something during that whole time. It’s like, I came into the company to bring my style of wrestling worldwide, but what that actually became was bending and adapting to what the company wanted. That’s important in a sense, but the strength and aggression that I bring to the table got lost. That’s a real shame," KENTA said. (h/t Daily DDT)
It is a shame that his time with WWE didn't work out how he intended, but it is great to see the Japanese star flourishing once again.
#4 Ryan Nemeth never moved from NXT to the WWE's main roster
From the outside looking in, being the younger brother of former WWE Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler, is a big weight on your shoulders. Dolph is one of the most talented and consistent performers the company has ever seen.
For Ryan, his WWE career started off on the right track. He formed successful tag teams in WWE's developmental brands FCW and OVW before becoming an NXT star. He was mostly seen as Briley Pierce, an interviewer.
After a while, and some matches in the ring, he was released by the company and has more recently been performing for All Elite Wrestling.
#3 Richie Steamboat never made it out of NXT to join WWE's main roster
The son of Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat had a lot of expectations placed on him when joining WWE. He had all the tools to go in the ring, just like his father. There was definitely high hopes that the superstar could replicate his father's success in the future.
He became one of FCW's biggest stars alongside Big E and Seth Rollins before the NXT rebrand. Unfortunately, he suffered a severe back injury that ultimately ended his career and forced him to retire from in-ring competition. It leaves us questioning what could have been of Richie Steamboat had the career-ending injury not occurred.
#2 Kassius Ohno didn't move up to WWE's main roster
Kassius Ohno had an incredible career on the independent scene before joining WWE in 2011. Under the name of Chris Hero, he etched his name in history as one of the best indie stars of his generation.
He, in fact, had two stints with the company, as he initially left the company in 2013, but the door was left open for him to return. He did so in 2016 and went onto feature in some major storylines in NXT. His last run with the company was on the NXT UK brand before being released due to Covid-19 pandemic budget cuts.
#1 Adam Cole never moved from NXT to WWE's main roster
Adam Cole made a name for himself in WWE on NXT alongside The Undisputed Era. He was considered a stalwart of the brand, and had a similarly glowing reputation before joining the company.
Cole's tenure with the company came to an end earlier this summer when he left the company following the expiration of his contract. It was reported that Vince McMahon himself tried to convince Adam Cole to stay with a significant run on the main roster. It was said he would be promoted to become a manager and also receive a name change.
In the end, despite performing a handful of times on the main roster, Cole never officially became a RAW or SmackDown superstar. He now works for All Elite Wrestling, where he has rightfully been pushed as one of the biggest names in the business.
