5 biggest WWE superstars that didn’t make it out of NXT

Adam Cole inside the WWE ThunderDome
Adam Cole inside the WWE ThunderDome

#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.

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