Top 5 wrestlers who refused big money WWE deals

For the past two decades, WWE has been a potential industry for the wrestlers to earn fame as well as moolah. The industry has been the epicentre of sports entertainment worldwide. Triple H changed the dimensions of the industry ever since he acquired charge over it from his predecessor, Vince McMahon. The industry is a prominent platform for the professional wrestlers to showcase their skills. The dominance of the industry has made it the most desirable destination for every wrestler. While wrestlers work their entire career to grab a deal with WWE, there are few who turned down the big money.

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#5 Kota Ibushi

The Japanese wrestler was the favourite contender for the WWE's Cruiserweight Classic tournament. Ibushi showed an incredible performance throughout the tournament before ending up in a huge loss for the Cruiserweight Championship against T.J Perkins in the semifinals. The superstar was also featured in the NXT's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic where he teamed up with T.J Perkins. But Ibushi had to face disappointment as the duo lost to the stable SAni†Y.

Despite the major losses, Ibushi showed an excellent performance during the start of his career with WWE. There had been speculation about Ibushi signing a contract with WWE. However, the 35-year-old swept away all the speculations and cleared his stance by stating that he won't be signing a deal with WWE.

In an interview, Ibushi revealed that WWE offered him a 5-year contract with ample amount of money, but he refused the contract because he wanted to focus on the development of pro-wrestling in Japan.

Currently, Kota Ibushi is signed with NJPW and recently reunited with his former tag team partner Kenny Omega.

#4 Bad Luck Fale

Bad Luck Fale is another talent of New Japan Pro-Wrestling who goes by the name of Underboss. He is credited to be the founder of the villainous stable Bullet Club. Fale reportedly refused the WWE offer. He revealed that big money deals wouldn't have given him the achievements that he has earned in NJPW.

#3 Mike Knox

Former WWE superstar, Mike Knox had an incredible time with WWE. Knox was reportedly offered a contract to return to WWE, however, the wrestler declined the offer stating reasons that he is out of his shape to get back for a full time to WWE.

As quoted in Wrestling Inc, Knox in a tweet revealed that he is not capable to make a return to the biggest promotion in the sports entertainment.

As everybody knows, I am a former WWE and TNA Superstar. As everybody also knows, WWE has been attempting to reach out to former WWE stars to help build the RAW and Smackdown Live dynasty. Recently, I was approached by a man named Mark Carrano. He offered me a full-time deal to return to the RAW brand. I kindly declined. I'm 38 years old, my body isn't capable of being a full-time WWE wrestler anymore like it was back in 2006, 10 years ago. I like the idea of being on the independent scene, mainly because I get to pick the dates I want to work. After recent concussion issues, I was advised to retire. I said no. 2 months later, I made a remarkable recovery and was cleared to compete. Although, I just didn't feel as good as I used to when I wrestled full time. Since February 2016, I have been semiretired. If WWE decides to reconsider and offer me a part-time deal, I'd gladly accept it. I have no bad blood with WWE, I just can't physically compete full-time anymore. As far as a TNA return goes, consider it off the table. At least WWE knows how to pay their talents on time, just saying...

-Mike Hettinga aka Mike Knox

Currently, Knox is signed with Japanese promotion Inoki Genome Federation.

#2 Daniel Bryan

Current General Manager of WWE SmackDown Live, Daniel Bryan was approached with a major deal by WWE. Bryan was offered a huge contract extension which would pay him the downside guarantee of a main event wrestler even though he wouldn’t be wrestling. However, Bryan declined the offer. Daniel Bryan is speculated to leave WWE when his contract expires. He can make his return to the ring again by signing a deal with any other promotion.

#1 Kenny Omega

One of the world's premier professional wrestlers, Kenny Omega was offered a contract to join WWE on multiple occasions in 2015. However, the NJPW superstar rejected the offer because he felt that WWE wanted to take full creative control of his character.

Speaking in an interview with Tokyo Sports, Kenny revealed why he didn't sign a contract with WWE. He stated that he was holding back for his former tag team partner Kota Ibushi so that they can change the world together.

"If we aren’t together, there’s no point. I want us to change the world together. I took belts with Bullet Club, did a lot, but that was all the job. Golden Lovers transcends wrestling. This is real life. As long as there was a chance for this to happen, I wasn’t going to say goodbye to NJPW.”

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