For those that have been watching wrestling for a long time, we all have those times when we reminisce on past talented superstars that were used horribly wrong.
After the conclusion of the Elimination Chamber 2017 pay-per-view, I had the urge to go back to the WWE Network and reflect on some of my personal favorite wrestlers that failed to meet expectations. They either were used horribly wrong, or ruined their careers themselves due to out-of-the-ring circumstances.
Don’t get me wrong, I love where the WWE is at today with the addition of many former TNA superstars such as; AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Bobby Roode, and company.
I came up with a short list of superstars that would flourish in today’s wrestling world if they were used correctly.
Drew Galloway (formerly Drew McIntrye)
As mentioned earlier, some couldn’t get their act together outside the ring and eventually would run out their welcome to the WWE universe. Drew McIntyre, who is now “Drew Galloway” with TNA, was one of the up-and-coming superstars during his tenure in the WWE.
Vince McMahon knew what he had with Galloway. Remember the “chosen one” storyline? Not to mention he was the Intercontinental Champion for an extended period of time. Anytime you strike gold with a wrestler who is phenomenal as a heel, it’s key to keep them aboard by any means necessary.
Whether you hate them or love them, heels drive the wrestling world and play a very important role in the success of the company. Galloway, just couldn’t stay out of trouble, so understandably he was released from his WWE contract
John Morrison
According to the Inquisitr, back in August of 2016 Vince McMahon had interested in bringing back the former 3-time Intercontinental Champion John Morrison. He is currently with Lucha Underground, but I could see him making a return.
Even if he does come back, he’s now 37 years old and has missed significant time since his departure in 2011 when he could have been winning titles.
Morrison, is one of the very few superstars that works as both a “face” and a “heel.” He’s an exciting superstar in the ring but could have used some work with his mic skills. Maybe that’s what held him back from achieving greater things, but that is a lot more addressable than someone who is great on the mic but terrible in the ring.
D’Angelo Dinero (formerly known as Elijah Burke)
Currently, he is known as D’Angelo Dinero and is a color commentator for TNA. But, WWE universe will remember him as the one-and-only Elijah Burke. Very few are gifted with both the ability to entertain on the mic and in the ring as well. Burke, instantly brought that along with one of my personal favorite storylines regarding “The New Breed” on the rebranded ECW in 2006.
It seemed like, towards the end of his WWE tenure, he was finally receiving the “push” he had deserved. I remember his short-lived feud with one of the company’s top stars Batista. Since he was released back in 2008, it’s safe to say he will not return to the WWE. But, it’s tough not to imagine what could have been with him.
MVP
A genuine life-story of real triumph. After spending approximately nine years in prison, Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), turned his life around as a WWE superstar and became a two-time United States Champion. Prior to his release from the WWE, he seemed to be poised for a World Heavy Championship push, but obviously never received it.
October 2010, WWE publicly announced the release of MVP, which was odd for them to announce it publicly. According to multiple reports, he was very unhappy with his position with the company and tweeted out that he was not fired and instead requested the release:
No need for alarm. I did not get fired . I asked for & received my release. I felt it was time to go international & freshen things up.
— MVP (@The305MVP) December 2, 2010
Just imagine what could have been with him. It’s hard to believe this was nearly seven years ago. He had the charisma, in-ring ability, and like Morrison could have flourished as both a “face” or a “heel.”
Carlito
“I spit in the face of people who don’t want to be cool.” A perfect catch phrase for today’s kid-friendly WWE. Alright, maybe for a bad guy. But, that’s my point. Carlito provided the alternative for your typical superstar. Only 5’10, 235 pounds, a large afro, and an apple fetish. That’s what made him stand out. He may have had more charisma than anyone else on this list.
After winning the U.S. and Intercontinental titles in his Smackdown and Raw debuts respectively, his future seemed bright with the company. He was one of the few that couldn’t get his act right outside of the ring. Every time he was destined for a title push he would break the WWE’s Wellness Policy. They offered him help and he refused, according to Bleacher Report. If he could have gotten his act together, he would have been a multiple-time heavyweight champion.
These are my personal five superstars that I expected big things from in their time in the WWE. Personally, I enjoyed these guys during their short-lived careers. That’s one of the perks of having the WWE Network. Sometimes reminiscing about the wrestlers you grew up loving that never got their big chance. There is definitely more talent that missed my list. Feel free to tweet me some of your personal favorites that never received the “push” they deserved.
Follow me and tweet me on Twitter @dchendrix.