One of the facts about the sports entertainment industry is that talent will be occasionally shuffled from one federation to another. Though there are rare cases like The Rock who spent their entire career with one promotion, most of the time, a wrestler will change companies several times during their career.
At one time, the WWE refused to even consider hiring any wrestler under six feet tall and two hundred pounds. Thankfully, that standard has been eliminated and now anyone of any size is eligible for a WWE contract.
Here are ten wrestlers we’d love to see in the WWE before they retire.
#10 ACH
ACH–real name Albert C. Hardie, Jr.–is one of the most dynamic and entertaining wrestlers on the independent circuit today.
With his high flying style, love of video games and anime, and fresh-faced looks, he seems like a perfect fit with wrestlers like the New Day’s Xavier Woods. ACH has worked for several different promotions, the best known of which is probably Ring of Honor.
Chances of getting hired by WWE: Decent to good. ACH has gained experience and is a ten year veteran of the sport, and looks great on television.
What might hold him back: ACH is highly talented—just ask him, he’ll tell you! His attitude backstage has been described as anything from annoying to problematic. There was also a time he had a title shot against Jay Lethal, and no-showed the event.
#9 The Guerrillas of Destiny (G.O.D.)
The real-life sons of Tonga Fifita–Haku or Meng to most wrestling fans–have garnered the respect of the Japanese wrestling audience. This is no mean feat.
Known for their intimidating face paint and innovative double team moves, the former Sons of Tonga have held the prestigious IWGP tag team titles on three occasions till date.
Chances of being hired by WWE: Pretty good. The WWE has already hired several former members of the Bullet Club stable, and everyone loves a legacy wrestler.
What might hold them back: Modern WWE audiences may not know their famous father, and the Usos are currently filling the “Island Boys” tag team slot.
#8 Punishment Martinez
The 6'7" Martinez was snatched up quickly by Ring of Honor after he completed his training with the Monster Factory.
Known for his amazing agility as much as his towering height, Martinez is the modern example of what a ‘big man’ wrestler can achieve and looks to have a promising career, drawing comparisons to the Undertaker in his rookie years.
Chances of being hired by WWE: Very good. WWE still tends to favor larger wrestlers like Roman Reigns, and Martinez has a great look about him.
What might hold him back: Martinez is under contract with ROH, who sees him as a replacement for Donovan Dijak. They will be keen on keeping him in the company. Also, Martinez is still a little green and sometimes seems lost in the ring.
#7 Rosemary (Courtney Rush)
Carrying on the fine tradition of Canadian wrestlers, Rosemary has been carrying the TNA Knockouts division on her shoulders for the better part of last year.
Known for her excellent technical acumen and brutal strikes, Rosemary is one of the rare female wrestlers who isn’t sexualized in any way.
Chances of being hired by WWE: Fair to good. The WWE is planning to add a women’s tag title division, and will need more female talent to fill out the ranks.
What might hold her back: Loyalty to TNA, who has booked her quite generously and recognizes her contributions. Joining WWE would likely mean moving back down the card until her dues are paid.
#6 Bobby Lashley
Amateur wrestling standout and MMA competitor Lashley already had one WWE run, and one of the most iconic WrestleMania moments of all time when he shaved Vince McMahon’s head.
Blending power, precision, and speed, Lashley is a unique force in pro wrestling.
Chances of being hired by WWE: Excellent. Having already worked for WWE once, it is easier for Lashley to get in once again. Also, Lashley has the massive build that WWE favours, particularly on the RAW brand.
What might hold him back: Lashley has been critical of the WWE’s rigorous road schedule, and as a family man he may not want to be away from home for long stretches. Also, his MMA career is lucrative enough that he doesn’t necessarily need a WWE contract.
#5 Michael Elgin
Yet another Canadian wrestling standout, Michael Elgin is a former ROH World Champion and also works extensively in Japanese promotions.
With unbelievable strength packed into his 5'11" frame, Elgin is also capable of high flying luchadore style offence and has a great mind for the business.
Chances of being hired by the WWE: Fair. Elgin would be a great fit for NXT, but he is an awkward size when it comes to booking, having a power game in spite of being under six feet tall.
What might hold him back: Controversy surrounding his involvement in the assault of a female wrestler who was working for him, and the fact that he is regarded as difficult to deal with back stage.
#4 “Rainmaker” Kazuchika Okada
Rated as one of the top pro wrestlers on the planet, Okada brings both toughness and skill to his approach in the ring.
He is also one of the most charismatic wrestlers working today, capable of getting a great reaction without saying a word. His confidence and poise make him a standout on the international wrestling scene. And let’s not discount the appeal of “Okada Dollars”.
Chances of being hired by WWE: Good. With two Japanese wrestlers competing for major titles at WrestleMania 34, and another the Mae Young Classic winner, it seems that WWE has taken pains to make their promotion welcoming to foreign talent. Okada has a great look and the charisma to make it to the top in WWE.
What might hold him back: Okada enjoys wrestling in his native Japan, where he is treated quite well as a no-questions-asked main event talent. Also, he would have to wait for his contract with New Japan to expire.
#3 The Briscoes
Widely regarded as one of the best tag teams in the world, Jay and Mark are also fantastic singles competitors (particularly Jay).
The Briscoes–no relation to Gerald and Jack–trained in their back yard in a ring built by their family before their Ring of Honor careers.
Chances of being hired by the WWE: Fair at best. Jay and Mark are on the smaller side, and are starting to age out of their prime.
What might hold them back: Besides the aforementioned age and size, Jay Briscoe has made very insensitive remarks on social media, generating controversy the WWE would probably like to avoid. Also, they are stubbornly loyal to Ring of Honor, having competed for the promotion since its inception.
#2 The Young Bucks
It’s always a superkick party when the Bucks are in town!
Ostensibly the most successful, financially secure wrestling act on the independent scene, the Young Bucks are simply a wonder to behold in the ring. Their seemingly effortless execution of moves is so smooth that fans often wonder if special effects and editing have been utilised in their televised matches.
Chances of being hired by the WWE: Fair to good. The Young Bucks have had a try out with the company once before, but were denied a contract mostly because of a backstage, non violent altercation with Booker T.
What might hold them back: The Bucks have repeatedly said they like their independence and ability to write their own matches. Working for WWE would require changing their style and possibly their gimmick. Also, for all their vaunted athletic ability, they don’t have the most impressive physiques in the wrestling world by a long shot.
#1 Kenny Omega
Yet another skilled grappler from Canada, Kenny Omega blends strong style and lucha libre inspired offence with stiff striking to form a unique, exciting ring style.
In 2017, rumors were abound that he would sign with the WWE, but that did not turn out to be the case as he re-signed with New Japan for another two years.
Chances of being hired by WWE: Fantastic. When no less than John Cena tweets about your career and you don’t even work for the same company, you know you’re on the right track. Omega has an amazing look and presence to go with his insane in-ring skills.
What might hold him back: Omega is quite happy in New Japan, which is a promotion that treats him well. It would take a lucrative contract and a guaranteed main event push to entice Omega into signing with WWE.
There you have it, ten wrestlers we’d love to see in the WWE. Are there any other wrestlers you’d like to see sign with Vince McMahon’s federation? Comment and let us know.
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