5 formerly underrated WWE Superstars who have found success in AEW

#2 Lance Archer's short WWE run was forgettable

Wrestling fans will be forgiven for not remembering that Lance Archer was a part of WWE back in 2009. His stint at Vince McMahon's promotion was short enough not even to be remembered by a majority of the wrestling community.

Lance Archer's two-year stint in Vince McMahon's promotion began in early 2009 under the name Vance Archer.

The latter made a tremendous start on ECW by igniting a mini-streak by defeating stars like Tommy Dreamer and Goldust, to name a few. Archer even competed during the 26-man pre-show Battle Royale at WrestleMania 26.

However, on November 19, 2010, Archer was released from his contract along with five other wrestlers. The MurderHawk Monster surfed through a number of wrestling promotions before landing in AEW, where he seems to have found his footing.

Apart from his absence due to a neck injury, Lance Archer has had a respectable run in AEW till date.

His most recent appearance was him attacking current AEW world champion Hangman Adam Page. This seems to be setting him up for a feud with the cowboy. This speaks volumes to his importance in Tony Khan's promotion, as opposed to his irrelevance in Vince McMahon's Company.

#1 Malakai Black is much more successful in AEW than he was in WWE

Malakai Black was a part of WWE for about four years, starting in 2016. Although his run in Vince McMahon's promotion was initially great, it slowly started getting less and less prominent in the wrestling community.

Vince McMahon's attitude regarding his employees was also not appreciated by the Dutchman, who was surprised at being released suddenly in April 2021.

However, Malakai Black has commented on how it was the right move for him to join AEW. The House of Black member also revealed that AEW granted him creative freedom to craft his new character.

It's safe to say that a performer like Black would thrive in a company where wrestlers have ample freedom to explore themselves.