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Working for the WWE is a dream come true for many professional wrestlers. Despite the many -- often warranted -- criticisms of WWE's product, the fact remains that they are the largest sports entertainment company in the business.
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Most wrestlers wish to work for the WWE for several reasons. One, the financial compensation is often much greater than what they can earn in other promotions. Two, the WWE offers the greatest, most widely watched exposure that the wrestling world has. And three, many of today's generation of wrestlers grew up watching the WWE in their youth, and thus joining the company has been a lifelong dream.
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However, this isn't to say that WWE has ALL of the best wrestlers under contract. In fact, many of the top talents in the world today have never appeared on their television programs, even if -- like Kenny Omega, pictured above -- they had developmental contracts or did one-off gigs for the company.
Here are five of the best wrestlers alive who have never appeared on Raw or Smackdown.
The American Wolves
Davey Richards and Diehard Eddie Edwards are, quite simply, breathtaking to behold. Their phenomenal speed, supreme knowledge of wrestling psychology, and seemingly endless repertoire of moves put them at or near the top of great wrestlers.
The duo have been working for GFW of late, but have also appeared for ROH and various other promotions.
Why they haven't shown up on WWE television: The main reason is the Wolves appreciate creative control and artistic integrity. They are allowed to wrestle matches the way they want, whereas if they joined the WWE there would be interference from management. Also, the pair are on the smaller side for WWE performers, with the exception of 205 Live.
2. Unbreakable Michael Elgin
Elgin hits like a heavyweight but floats like a junior weight. Big Mike has had his share of career ups and downs, and has entered the promoter's role in recent years, but he remains one of the most athletic, talented, and tough pro wrestlers on the planet.
Why he hasn't appeared on WWE television: Big Mike is very much a perfectionist, much like the late Randy Savage, and doesn't like being told how to wrestle his matches, which is almost certain to happen in WWE. His short stature makes him an unlikely power wrestler, but that's his main game plan, so the company may have a problem marketing him to their fans.
3. Naito
Naito brings explosiveness, stiff striking, and -- most importantly -- attitude to every match he competes in. His bad boy demeanor and fantastic work rate have turned him into an internet darling and one of the biggest stars on the New Japan roster.
Why he hasn't appeared on WWE television: First and foremost, Naito is happy working in his home country for New Japan, where he is treated well and has enjoyed a recent push and a feud with international star Chris Jericho. Also, currently none of WWE's Asian talent pool has any titles, which may make the company look like infertile ground for Naito to uproot and replant his career.
4. The Briscoes
Masterful ring technicians, high flyers, top-notch brawlers, and tag team specialists, the Briscoes are the longest tenured superstars on the Ring of Honor roster, and are well known all over the world in various promotions -- just not the WWE.
Why they haven't appeared on WWE television: Deep loyalty to ROH is one factor, as is the fact that -- AJ Styles notwithstanding -- most wrestlers in their size category haven't enjoyed a lot of success in WWE. At this point, the Briscoes are aging out of their prime, and some of their social media comments have alienated certain segments of the fanbase.
5. Kenny Omega
Called by many the best wrestler in the world right now, Omega can do it all; Technical wrestling, stiff martial arts style striking, submissions, and high flying. On top of all of that, he has one of the most compelling personas in the business and looks like he was chiseled out of stone by an ancient Greek sculptor.
Why he hasn't appeared on WWE television: Omega worked for WWE's developmental territory Deep South wrestling from 2005-2006 but has been quite vocal in his criticisms of the company during his tenure. In particular, he had issues with perennial 'problem children' Bill DeMott and Hardcore Holly, who he called out for bullying and general poor behavior. WWE has repeatedly tried to gain his services, and he has repeatedly refused. Omega is under contract with New Japan for the rest of 2018, which means if he does make the unlikely decision to join WWE it won't happen soon.
There you have it: Five of the best wrestling acts who have never appeared on Raw or Smackdown. Who else would you like to see on WWE television? Be sure to comment and let us know.
