5 Current WWE Superstars who started on the independent scene and 5 who didn't

#5 Didn't start on the independent scene - Mandy Rose

The Golden Goddess

Mandy Rose didn't start out in bingo halls and high-school gyms. Instead, she was a bodybuilder who had some success in the competitive field. She was also a fitness model that caught the eye of WWE talent scouts.

As we all know, Rose was a part of the last iteration of Tough Enough alongside Sonya Deville, Chelsea Green, and Velveteen Dream. She finished second in her season to winner Sara Lee. Lee didn't last long in the system. It's another example of the winner of a reality show not necessarily having the most successful career in that industry. The Miz didn't win his season either but is arguably the best alumnus from those shows.

While Rose certainly got by mostly due to her looks in the early stages, she has greatly improved in the ring. Her knee strike always looks legitimately painful when she lands it and she has utilized her strength in matches. Her ongoing storyline with Otis, Dolph Ziggler, and Deville has also been one of the most entertaining angles of 2020. She might not have been a mainstay in smaller promotions but Rose has proven to be a star that belongs in WWE.