5 currently underutilized WWE Superstars who would've been top stars in the Attitude Era

Throughout the decades, WWE has seen a massive change in the landscape and the WWE Universe has seen notable eras pass by. Ever since coming into business a few decades ago, the Ruthless Aggression Era, the PG Era, and the Reality Era have all stood out. However, it's the Attitude Era that left a lasting impression on the WWE Universe.

The Attitude Era was initiated in 1997 and throughout its four years, WWE provided their fans with some of the edgiest storylines that went hand-in-hand with some of the standout performers of that period. The likes of 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, The Rock, Trish Stratus, Lita, and The Undertaker are only a few of those who belong to that elite list.

Looking back on the Attitude Era and comparing it to the current state of the WWE roster, a handful of Superstars from the modern-day era definitely would've thrived back in the day. While not everyone from the present-day WWE roster gets an equal opportunity to shine on the main roster, some names from this list would've ended up being top stars in the Attitude Era.

That being said, here are five currently underutilized WWE Superstars who would've been top stars in the Attitude Era.

#5. Riddle could've reached new heights in WWE's Attitude Era

Despite recently losing his first name, Riddle remains one of the most beloved Superstars to have emerged from NXT in recent times. A former NXT Tag Team Champion, Riddle's run on the main roster has been full of ups and downs so far as he has failed to replicate his performances in the Black and Yellow brand.

That being said, though, Riddle's babyface popularity could've easily set the tempo for him in the WWE Attitude Era. The King of Bros' casual attitude on screen is what makes him so loveable and Riddle's gimmick would've perfectly fitted the Attitude Era.

Riddle's MMA background also would've played a vital factor in his success during the late 90s. That being said, here's to hoping that WWE also puts the former NXT sensation on the right track and have him succeed on the main roster, as well.

#4. RETRIBUTION's T-Bar and Mace would've been breakout stars in the WWE Attitude Era

When it was first formed, the WWE Universe had pretty high hopes from RETRIBUTION. And to further spice things up, WWE even added Mustafa Ali to the mix and revealed him as the leader of the faction. However, despite such high credentials, RETRIBUTION has failed to make an impression on the WWE Universe and is clearly struggling to get over.

Two of the faction's most intimidating members, T-Bar and Mace, were expected to decimate their opponents left, right, and center. But things haven't gone much in their favor. While it remains to be seen what direction RETRIBUTION is headed towards after their poor start on the main roster, one thing is almost certain that T-Bar and Mace definitely would've been top stars in the Attitude Era.

Standing tall at 6 ft 7, T-Bar, formerly known as Dominik Dijakovic, was always highly regarded in NXT and was one of the biggest fan favorites of the brand. Despite failing to win either the NXT Championship or the North American Championship, Dijakovic always lived-up to his hype inside the squared circle and has established his place in the business as one of the most athletic big-men. However, since aligning with RETRIBUTION, the T-Bar character hasn't really had exhibited his in-ring skills and one could only wonder that Dijakovic would've been a hit in the Attitude Era.

On the other hand, Mace, FKA Dio Maddin, is also struggling with the same problem as T-Bar. While not being as experienced as his fellow stablemate, Mace definitely has the look and physical attributes that would've made him a top star in the WWE Attitude Era.

#3. Lacey Evans' gimmick could've clicked with the WWE Attitude Era audience

The WWE women's division has evolved a lot since the Attitude Era and the Women's Revolution is the primary reason behind its success. Back in the day, however, the WWE women's division mostly revolved around a few particular chosen Superstars with the likes of Chyna, Trish Stratus, and Lita, arguably being the standout performers of that generation.

One of the current best female Superstars in the WWE roster is Lacey Evans. Though Evans is yet to win a title on the main roster, she has proved that she can hang in the ring with the very best and is perfectly capable of switching up between heel and babyface. That being said, Lacey Evans' "classy" gimmick definitely would've clicked with the audience and the NXT alumni is more than capable of generating heel heat with the present-day audience.

To go hand-in-hand with her in-ring skills, Lacey Evans is also outstanding on the microphone and her promo skills could've easily clicked with the Attitude Era fanbase.

#2. Aleister Black's dark character would've clicked in the WWE Attitude era

The WWE Attitude Era was all about unique characters and saw the growth of so-called dark characters, as the likes of The Undertaker and Kane took the company by storm. As a matter of fact, one of the top factions at the time, The Ministry of Darkness, had several Superstars portraying eerie gimmicks that struck a chord with the WWE Universe.

A satanic themed faction, The Ministry consisted of the likes of Bradshaw, Farooq, Viscera, Mideon, and The Brood, who portrayed characters along the same lines as The Undertaker. Since the Attitude Era, WWE has been the home to several similar characters, most notably Bray Wyatt and The Wyatt Family, who many believe would've been utilized to their best during the Attitude Era.

Another Superstar of such similarity is Aleister Black. The former NXT Champion was once considered as the powerhouse of the Black and Gold brand, having compiled a long winning streak. Black was always considered this unique Superstar who emerged with such a unique character for the first time in a while in WWE. However, on the main roster, things have gone downhill for Black. The Dutch Destroyer lost the initial gimmick that he worked with on NXT and eventually lost his fan-favorite theme music, as well.

While Aleister Black is currently struggling to make a breakthrough on the present-day main roster, his character definitely would've clicked during the WWE Attitude Era.

#1. Robert Roode could've been WWE's modern-day Rick Rude

When he first started off in WWE, Robert Roode broke out as one of the company's most charismatic Superstars. The former IMPACT/TNA Wrestling sensation took the Black and Gold brand by storm and quickly won the NXT Championship, as well.

Accompanied by one of the best theme songs in wrestling, Robert Roode was on course taking WWE by storm. Unfortunately, he lost all the momentum he gathered on NXT and is currently struggling on the main roster. In his mid-40s, it was always unlikely for Roode to win the WWE or Universal Championship at this stage of his career, however, in recent times, Roode has further fallen down the pecking order.

Throughout his WWE career, Robert Roode has mostly had comparisons with the legendary Rick Rude. The two men had quite the similarities among them, but much like the WWE Hall of Famer, Roode couldn't really break out and shine in the company. In all fairness, Roode's old-school style of wrestling would've definitely clicked in the Attitude Era, but if WWE had utilized him to his full potential today, the former United States Champion could've been the Rick Rude of the modern generation.

Edited by Amar Anand