4 WWE Superstars that initially failed to succeed and 1 Superstar that is thriving outside of WWE

#4 Thriving outside of WWE: Cody Rhodes (ROH, TNA, and NJPW)

Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes has changed our point of view regarding the independent wrestling scene. Initially, WWE considered Cody as a mid-card Superstar, but over time, he ended up becoming a jobber. However, the former Intercontinental Champion wanted to do much more with his character, and thus, he demanded his release and left WWE. Nobody would have thought that Cody would become a major name in wrestling, but he did precisely that.

In less than two years, he became a famous Superstar by working for various independent wrestling promotions along with ROH, TNA, and NJPW. Cody now works as an AEW wrestler, and is the vice president, and desires to make this company a successful wrestling promotion. In a few weeks, AEW will host their first show Double or Nothing, and the show is already sold out and has even gotten a broadcasting deal.

Cody is scheduled to face his brother Goldust at the event and fans are expecting this match to live up to the hype.