Whether it was before or after WWE, all that glitters isn’t always gold. Many talents take to TNA if they are not with WWE in hopes of trying to have a successful pro wrestling career. Some gained traction in WWE only to do better in TNA.
If there is anything about TNA that has been consistent, they know how to capitalise on WWE Free Agents. In TNA’s infancy, the selling point of their weekly PPV’s was to tune in to see a released WWE Superstar making their debut for the company. Raven and D’Lo Brown are two debuts that come to my mind in terms of impact and creating a firestorm for TNA. However, WWE was quick to throw in their 90-day no compete clause for that very reason. But even today TNA is quick to snatch up those who have been tossed to the side by WWE.
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History goes to show that over the years there were WWE Superstars who went to TNA after WWE and did considerably well. Bobby Lashley, Gail Kim, Brooke Adams, Matt Hardy and Christian were some of the names who would have success in the number two promotion. EC3 is another former Superstar who has reaped the benefits of signing with the company. With Cody and Brandi Rhodes having debuted for the company at this past Sunday’s Bound for Glory PPV, the buzz is in the air about their future should TNA stay afloat amidst the rumours of folding.
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For every bunch of success stories comes one who got the short end of the stick in that deal. Their stint would fail in some shape or fashion. Whether it was bad storylines, or it just wasn’t the right time, they would experience the opposite of what so many have done.
Who are some of the former WWE Superstars who didn’t find success in TNA? Here they are.
#1 T.J. Perkins
TJP was on fire as the first WWE Cruiserweight Champion. The Cruiserweight Classic was one of the hottest things going on this summer and TJP would be the sleeper winner over the likes of Kota Ibushi and Zack Sabre Jr. But did you know that he was in TNA as part of the X Division?
If you didn’t know, there is a good reason why. TJP was the face behind the mysterious Manik. I know, talk about a mind blow. As Manik, TJP wowed crowds in the X Division but didn’t find much success past that. However, he is now reaping the rewards considering his veteran status.
#2 Luke Gallows
Gallows is definitely enjoying the best times of his career courtesy of New Japan Pro Wrestling and the formation of the Bullet Club. But before he would finally taste some sweet success, he would be one of the leaders of the faction knows as Aces and Eights. Aces and Eights were the culprits of some big moments in recent TNA history, but Gallows would be lost in the fold because of the shock values the faction pulled.
After the stable disbanded, so did Gallows’ time with the company. It was a blessing in disguise for him considering his luck in factions. The Bullet Club remains his biggest success and Gallows is in the midst of a renewed run in WWE with Bullet Club partner Karl Anderson.
#3 Booker T
Surely someone of Booker T’s calibre would have huge success in TNA. In his case, it was one of the most disappointing runs since TNA was formed. TNA brought in Booker T in hopes to increase their popularity. However his relationship in the locker room and with management went south in due time, and it showed in the ring.
As soon as Booker T’s run in TNA was over, he re-signed with the WWE and is now doing commentary during their PPV events on WWE Network. He is also running his own promotion called Reality of Wrestling. With so many accolades including being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, his run in TNA is rather forgettable.
#4 Kaval/Low Ki
Low Ki found success in TNA’s infancy when the X Division was at the forefront of the company. He was one of the popular performers, whose moves were fluid and crowd pleasing. However, he was never an X Division Champion, despite the consistent performance. WWE limited his skill set while TNA limited his opportunities for advancement. It was no in between and the potential of Low Ki was never really capitalised on in either promotion which is a damn shame.
After his failed stint in WWE, he returned to TNA and didn’t find much success there the second time around. Low Ki still wrestles occasionally and has done video game work for the WWE2K series.
#5 Matt Morgan
Matt Morgan showed a lot of promise during his time in WWE as he was part of Team Lesnar with Paul Heyman at the helm as the mouthpiece that also had Nathan Jones, Big Show and A-Train. However, it never amounted to anything and he was released from the company in 2005.
In 2007, Morgan had a huge debut in TNA and while he had a hot start, it quickly simmered once the buzz wore off. Despite finding himself in feuds with stars such as Kurt Angle and Hulk Hogan, Morgan had a hard time getting over in TNA.
During his seven-year stint in TNA, Morgan would be involved in the Fortune stable and various feuds. He stayed prominent and had two runs with the TNA Tag Team Championship. He is currently in the bodybuilding industry in addition to working as a regional manager for a medical device company.
He recently made a return to the TNA now known as Impact Wrestling and looks set to make up for the failed stint.
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