5 WWE Superstars who were never expected to leave NXT

Modified Apr 18, 2017 22:59 GMT

Whoever thought we would see both Tye Dillinger and Elias Sampson on WWE’s main roster?

#1 Tye Dillinger

Tye Dillinger was one of NXT’s longest-tenured stars before being called up.

Tye Dillinger was another individual who had all the tools necessary to be a solid mid-card competitor in WWE, especially given how talented he was in the ring. However, the officials didn't recognise his potential and released from his contract at the onset of 2009 after having several stints down in developmental and on the now-defunct ECW brand.

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Upon his return to the company in late 2013, he was determined to prove the naysayers wrong and ultimately work his way to the main roster. Although it took two years for him to connect with the audience, his “Perfect 10” gimmick was exactly what he needed to help him break the glass ceiling in WWE.

Despite never winning a single match at a TakeOver special, Dillinger more than earned his spot in the Royal Rumble match back in January. His decade-long journey culminated with a debut on SmackDown Live two days after WrestleMania 33, and the sky is the limit for what he will be capable of accomplishing.

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Edited by Staff Editor