Five Fumbles Of The Last Five Years

 

A fumble is defined as the act of using the hands clumsily while handling or doing something. In pro wrestling all companies have experienced fumbles in situations. It's just the nature of life and the business honestly, but still much like football games some of these fumbles could have been avoided and led to wins. Since football season is kicking off, here are five wrestlers that were fumbled by wrestling organizations in the last five years.  

5. Xia Li

For whatever reason Xia Li could not find a place in several regimes in WWE. She had the look, the in-ring talent, and possessed a ferocious demeanor to her. Just for whatever reason she kept receiving start and stop pushes, never gaining momentum or a chance to connect with fans.

She is the prime example of a wrestler bookers just aren't sure what to do with. Her social media accounts indicate she has a very strong sense of humor and personality. They just never figured out how to make that translate to screen. She never won any championships while in the E or involved in major storylines. She was released earlier this year after a 7 year run in the E. 

4.Elias

Once upon a time Elias could sit in the middle of the ring, strum his guitar and have fans worldwide yell that WWE stood for "Walk With Elias". He was resonating with the crowd, and had interactions with legends like Jeff Jarrett and top roster stars like Roman Reigns, Lashley, and Kevin Owens. Problem was, he was never taken seriously. The only championship he held was the joke of a title in the 24/7 championship and he was never in a meaningful feud. He eventually was partnered with Jaxson Ryker in 2020 who was hella toxic at the time, killing his momentum. Then he was placed in the twin brother Ezekiel/Elias storyline which honestly was entertaining, but really did nothing for him. Released in the fall of 2023, he was never given a chance to rise above his roster spot. He could have been a solid mid-card IC or US champion.

3. Wardlow

When the slow burn of Wardlow turning on MJF was building, his popularity was skyrocketing. He was cool, poised and seemed to be the next breakout star in AEW. AEW took a little too long to pull the trigger on Wardlow having enough of MJF's antics.

When they did it seemed like most fans lost interest by that point. Then I'm not sure if it was a Wardlow or AEW idea, but he cut his hair trading in his signature ponytail for a standard haircut. Which made his presentation a lot more bland. He hasn't caught fire since and despite a few runs as TNT champion. He hasn't reached the popularity he once had and may never will in the company.

2. The Hurt Business

During the pandemic era, the Hurt Business was the most consistent and entertaining aspect of WWE TV next to the rise of the Tribal Chief. They literally were whipping ass and taking names, Lashley finally was considered the threat that he is. Shelton and Cedric were relevant and showing the naysayers how insanely talented they were. MVP rejuvenated his career and found a new calling as a manager.

Then they were separated for no real rhyme or reason in early 2021. Despite a couple teases that they were getting back together for a new business plan, things fell through. It is a shame these four gentleman never got to sit on the mountaintop in front of live audiences and really show how much fans loved them.

1. Rusev

Who remembers arenas full of thousands of people screaming at the top of their lungs, Rusev Day!? I sure do, and it was not that long ago. It was an organic connection with fan's as he randomly mentioned during a promo everyday is Rusev Day. Then Aiden English was added to the act as his hype man, and soon Rusev Day was everywhere. The WWE opted to suppress his popularity here because it was going against the grain, and he never achieved much success during this run. They even reunited him with Lana, and gave him a run as United States Champion. He just never progressed past that despite the chants and t-shirt sales, not to mention he was talented in the ring. 

It's probably WWE's biggest dropped ball in recent memory.