Too Hot to Handle? 10 WWE Superstars Who Paid for Their Popularity
Too Hot to Handle? 10 WWE Superstars Who Paid for Their Popularity
Steve Austin's initial push as "Stunning" Steve Austin was stunted before he reinvented himself as "Stone Cold," potentially altering his trajectory to superstardom.
Steve Austin's initial push as "Stunning" Steve Austin was stunted before he reinvented himself as "Stone Cold," potentially altering his trajectory to superstardom.
Razor Ramon's immense popularity never quite translated to top-tier status, possibly due to backstage politics or other factors that hindered his growth.
Razor Ramon's immense popularity never quite translated to top-tier status, possibly due to backstage politics or other factors that hindered his growth.
Bret Hart's treatment post-Montreal Screwjob could be seen as burying his legacy within WWE for a period, affecting his utilization and perceived value.
Bret Hart's treatment post-Montreal Screwjob could be seen as burying his legacy within WWE for a period, affecting his utilization and perceived value.
Chris Jericho's consistent popularity often didn't match his booking, with mid-card feuds and putting over other talent leaving some to believe he wasn't fully utilized.
Chris Jericho's consistent popularity often didn't match his booking, with mid-card feuds and putting over other talent leaving some to believe he wasn't fully utilized.
Rob Van Dam's WWE championship reign was cut short, arguably hindering his potential main event status despite carrying over his "Mr. Monday Night" ECW popularity.
Rob Van Dam's WWE championship reign was cut short, arguably hindering his potential main event status despite carrying over his "Mr. Monday Night" ECW popularity.
Booker T's initial WWE run had ups and downs, with some feeling his booking didn't match his significant fan support as a WCW legend.
Booker T's initial WWE run had ups and downs, with some feeling his booking didn't match his significant fan support as a WCW legend.
CM Punk's undeniable popularity and "pipe bomb" promo weren't fully capitalized on by WWE, with his departure and storyline handling leaving fans feeling his momentum was wasted.
CM Punk's undeniable popularity and "pipe bomb" promo weren't fully capitalized on by WWE, with his departure and storyline handling leaving fans feeling his momentum was wasted.
The "Yes! Movement" surrounding Daniel Bryan was massive, but WWE seemed hesitant to fully embrace his popularity at times, delaying his top-tier push.
The "Yes! Movement" surrounding Daniel Bryan was massive, but WWE seemed hesitant to fully embrace his popularity at times, delaying his top-tier push.
Zack Ryder's social media-driven popularity led to a brief push that was quickly halted, mishandling his organic connection with the audience and leaving fans disappointed.
Zack Ryder's social media-driven popularity led to a brief push that was quickly halted, mishandling his organic connection with the audience and leaving fans disappointed.
Damian Priest's momentum after winning Money in the Bank seems to have cooled, with some fans feeling his booking hasn't consistently reflected the potential his popularity suggested.
Damian Priest's momentum after winning Money in the Bank seems to have cooled, with some fans feeling his booking hasn't consistently reflected the potential his popularity suggested.