20 Worst WWE Wrestlers Since 2000

Hell is an endless loop of Eva Marie matches.

Eva Marie Survivor Series 2013
WWE

As the biggest wrestling promotion in the world, WWE's pull is unparalleled. Their mainstream spotlight, financial clout, and acclaimed developmental system means a contract with them remains the end goal for many wrestlers. There are exceptions (Kenny Omega, for one), but for the most part, Vince McMahon can sign whoever he wants, whenever he wants, and countless world-class performers have passed through his company over the decades.

Having 'WWE' on your resumé doesn't make you a great worker, though. Most of the sport's biggest stars eventually find their way to the company, but the McMahons have wasted a lot of money on truly atrocious wrestlers, particularly in the modern era, where general in-ring standards have never been so high.

For our criteria, we'll stick to full-time wrestlers so as not to complicate matters by including the likes of Michael Cole and Jonathan Coachman. Competitors will be judged primarily on their in-ring ability, too, with some small considerations for other aspects of their performances, like charisma and believability.

With that in mind, let's take a look at the skill-deficient duds who've spent the past 17 years sullying WWE's reputation as the world's top promotion.

20. Mason Ryan

Mason Ryan NXT
WWE.com

It isn't hard to see what Vince McMahon saw in Mason Ryan.

Standing at an impressive 6'5", the brawny Welshman's physique looked as though it was carved out of Greek marble, but like so many before him, this was all Ryan had. He worked a wrestling style typical of other failed musclebound big men, exuded little-to-no charisma, and struggled to carry himself with any intimidation or star power. He was all aesthetics, and his failure was as predictable as his initial push.

Hurried out of developmental in 2011, Ryan was given a wet fart of a debut on an episode of Raw. He was introduced as the latest member of CM Punk's Nexus by interfering in a match between his leader and John Cena to a tepid crowd reaction, and spent spring backing up the former 'Voice Of The Voiceless.' Injured in June, he didn't return until September, but was soon shunted out of the spotlight, and only made a handful of appearances before suffering relegation to NXT in January 2013.

Released by WWE in 2014, the skill-deficient bruiser isn't even active on the independent scene these days.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.