10 Disastrous Wrestling Debuts

10. Rob Van Dam, Meet TNA

Rob Van Dam was destined to crop up in TNA, eventually.

As a former WWE star, he was automatically coveted. The company had developed a dubious reputation of positioning talent in accordance with their former experience in the 'E - this, despite fans flocking to TNA because they desired an alternative to it.

The expectation was that Van Dam would, like his peers Christian Cage and Kurt Angle, dominate the Orlando landscape and its homegrown denizens - but, as was his wont, Vince Russo elected to swerve fan expectations.

Van Dam was Sting's mystery opponent on the March 8, 2010 Impact - and he made his debut in classic babyface fashion by sneak-attacking The Icon, baiting and switching his entrance to attack him from behind, thus securing a deflating fluke win. This incensed Sting, so with classic heel justification (!) he set about destroying Van Dam - who, within minutes, was relegated from cad to jobber - with his trusty baseball bat.

Van Dam was then demoted again to the status of ancillary player. The angle was designed to garner sympathy on his behalf, when Sting's rampage extended to a red and yellow beatdown. His prone body was the lasting impression - not the exciting, new, potentially difference-making superstar.