10 Failed Pushes That Weren't WWE's Fault
Hideo Itami, Rob Van Dam, Carlito: each failed in WWE, but it wasn't Vince's fault...
WWE can be a frustrating company at times. Watching the wealth of content that they produce brings a lot of joy to viewers, but there are so many instances where you can't help but feel cheated by some of the ridiculous mistakes they make.
Whether it's ruining a PPV with terrible booking, failing to listen to what fans want, or focusing on the wrong things, WWE is no stranger to screwing up, and one of the most common complaints thrown in the company's lap is their failure to go through with pushes.
Becoming a star in the wrestling world is incredibly difficult, as there are many internal and external factors required. You need the right gimmick, skill, in-ring work and charisma, but at the same time, you need to connect with the fans, stay injury-free, and hope the stars align for you.
There have been many failed pushes in the company's history. While these are often a product of WWE's negligence, others were out of their control.
For the most part, Vince McMahon and co. did what they could with these wrestlers. Their failure isn't on creative's hands...
10. Carlito
Carlito was an enigma in WWE. The fans loved him, as shown from the outpour of positivity upon his announcement in the Raw Legends Night line-up. Still, his initial run didn't live up to the promising future he seemed set for, and it wasn't the company's fault.
At first, he was hotter than the sandy shores, as his "Caribbean Cool" gimmick was instantly fascinating, and he found great singles success, even winning the US Championship in his SmackDown debut. He would further win the Intercontinental Title, and fans were eager to see him pushed to the main event.
But soon, the magic was gone, as he would fall down the card, eventually wrestling in a team with his brother Primo before his release.
This sudden loss of confidence from the brass came from the fact that Carlito was reportedly very close to his "cool" gimmick, facing accusations of being lazy and unmotivated. Management would continuously get frustrated by his backstage attitude, and it all got too much after he refused to attend rehab following a Wellness Policy violation.
If a person doesn't give it their all or even want it in the first place, then how can you expect the company to keep pushing them?