10 Recent Star-Making Wrestling Performances Nobody Saw Coming
Show me somebody who saw Brodie Lee squashing Cody coming, and I'll show you a liar.
Though WWE have consistently tried to prove otherwise in recent times, no wrestling company can truly survive and inspire people all around the world to routinely tune in without one vital component: stars.
Had 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin not regularly gone to war with his boss, The Rock refused to layeth the SmackDown on his rivals or Hulk Hogan scoffed at the thought of eating his vitamins and saying his prayers, generations of wrestling fans would've likely opted to spend their time doing something else.
But, stars don't just fall into a promoter's lap. In order to create the next big thing (no, not another Brock Lesnar) a wrestler must be built properly and eventually given an effective platform to get over with the fans.
These strategies can sometimes be seen coming a mile away, though, and this can unfortunately lead to a backlash if those paying their hard earned cash feel like they're being forced to cheer for a "company pick".
However, star-making performances aren't always soul-crushingly predictable. Whether it was through an unexpected squash, outstanding debut or seizing one of those imaginary 'brass rings' on the mic, these ten wrestlers all saw an unlikely chance to become the name on everyone's lips and successfully took it.
10. Dominik Mysterio Shines On His Debut Vs. Seth Rollins
Towards the back-end of 2019 it appeared Rey Mysterio's son, Dominik, was being positioned as a potential star of the future. The young performer was heavily involved in his father's feud with Brock Lesnar and even helped nail the 'Beast Incarnate' with a double 619 at Survivor Series.
Dominik was then left out of the spotlight for a spell before unexpectedly returning when his pap's eye was viciously attacked by Seth Rollins in May of this year. In the end, after weeks and weeks of going to war with the 'Monday Night Messiah' and Murphy alongside his father, Dominik was finally given the chance to get his hands on Rollins in a Street Fight at SummerSlam - a match which would also be his WWE debut.
Producing a performance which many full-time WWE talents would struggle to match, Mysterio more than held his own against the former Universal Champion and announced himself as the company's hottest young prospect in the process.
If you needed any more evidence of just how well Dominik did on his first night as an active competitor, the youngster also received a great big hug from WWE Chairman Vince McMahon when he got backstage and was told:
"Very few people can get that kind of reaction whenever they're in the ring. No matter how long they've been in the business. So, you should be very, very proud of yourself."
Not bad for 23 years-old!