10 WWE Mid-Carders Who Secretly Had Great Careers
Overlooked careers that deserve more praise.
With the recent cuts that WWE has made to their main talent roster, it reminds everyone that a long careerat the company is truly an outstanding accomplishment. To even make it to WWE television requires an ability to stand out, and to remain there takes talent, sacrifice, determination, hard work, patience, and a lot of luck. Despite the glitz and glamour that often precedes their initial introduction, not every WWE competitor will end up a true sports-entertainment superstar.
From the opening contest to the main event, WWE needs wrestlers of all types: enhancement talents, mechanics, main eventers, and everything in-between. In order to put on a complete show, the promotion needs all of their wrestlers to connect with the audience. Not everyone succeeds, but plenty do that often go unrecognized.
In fact, some wrestlers never make it to the main event, but that doesn't mean their careers weren't success stories.
Plenty of mid-carders spend years working for Vince McMahon, and made a lasting impression doing so. These 10 superstars may not get the most recognition, especially compared to the Hogans, Savages, and Pipers, or even the Jakes, Razors, and Perfects, but they nevertheless had quiet, impressive careers in the biggest sports-entertainment promotion on the planet.
10. 'The Model' Rick Martel
During the Hulkamania era, Rick Martel had one of the greatest character gimmicks in WWF. His fashion-forward, Arrogance-spraying persona of "The Model" was a heat magnet in the early '90s.
Earlier in his WWF career, Martel partnered with another mid-carder (who will make this list), to form a tandem known as Strike Force. Despite the duo's success as Tag Team Champions, it wasn't until Martel turned heel that he really found his way.
At his peak, "The Model" was a physical specimen and his in-ring work was just as good. So good, that he was a regular competitor in the WWE for over 10 years. Legendary feuds with Jake "The Snake" and Razor Ramon helped Martel remain on television when many of his peers from the '80s had been let go.
Martel laid the groundwork for future "pretty boy" heels like Shawn Michaels, Dolph Ziggler, and Tyler Breeze. Unlike others on this list, Martel did not stray from his "Model" character. Despite no major attempts to alter his gimmick, Martel enjoyed an impressively long career.