8 Struggling WWE Stars Who Would Excel In NJPW

8. Andrade Almas

The former La Sombra hasn’t had an easy time of it in WWE.

Once one of Mexico’s most lauded heels, “Cien” has become “just a guy” in NXT, and is grossly unsuited to playing the awkward babyface role he currently occupies. From debuting against the immensely popular Tye Dillinger to the almost offensively stereotypical hispanic entrance music, his NXT career thus far has been a series of missteps, and if recent rumours are to be believed, he may already be looking for a way out.

Reports suggest there’s a heel turn on Almas’ horizon, but it’s hard to predict whether or not this will capture the imagination of the Full Sail crowd, who’ve already lost interest in him. If his struggles with adapting to the American style are as great as the stories suggest, however, he would be a huge boon to NJPW, and a highlight performer in the heavyweight and junior heavyweight divisions.

The evidence? He’s done it before.

While never a full-timer in Japan, Almas was a hugely successful freelancer while under contract with Mexico’s CMLL. He’s a former IWGP Intercontinental Champion, having defeated Shinsuke Nakamura for the strap, and never looked out of his depth while working with The King of Strong Style.

On his day, Andrade is one of the best luchadors on the planet, and he’d benefit immensely from having the WWE reins taken-off.