10 Big WWE Pushes That Were Stopped Dead (And Why)
9. Kofi Kingston
2009 saw Kofi Kingston break free from the confides of his bolted on Jamaican heritage and embrace a more serious persona. Coming off an impressive four month United States Title reign, Kingston began feuding with Legacy after interfering on John Cena's behalf during the main event at Bragging Rights.
The feud between Orton and Kingston was the perfect platform for fans to truly buy into a new main event star. Kingston played his part beautifully, showcasing a range of emotions and impressing many with his promo skills.
The feud's most memorable moment came just days before the Survivor Series PPV when Kingston saved Roddy Piper from Orton's trademark Punt. The two brawled all over Madison Square Garden before Kingston leapt from a balcony and drove Orton through a production table.
The moment was undeniably iconic but few remember that Kingston later eliminated both CM Punk and Orton in a Traditional Survivor Series match. It was clear that Kingston was on the verge of something big and many sources claimed that he was in line to win the upcoming Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
During a Triple Threat Match on RAW in mid-January, Kingston got up to take an RKO instead of staying down for a Punt, causing Orton to audibly scold him by saying "Stupid, stupid, stupid!"
This seemingly minor infraction and Orton's insistence that Kofi wasn't ready for the main event scene was enough to sour officials on the push.