10 Biggest Missed Opportunities In WWE History

7. "I Did It For The Rock"

ECW locker room 2006
WWE.com

When “Stone Cold” Steve Austin was ran over at Survivor Series ‘99, WWE had a great opportunity to build the industry’s next great antagonist. It was easy money - the company’s most popular wrestler had been put on the shelf for a long time, and whoever was found responsible would go-on to become one of the most hated men in WWE.

Unfortunately, WWE picked the wrong guy. After months’ of teasing DX and The Rock, Commissioner Mick Foley revealed Rikishi as the guilty party, and, predictably, it flopped.

Better known for dancing with Too Cool and rubbing his thong-clad rear-end in opponents’ faces, WWE couldn’t have picked a less suitable candidate than Rikishi. His explanation (“I did it for The Rock”) was laughable, his heel turn fell flat, and Rikishi failed as a main eventer.

The wrong guy in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.