10 Failed WWE Stars Who Re-Invented Themselves In Japan
8. Vance Archer
WWE really dropped the ball with Archer. They gave him 30 days to make an impact, something he only couldve done if he had creative support, which he didn't. After being released along with 5 other superstars, he went to NJPW in 2011, where went on to become an excellent gaijin wrestler and entertaining tag team performer as one half of the Killer Elite Squad (alongside fellow WWE alumnus DH Smith). In this role, Archer has been allowed to make full use of his height and superior strength. As a true monster heel, Archer has wowed the audience with his sheer power and surprising agility. In fact, he has become so popular that he has already won the World Tag League and IWGP Tag Team Championships. He and Smith are currently NOAHs GHC Tag Team Champions, and is doing wonders playing the role of evil invader as part of Minoru Suzukis Suzukigun nWo-style army. If you want an example of how Japans emphasis on athleticism versus character works for a wrestler, then look no further than Archer. Hes taken as a credible threat, is great at drawing heel heat, and delivers one of the most devastating Chokeslams in wrestling today.
Alexander Podgorski is a writer for WhatCulture that has been a fan of professional wrestling since he was 8 years old. He loves all kinds of wrestling, from WWE and sports entertainment, to puroresu in Japan.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University in Political Studies and French, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He speaks English, French, Polish, a bit of German, and knows some odd words and phrases in half a dozen other languages.
