10 Failed WWE Stars Who Re-Invented Themselves In Japan

4. Vader

The main reason WWE hired Vader in the first place was because of his success in both WCW and NJPW. What makes Vader a unique entry on this list is that he was successful in the orient both before and after his WWE run, as he went to AJPW after his tenure in New York came to an end. Vince McMahon was adamant on changing all the things that made Vader the successful draw that he was. To that end, he had ludicrous creative proposals suggested to him, which only hindered his growth as a star. But it was Vince€™s closeness with Shawn Michaels, and the latter€™s problems with Vader€™s stiff in-ring style, that sealed Vader€™s fate in WWE. After leaving WWE, Vader went to All Japan instead of New Japan, and it looked like he hadn€™t missed a beat. He was thrust into the main event picture almost instantly, capturing the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship in short order and going on a real €˜monster€™ run as the top heel in the promotion. He had several great matches during this run in Japan, and was taken far more seriously as a wrestler (and didn't have to worry about being too rough with pretty boys like The Heartbreak Kid). He likely made more money, too, as he was a glorified jobber just before he left WWE, nowhere near the main event scene.