10 Next Big Things In Wrestling That Totally Flopped
6. Nathan Jones
Nathan Jones had potential to become Nailz with a greater physique and without the Vince McMahon choking. The idea that this imposing criminal had been locked up in a maximum security prison for 10-ish years with nothing to do but lift weights and get angrier was alluring. It's a pity Jones couldn't live up to the hype.
WWE clocked that early on.
They pulled him from a scheduled tag bout with The Undertaker vs. Big Show and A-Train at WrestleMania XIX. Instead, 'Taker took on two brutes solo, then Nathan worked a run-in spot afterwards. That was a major red flag. If he wasn't ready to have his hand held through some basic power spots, then what chance did Jones have of thriving on his own?
Reportedly, Nathan didn't like the brutal travel schedule WWE demanded either. Combine that with a complete lack of basic fundamentals and this was a disaster waiting to happen. Top brass surely regretted hyping Jones up as a Brock Lesnar-esque sensation.