10 NXT Stars WWE Let Slip Right Through Their Fingers
2. Kassius Ohno
Chris Hero will go down as one of the biggest "what ifs" in NXT history for all that he could have accomplished but ultimately didn't.
He was a major focal point of the program upon its relaunch in June 2012 as Kassius Ohno, a brawler-based character that would finish off his opponents with a rolling elbow. His mic skills weren't stellar, but his in-ring ability spoke for itself, and thus he quickly rose in the ranks in NXT.
His standout matches with Richie Steamboat, William Regal and Luke Harper solidified him as a star over time, leading to speculation that he would be main roster bound before long. It was later revealed CM Punk wanted him as the third member of The Shield alongside Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, but those plans were obviously nixed in favor of including Roman Reigns.
He was on track to debuting in WWE at some point in 2013 but had his push halted by Triple H when it was reported Ohno wouldn't do what was asked of him and refused to lose weight. Consequently, he was pulled from TV for a few months and returned only to serve as an enhancement talent prior to his November release.
Ohno would have been an excellent addition to the main roster, but his lack of motivation was his ultimate downfall.