10 Times The Competition Totally Embarrassed WWE
7. Developmental In General
The global scene and the independent circuit created more WWE stars than WWE's in-house talent developmental system, and, were it not for Jim Cornette's stint in Ohio Valley Wrestling, this would be a Sid Vicious Vs. Marko Stunt squash match of a W.
When Cornette left WWE in 2005, so too did any remote semblance of sense. OVW continued as a star vehicle for CM Punk - who didn't exactly need it, since he was such a sensation in ROH - before Paul Heyman's exit torpedoed an operation that WWE severed ties with in 2008.
In the meantime, an agreement was struck with Jody Hamilton to oversee Deep South Wrestling. The feeder promotion was such a disaster that the students actively preferred humiliation over training, choosing to eat jelly donuts from an a**hole acting as a plate than endure Bill DeMott's torture.
FCW produced more name acts than DSW - Roman Reigns and Big E were developed under the respected learning trees of Dusty Rhodes and Dr. Tom Prichard - but it drew flies, imposed the same style, and most of those who did emerge from the territory as stars took several years to get over. Drew McIntyre had to leave.
NJPW, ROH and PWG, primarily, created the headlining stars of the modern era.
Kenny Omega; Adam Cole; Kevin Owens; Kyle O'Reilly; AJ Styles; the Young Bucks; several others: all emerged from the expressive playground of Reseda and/or the work-embracing confines of PWG's more serious counterparts. Where range and creativity was valued, top stars emerged. Where style and persona was imposed, stars had to get over in spite of it.
Even, in Drew's case, in storyline.