10 Times Vince McMahon's WWE Pet Projects Failed Him

Before an influx of world-class talent moved from the independent scene to WWE, the company were finding it difficult to create their own stars. Developed in the old Florida Championship Wrestling system (pre-NXT), Ezekiel Jackson was another musclebound performer who definitely had the right look to warrant a WWE push.

Initially, Jackson played the role of bodyguard to The Brian Kendrick, before moving to the failed ECW brand. There, he'd eventually become ECW Champion, the last in WWE's lineage of the title before it was abandoned. That wouldn't be the last championship management would put on the man in an attempt to get him over.

A member of The Corre in 2010, he later feuded with former stable mate Wade Barrett over the Intercontinental Title. At the Capitol Punishment pay-per-view in June, 2011, Jackson defeated Barrett to bag the gold. Meanwhile, fans were less than convinced by the guy.

Numerous injuries, including muscle tears that necessitated surgery, got in the way of WWE's plans. In April, 2014, Ezekiel left the company, never really managing to make the most of the push he was handed.