10 Times Vince McMahon's WWE Pet Projects Failed Him

6. Bobby Lashley

TNA Bound For Glory 2016 Bobby Lashley EC3
WWE.com

By 2005, WWE had experienced some success with the likes of Randy Orton, John Cena and Batista. All had developed into crucial members of the main roster, promising years of potential main event stardom to come. That same year, the company tried in vain to add Bobby Lashley to that list.

During his near 3-year tenure in the promotion, Lashley won the ECW Title twice and the United States Title once. Much like many others on this list, he had a definite upside. Looking absolutely excellent from a physical standpoint, Bobby just didn't connect with the audience at all. Personality, or lack thereof, was a real problem.

Lashley was even chosen to represent Donald Trump in the 'Battle Of The Billionaires' at WrestleMania 23. Going against Vince McMahon's representative, Umaga, he was a featured part of the largest show of the year. That was his biggest moment in WWE before being released in early-2008 following a spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.

He did challenge for the WWE Title in 2007, but it was almost as though those in charge had mentally moved away from Lashley even then. That lack of connection with fans hurt him.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.