10 Times WWE Almost Made A New Star (Then Totally Blew It)

The Samoan Submission Machine's NXT debut was a once in a lifetime moment. The decorated independent worker and illustrious TNA alumni was one of the biggest stars outside of the company, and his arrival spelt disaster for those who got in his way.

He debuted for Raw in an explosive segment, which saw him live up to his namesake and decimate Seth Rollins. From there, he would put on some domineering performances and eventually found himself as the number one contender for the Universal Championship held by Brock Lesnar.

During 2017, the Universal Championship was rarely seen, and it seemed destined to remain that way. No-one was able to take shots at The Beast Incarnate - that was until Joe came along.

The build to Great Balls of Fire made the former NXT Champion look like an incredible contender, and he was hotter than the sun. He even managed to put Lesnar into a coquina clutch making himself the first person who posed a legitimate threat to the champion.

Sadly, when it came to the match, Joe would end up falling short, losing to Lesnar and returning WWE to the status quo. This was a massive disappointment, not just because it meant Lesnar's part-time reign of terror would continue, but because it ruined the momentum that could have made Joe one of the company's top stars.