10 Times WWE Completely Buried Ring Of Honor World Champions
5. Starburst
As of writing, Cody Rhodes is over 50 days into a Ring Of Honor World Title run he clearly considers validation for his decision to surprisingly part ways with WWE in 2016.
Working for far longer than he was prepared to as the bizarre Stardust, Cody turned back what most likely would have been lifelong permanent employment to seek pastures new on the independent scene, and has, for the most part, made the very best of it.
It was a disappointing end to a WWE run that broadly trended upwards throughout nearly a decade on the main roster, with the Goldust tribute act failing to inspire in the same way his relationship with brother Dustin had done the prior year.
Charmless and perpetually without direction, the weird alter-ego wasn't remotely fleshed out beyond colour schemes and minor outfit alterations, thus affording viewers no reason to connect to him either way, save for pining for the performer underneath the paint.
Desperately seeking salvation from the gimmick, Cody revealed after his exit that he'd campaigned more than once to return to blessed normality, but the company were determined to persist with the 'Inter-dimensional Oddity'. Rhodes was less enthused, and granted his release 24 hours after placing the request.