When WWE released the former Derrick Bateman in May of 2013 it was surprising because he's a guy that has all the things that WWE likes. He was experienced (he's 31 years old), he is a good talker, he's solid in the ring and he spent years in developmental, so he was trained to compete the WWE way. It looked like he was finally ready to get a push off NXT and onto the main roster, but a knee injury sidelined him and he had a tough time getting back his spot, so to speak. It was smart for him to go TNA. He's been impressive while he's been there because he's had a chance to have some big matches with major names like Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy and Sting. If he's ever in a position to talk to WWE again he has some matches he could show to say "see what I can do." From his point of view there's probably some anger that they gave up on him too, so maybe he wouldn't want to go back. However, if WWE really was the only "big game in town" and the only place to make really good money then it would make sense for him to go there.
John wrote at WhatCulture from December 2013 to December 2015. It was fun, but it's over for now. Follow him on Twitter @johnreport. You can also send an email to mrjohncanton@gmail.com with any questions or comments as well.