10 Ways Wrestlers Became The Most Badass Versions Of Themselves
8. Buddy Murphy: Became An Ace
A likely candidate for release prior to his 205 Live call-up in early 2018, Buddy Murphy became one of WWE's most effective and consistent in-ring performers after a lengthy spell on NXT's sidelines, having seemingly peaked as an Alexa Bliss-managed developmental tag champion in 2015.
The Aussie debuted in Drake Maverick's Cruiserweight Title tournament, with the story being that he'd been made to cut significant weight to join the purple brand's ranks. Excellence followed. Made to wait patiently while Cedric Alexander ran as champion, Buddy found his identity as the show's 'Juggernaut.' A nasty. mean-spirited bruiser, he merged raw-boned power with indie-inspired flashiness, making him one of the most eye-catching wrestlers in the sport, and, for those paying attention, one of WWE's biggest highlights.
While his feud with Mustafa Ali yielded better matches, Murphy's most glorious moment came at Super Show-Down. Buddy captured Alexander's Cruiserweight Championship in his Melbourne, Australia hometown, before 70,000 fans, cementing him as 205 Live's undisputed Ace. A great night for him, and his run continued all the way to WrestleMania 35.
Given what he accomplished last year, that this man has sat idle since being "promoted" to SmackDown in April is a travesty.