10 Ways WWE In 2017 Could Have Been COMPLETELY Different
4. Heavy Is The Head That Wears The Crown
As of press time, Neville is in stasis with WWE. Gone from television since the end of the summer following further degradation to the title and division he desperately tried to redefine, he remains on an island between creative satisfaction the unknown end date of his current contract.
He's bang right in his assessment of course, but it's easy to see why WWE are less than keen on releasing him into the wilds of the vibrant independent scene. Far, far lesser talents than the 'Man That Gravity Forgot' have gone on to achieve incredible things outside of the WWE bubble, with Neville being a particularly unique case in having a pre and post-McMahon fanbase due to a legacy that pre-dates his Stamford signing in 2012.
WWE's pattern of disrespect was callously reflected at WrestleMania 33, when Neville's Cruiserweight Title clash with Austin Aries was the best thing in the first half of the broadcast but not deemed worthy enough of inclusion on the American version of the DVD.
Pride and bank balances were bruised in equal measure enough to convince Aries to sharply exit WWE after less than a year on the main roster. If only the company had learned from that loss to preserve another valuable resource.