10 Wrestlers Who Disappeared When TNA Became IMPACT

TNA tried to make a big deal out of Melendez' very-real military background. They can't be blamed for that, because the dude had a ready-made gimmick, but...it fell flat. Fans didn't give a hoot about poor Chris, and that became evident almost immediately after his company debut in August 2014.

Not even backstage support from top names like Bully Ray or Mr. Anderson could save him. They'd reportedly been impressed by the former soldier's hard work and professionalism, and they wanted to turn him into Dixie Carter's next big success story. That was an uphill battle, sadly.

Impact chiefs gave up on Chris shortly before the Anthem talks kicked into high gear.

He's never really been heard from again; Melendez did show up for a co-promoted Impact Wrestling and TNT 'Salute To The Troops' show in 2019, but that was a one-off, short-lived deal designed to capitalise on his time in the army.