10 Wrestlers Who Failed In NXT (But Were Successful Elsewhere)

As Maxine, Karlee Perez was a standout part of the early days of NXT. Whether as an in-ring talent, a manager, or even as a commentator, Perez felt like a star in the making who fit so much of what WWE looks for in its female superstars. Unfortunately, those NXT days didn’t end well as Karlee quit WWE in 2012 due to being frustrated at how she was being used.

Fast forward to two years later, and viewers were treated to Karlee Perez turning up in Lucha Underground as the nefarious Catrina. The unique and magical corner of the wrestling business known as Lucha Underground positioned Catrina as a big-time player who was the manipulative and evil manager of LU’s dominant heel, Mil Muertes.

With the future of Lucha Underground still uncertain as the TV show looks increasingly unlikely to be given another season, one of the biggest shames is that Catrina isn’t on TV right now. Either way, Karlee Perez has taken her stardom to a whole other level since departing NXT seven years ago.