10 Wrestlers Who Killed Their Own Push

6. Evan Bourne

Mr. KENNEDY
WWE.com

A dizzying high-flyer with a penchant for the spectacular, Evan Bourne got himself over with the WWE faithful through his flashy wrestling style.

He debuted as part of ECW’s New Talent Initiative in 2008 and challenged for the brand’s Championship that October, but dislocated his elbow while wrestling Matt Hardy, ruling him out for five months.

Bourne returned, and although he was never pushed as anything more than a midcard attraction, he at least had a consistent role on the card. 2011 saw him win his first piece of WWE gold when he and Kofi Kingston became WWE Tag Team Champions. They defended the belts throughout summer and autumn, but problems would soon arise, and Evan was handed a 30-day suspension for violating the Wellness Policy that November.

He and Kingston were still Tag Champions, but they lost the belt shortly after Evan’s return. They received their final rematch in January 2012, and but were unsuccessful, and Bourne incurred his second Wellness Policy suspension afterwards. Bourne broke his foot while suspended and he never reappeared on television.

He sat out the remainder of his contract after initially returning to the ring at a March 2013 live event, with his Wellness troubles the likely cause.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.