10 Wrestlers Who Revived Their Careers On The Indies
8. Colt Cabana
Colt Cabana’s WWE run was miserable.
One of the independent scene’s most charismatic performers, he started with Vince McMahon’s company in 2007, and was assigned to the OVW developmental territory. He competed under the moniker that made him famous until August 2008, when he debuted on SmackDown as Scotty Goldman, before losing every single match he was involved with prior to his release six months later.
His WWE run obviously didn’t work out, but Cabana’s career went through the roof when he left. Colt ran back to the indies, competing for companies like ROH and PWG, and had soon re-established himself as one of the circuit’s most entertaining performers. He remains with Ring Of Honor today, and recently inherited the colour commentary position vacated by Steve Corino, who joined WWE as a trainer earlier this year.
Cabana has always built a sizeable reputation for himself away from the squared circle, and his Art Of Wrestling podcast is one of the strongest brands in a crowded market. Even if you’re unfamiliar with his work, there’s a good chance you know Colt Cabana’s name, which speaks volumes about his independent hustle.