10 Wrestlers Who Revived Their Careers On The Indies

2. The Young Bucks

Loaded Drew Galloway
impactwrestling.com

Everybody knows The Young Bucks.

Even if WWE is the only promotion you follow, it’s impossible to escape the duo’s brand. they’ve become the hottest tag team on the planet. Matt and Nick Jackson are both excellent wrestlers, but it's their merch-friendly marketing style and cocky personalities that have made them stars, and while both are currently tied down to NJPW contracts, there’s no doubt WWE would love to have them.

Things almost went awry in TNA, however. Signed in 2009, they were renamed Generation Me, and put into a lengthy feud with the Motor City Machine Guns. This produced a number of outstanding matches, but surprise, surprise - the company didn’t know what to do with them. The frustrated brothers asked for their release in July 2011, and their request was granted.

Matt has since stated that he was ready to quit wrestling altogether following his experience with Impact, but the duo decided to reinvent themselves instead. They returned to the indies and perfected the spot-heavy act they’re known for today, completely rebuilding their brand from the ground up. Thanks to their tireless work ethic, the Bucks have become an international phenomenon, and one of the most successful independent wrestling acts of all time.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.