10 Wrestlers Who Went To Insane Lengths To Get Over (But Didn't)

5. Pete Dunne Goes The Wrong Way

Orange Cassidy Jack Evans
WWE

Pete Dunne was sold a bill of goods in the end.

He was instrumental in rebuilding the dead British wrestling industry into the fashionable 'BritWres' scene. This was a huge accomplishment. The land over here was plagued by its small time aura. His immense technical artistry was, in its own distinct way, up there with the very best wrestling in an age defined by critical acclaim. His defection to NXT UK however soured those who supported him, which Dunne didn't help with his repeated assertions that he did what he did for the betterment of the industry. The state of it today suggests otherwise. In a way, Pete Dunne is like pro wrestling's Michael Owen; an incredible talent with no loving, ardent support to put that talent over.

After entering yet more phenomenal performances within the WWE system, Dunne in 2021 underwent a stunning body transformation ahead of his full-time move to the U.S. He rejoined NXT when it was in the sh*tter, and willingly re-upped despite the transition to 2.0. He sacrificed everything to be a WWE guy and get over with them, his credibility and the chance to reclaim his buzz, and ended up as 'Butch' on SmackDown.

'Butch' dismally fails the old "Can somebody with that name headline WrestleMania?" test.

He's only 28, and wrestling fans are fickle. There's hope for his career yet, but he didn't get over with the office he gave everything to.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!