10 WWE Developmental Champions Who Came To Nothing
9. Richie Steamboat
Son of the legendary Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat, Richie Steamboat was actually the final FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion before NXT took over the WWE developmental game. Richie won the title on 20 July 20 2012 by defeating Rick Victor (aka Viktor of The Ascension), but just 25 days later it was deactivated.
Richie's own career was deactivated way ahead of its time, as he eventually retired young due to injuries. Steamboat made the transition to NXT fairly well, and was involved in a pretty decent feud with Kassius Ohno (Chris Hero) when his back gave in. Richie would miss a year of action before rumours began to circulate he had been released, but Papa Ricky eventually confirmed that his son had to stop wrestling.
We don't know what would have happened with Richie Steamboat if injury hadn't forced him to retire young, and we never will. What we are left with is how things went, and Richie Steamboat's wrestling career will always be one big question mark.