10 WWE NXT Flops Who Should Have Been Huge

9. James Storm

Hideo Itami
WWE.com

A TNA mainstay for over 13 years, James Storm’s time with the promotion looked to be coming to an end in 2015. The former Heavyweight Champion’s contract expired that June, though he continued on a pay-per-appearance deal for a few more months, before showing-up unannounced at a set of NXT TV tapings that October.

Storm drew a hearty pop from the Full Sail University faithful, who were wise to the good work he’d done in TNA over the years. He defeated Danny Burch in a quick match, before returning in December, scoring his second WWE victory over Adam Rose, but everything went quiet shortly after. Having previously signalled his desire to join WWE, it was later revealed that Storm had turned their contract offer down, and opted to re-sign with TNA instead.

Perhaps it’s harsh to call Storm a “flop,” as he was barely there long enough to brew a cup of coffee. It’s impossible to view his short run as anything other than a disappointment, however. His skill, charisma, and experience would have made him the perfect choice for a gatekeeper’s role on the developmental brand, but it wasn’t to be.

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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.