10 WWE NXT Flops Who Should Have Been Huge

6. Kaval

Hideo Itami
WWE.com

Low Ki is one of the most decorated performers in independent wrestling history. An intense, hard-hitting striker, he’d made his name through stunning performances for companies like ROH and PWG, before eventually signing for WWE following his second stint with TNA in 2008.

Ki was renamed Kaval, and started working with the likes of Wade Barrett and Alberto Del Rio in FCW. His NXT affiliation began in 2010, when the brand was still a reality show, and her entered the second season under the tutelage of Michelle McCool and Layla. Kaval was a huge success, and soon stood out as the show’s most noteworthy performer, before eventually winning the season on August 31st.

Anticipation was high, but Kaval’s push didn’t live up to expectations. His style just didn’t mesh with WWE, and after being moved to SmackDown, his career went down the pan. Kaval racked-up regular losses throughout the year, with the most notable being an unsuccessful Intercontinental Title challenge in November, before leaving the company the following month. His televised run lasted less than six months in total, and he soon returned to the indies, where he continues today.

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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.