10 WWE Success Stories Absolutely NOBODY Saw Coming

While he may have had a bit of a bumpy initially spell as part of WWE's main roster way back when, few ever doubted the potential John Cena had to go on to become one of the biggest stars in all of Sports Entertainment.

He had the look. He was better in-between the ropes than many would like to admit. And he exuded megastar charisma out of every pore.

But not every performer has future multiple-time World Champion or massively popular eventual sensation written all over them from the second they walk through the WWE door.

In fact, if you'd told most fans early on that the following names would either go on to completely redefine themselves as top stars or morph into some of the most successful and compelling characters ever to pop up in the biggest promotion in town, they likely would've unleashed a Million Dollar cackle in your foolish little face.

No one in their right mind would've predicted a certain iconic babyface's son would go on to become one of the most entertaining heels in the game. Who truly saw one of the enemy's top guys returning to WWE and establishing himself as their newest main event player coming? And did you honestly think a celebrity could consistently hang with some of wrestling's finest?

Probably not. However, that's what made these success stories that little more impressive...

Down in NXT, The Hugger routinely overcame the odds and forged an unbreakable bond with the black and gold faithful, going from loveable underdog to eventual NXT Women's Champion before leaving the brand in 2016.

And while it wasn't exactly all plain sailing for the valiant character upon arriving on the main roster scene, this positive, peppy, babyface version of Bayley still experienced more than a few highlights during her time as part of the red and blue shows.

With the former Raw and SmackDown Women's Champion also sitting as an ever-present hero for youngsters in particular to look up to, few ever really expected to see Bayley embrace the dark side. However, not only did the pissed off star kiss goodbye to both her ponytail and Bayley Buddies in October 2019, but she also went on to unexpectedly excel in the role of cocky, trash-talking top heel in the division.

In truth, the Bayley persona likely was in need of a bit of refresh at the time of her shocking turn. But very few honestly imagined the long-time natural face would possess an equally organic ability to frustrate and annoy the masses.

The Role Model absolutely did, though, and her PC and ThunderDome reign of terror is now one many look back on fondly as perhaps her most successful run to date.