10 WWE Wrestlers Who Reinvented Themselves In TNA

Another case of missed opportunity is the curious tale of Derrick Bateman. After several appearances as an enhancement talent and a background extra, the future EC3 made his official debut for WWE under the original NXT format in Season four.

Under the guise of Bateman, the talented youngster made it to the final three in the competition, eventually won by Johnny Curtis (AKA Fandango). A stop/start push followed that ultimately led to his uninspired inclusion in the seemingly endless NXT Season 5.

Despite NXT's eventual evolution into the show we know today, the rookie was let go in May 2013 shortly after the developmental development began. Five months later, after weeks of hype and promotion, he made the jump to TNA.

Making his first appearance in the company at TNA's biggest show of the year, Bound For Glory, the former Derrick Bateman became Ethan Carter III - the spoilt, faux-nephew of Dixie Carter. An undefeated streak followed and, soon enough, Carter was feuding with the likes of Sting and Kurt Angle.

Within two years of his arrival, EC3 had become TNA World Heavyweight Champion in dramatic fashion, defeating Kurt Angle for the privilege.