4 Wrestling Talents That NXT Dropped The Ball On

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of independent promotions around the world where wrestlers have developed their craft before coming to the WWE. Shaun Ricker may not have come via the most notable of them when he arrived in May 2013, but there was a considerable buzz about his look, charisma and in-ring ability, honed via a partnership with the late Paul Bearer (under his original Percy Pringle III name) in the NWA Championship Wrestling From Hollywood organisation.

Despite being given the terrible moniker of 'Slate Randall', many thought Ricker would be one of the next 'ones to watch' within NXT as its on-screen roster became more and more stacked throughout 2013, particularly given his promotional style. His debut just never seemed to come, however, despite him opening a few tapings as a participant in dark matches.

His release was confirmed in August 2014 and was largely rumoured to be the result of several Twitter posts, as well as his authoring of a negative email to the company. Since then, he has made the trip to TNA, teaming with the former Drew McIntyre before going his own way as a heel in the last couple of months.

Interestingly enough, Ricker first showed up on WWE television seven years before his signing as part of a jobber duo fed to the Big Show in a handicap match. His partner? Jon Moxley, now known as Dean Ambrose.