4 Wrestling Talents That NXT Dropped The Ball On

Signed in early 2012 on the back of a twelve year career on the independent circuit (including six years with both Combat Zone Wrestling and Ring Of Honor, and seven with Pro Wrestling Guerrilla), Chris Hero was quick to debut in the re-launched NXT, taking up the mantle of sadistic heel Kassius Ohno on the promotion's third weekly television episode.

Following a feud with Richie Steamboat and an alliance with Leo Kruger, Ohno turned his attention to William Regal, then an NXT commentator. This culminated with one of NXT's greatest matches, as the pair put on a clinic to conclude their rivalry. A subsequent face turn led to a partnership with Corey Graves, but this ultimately went nowhere as Ohno became sidelined with an injury.

Rumours about Ohno's return being delayed because of executive concerns about his weight then became rampant. Though never officially confirmed, this was likely the cause of his eventual release from the company in November 2013, which resulted in him quickly becoming a stalwart of the independent circuit once more.

Given the considerable fanfare that has surrounded the NXT debuts of notable independent wrestlers in the last year or so, it could be argued that Hero's fate would've been much different had he not been signed so early in the system's existence, particularly given that performers (in NXT at least) are now seemingly judged more on their technical ability than their physical appearance.