3. AJ Styles
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A.J._Styles02.JPGWow, what could have been. Many may not know it, but AJ Styles actually competed in WCW during the last month of the company's existence, teaming with Air Paris. However, once WWE bought WCW, his contract wasn't picked up, and Styles returned to the independent circuit for the next year or so. While he competed in several dark matches and low-level television matches as an enhancement wrestler, Styles wasn't offered a main roster WWE spot. However, in April of 2002, the WWE offered Styles a $500 weekly developmental contract. The contract would have sent Styles to the Heartland Wrestling Association, requiring Styles to relocate to Cincinnati, Ohio. He declined the offer because moving would interfere with his wife's college and career plans, and he was already earning close to that pay on the indy circuit. Later that year, Styles would sign with NWA:TNA, where he would become the face of the brand for over a decade, until his release in late 2013. After his release, the WWE did not attempt to bring him in to the company.