8 WWE Flops Who Went On To Bigger Things

7. Trent Barreta

Trent Barreta didn't have the benefit of a huge frame or even exceptional in-ring skills when he left WWE in 2013. If that sounds harsh, it's not meant to be. Barreta, as shown by his run alongside Rocky Romero as Roppongi Vice in New Japan, is one of those overachievers who should be admired for making the best of their skill set.

There were never any guarantees for him post-WWE.

His entire run there was completely forgettable. After forming The Dudebusters with fellow "Where Are They Now?" fodder Caylen Croft, Barreta proceeded to do pretty much nothing worthwhile, and that continued when he was 'demoted' to NXT in 2012; Trent was going nowhere. He had to leave the promotion to try his hand elsewhere.

Since being released in January 2013, Barreta has made a name for himself on the independent circuit with groups like PWG, Dragon Gate USA and ROH. The main bulk of his success has come in Japan though. Nowadays, Barreta is an NJPW stalwart.