5 Former WWE Superstars who are failing on the independent scene

The WWE is the place to be in the world of professional wrestling. Or at least, that was the case until a few years ago when the independent wrestling scene comprising of small – but popular – promotions such as Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Guerilla, and others started offering a viable alternative to those outside Vince McMahon’s sacred walls.Honor, New Japan Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Guerilla, and others started offering a viable alternative to those outside Vince McMahon’s sacred walls.

The likes of The Young Bucks, Adam Cole, Kenny Omega, et al. have shown that it is no longer necessary for wrestlers to aim for the WWE in order to make a legitimate career and living. There are plenty of options available on the indy scene if you’re good enough. Cody Rhodes is a great example that there is life after leaving the WWE as well.

Unfortunately, not everyone is actually good enough. There are some Superstars who just aren’t cut out for the smaller promotions filled with more hardcore fans. There are plenty of people who have faded away into obscurity following their exit from the WWE.

So, without any further ado, here are 5 former WWE Superstars who are failing on the independent scene:

#5 Justin Gabriel/ PJ Black

Gabriel has floundered since leaving the WWE

Justin Gabriel made an instant impact in the WWE when he debuted as a part of the fearsome Nexus stable. Armed with a slick move set and high-flying style, he was instantly over with the fans. All that came to a crashing halt when the group was buried by John Cena.

Just like most others from the faction, Gabriel never recovered and was released from the company in 2015 as his popularity fizzled out. Unceremoniously booted out, Gabriel decided to try his hand on the indy scene under the terrible name The Darewolf PJ Black.

Things have not gone to plan in the two years since his release as he endured unsuccessful runs in EVOLVE, Global Force Wrestling, TNA, before finally ending up Lucha Underground. The South African needs to get his house in order.