2) Daniel Bryan
Daniel Bryan is one of the most well-known and popular wrestlers in WWE history. A decade before the YES! chant existed, he competed in a WWE ring. Bryan signed a developmental deal with WWE all the way back in 2000. He was assigned to Memphis Championship Wrestling (MCW). When WWE ended their relationship with MCW in 2001, Bryan was also released.
He was used as an enhancement talent in 2002 and 2003 on WWE TV. He wrestled in several matches on Heat and Velocity, including matches against John Cena and Jamie Noble (both in losing efforts):
Bryan also revealed in his autobiography: Yes: My Improbable Journey to the Main Event of WrestleMania, that he was almost called up to WWE’s main roster at the 2001 Royal Rumble. He was supposed to be one of the main talents featured in WWE’s newly formed Cruiserweight division, but it never happened.
Bryan went on to have a very successful career on the independent scene. He also had tremendous success in the WWE when he returned years later.
1) Dean Ambrose
Did you know that Dean Ambrose wrestled in WWE before he became a member of the Shield or became the Lunatic Fringe? Back in January of 2006, Ambrose appeared on WWE Velocity, wrestling under the name Jon Moxley. Moxley is the name that a large majority of fans know him as based on his career prior to joining the WWE.
Ambrose teamed with Brad Attitude in a losing effort against MNM on the episode of Velocity. Ambrose also sported some pink hair for random matches on WWE Heat and Velocity in 2006:
After a few brief matches, he wasn’t seen again for the company until 2011 when he signed a developmental deal with WWE. Ambrose was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) before making his debut with the Shield at Survivor Series 2012. The rest is history.
SEE ALSO: 11 World Champions In WWE Who Survived HORRIBLE Gimmicks
There you have it. Before you forget about the local jobber competing on WWE TV, take note that they could be the next big star! Do you remember any WWE jobbers that went on to become stars?