WWE showcases an amazing roster of superstars. Among them, many had begun their careers with the largest wrestling promotion in the world. On the other hand, there are also many stars who were previously a part of other wrestling promotions and later became a part of the WWE roster.
Meanwhile, it is worth mentioning that many WWE stars have gained success and popularity outside of WWE. Either they earned success before becoming a part of the Stamford-based promotion or they became successful after leaving the promotion. With that, here are the names of five WWE stars who had a better career in rival pro wrestling promotions.
5. Luke Gallows
Andrew William Hankinson, aka Doc Gallows, aka Luke Gallows, is currently a part of WWE. Within the Stamford-based promotion, he is featured as a member of the stable, The O.C. Previously, Gallows became a part of WWE in 2005. Thereafter, he was seen in various gimmicks, such as ‘Imposter Kane’, ‘Festus‘, and more.
However, his first run with the promotion came to an end in 2010. Thereafter, he had a brief run with TNA. Moving ahead, he became a part of New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). During that, he wrestled under the ring name Doc Gallows and was a part of The Bullet Club faction.
During his time in NJPW, Gallows participated in several storylines and feuds. He also gained popularity among the fans. However, he later made his return to WWE. With that, Gallows was featured as a mid-card wrestler, and as of April 2024, Gallows wrestled on WWE’s developmental territory, NXT.
In addition to that, it is worth mentioning that during his time in WWE, Luke only won the WWE RAW Tag Team Championship twice with Karl Anderson. On the other hand, during his time in NJPW, Gallows won the IWGP Tag Team Championship three times, the World Tag League (2013), and the NJPW Strong Tag Team Turbulence Tournament 2021.
Thus, it can be understood that Gallows had more accomplishments in NJPW. Also, he had a more noteworthy career in New Japan Pro Wrestling as compared to WWE.
4. Samoa Joe
Nuufolau Joel “Joe” Seanoa, aka Samoa Joe, is currently a part of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Meanwhile, Joe previously stepped foot into the world of professional wrestling in 1999. Thereafter, he became a part of the Ring of Honor (ROH), where he had a short stint.
Soon, Joe joined TNA in 2005. During that, he participated in several storylines and critically acclaimed feuds. Not to mention, Samoa was a part of TNA for 10 years. Following that, he became a part of WWE, where he failed to maintain his popularity among the fans. With that, he was later released from the Stamford-based promotion.
It is to be noted that during his time with TNA, Joe won the TNA X Division Championship five times, the TNA World Tag Team Championship twice, the TNA World Heavyweight Championship once, the TNA Television Championship once, and more. Meanwhile, during his time in WWE, he won the NXT Championship three times and the WWE United States Championship twice.
Thus, it can be understood that Samoa Joe has accomplished more in TNA than in WWE. However, as of now, he has been thoroughly entertaining the fans as a part of the AEW roster.
3. Jon Moxley
Jonathan David Good, aka Jon Moxley, aka Dean Ambrose, is currently a part of AEW. However, he was previously a part of WWE from 2011 to 2019. During that, he wrestled under the ring name Dean Ambrose. Not to mention, during his time in WWE, he gained immense popularity among the fans as a member of the stable The Shield.
While Moxley was popular in WWE, he never had a noteworthy singles run. However, after his WWE contract expired, he made his AEW debut. Since then, as a part of All Elite Wrestling, Moxley has showcased an extraordinary run.
Not to mention, during his time in WWE, Ambrose won the WWE Championship once, the WWE Intercontinental Championship three times, and the WWE United States Championship once.
On the other hand, during his time with AEW, Moxley won the AEW World Championship three times, the AEW Interim World Championship once, the AEW International Championship once, the AEW Interim World Championship Eliminator Series 2022, and more. Thus, it can be understood that Jon currently has a better career in AEW than he had in WWE.
2. Bobby Lashley
Franklin Roberto Lashley, aka Bobby Lashley, is currently a part of WWE. Meanwhile, Lashley was previously a part of WWE from 2005 to 2008. However, he failed to establish a name for himself within the promotion during that time.
Later, in 2009, Lashey became a part of TNA. During that, he began rising to prominence and gained a lot of popularity among the fans. Also, he has a number of championships to his name. This included winning the TNA/Impact World Heavyweight Championship four times, the TNA King of the Mountain Championship once, the TNA X Division Championship once, and more.
However, he later made his return to WWE. Since then, he has consistently appeared on WWE television and has participated in many matches. But he experienced the ultimate career peak during his time at TNA. Thus, it can be understood that Lashley had a better career in TNA than in WWE.
1. AJ Styles
Allen Neal Jones, aka AJ Styles, is currently a part of WWE. However, he was previously part of TNA. Not to mention, he gained popularity among the fans after signing with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).
During his time with TNA, Styles rose to prominence and participated in numerous feuds. He also won several championships. This includes winning the TNA World Heavyweight Championship two times, the TNA X Division Championship six times, the TNA Legends/Global Television Championship twice, the TNA World Tag Team Championship twice, and more.
However, during his time with WWE, he has been featured as a mid-card wrestler and has failed to maintain popularity among the fans. Also, he had achieved a lot in TNA as compared to WWE. Thus, it can be understood that pro wrestling veteran AJ Styles previously had a better run with TNA than his current tenure with WWE.
Henceforth, it can be understood that several stars previously had a better career in other wrestling promotions before becoming a part of WWE. On the other hand, many superstars who previously left WWE now have a better career.
With that, it remains to be seen what lies ahead for the above-mentioned superstars in the upcoming days. Whatever the case, their fans will look forward to more updates about them.