In the world of WWE, getting over with the crowd should be the golden ticket to success. But history tells a different story.

Over the years, several superstars have caught fire without WWE’s blessing — and instead of being pushed to the top, they were buried.

Whether it was due to backstage politics, fear of losing control, or jealousy, WWE has made it painfully clear: if you get too popular on your own, you’re a threat. From forgotten pushes to storyline sabotage, these 10 wrestlers are glaring examples of talent WWE crushed — and fans haven’t forgotten.

1. Zack Ryder – The Internet Champion WWE Never Wanted

Zack Ryder got himself over in the early 2010s through sheer hustle, launching his own YouTube series Z! True Long Island Story and building a cult following online.

Crowds chanted his name, merchandise sales spiked — yet WWE ignored it.

Instead of rewarding him, they kept him off TV, mocked his character, and even used him as comic relief. Fans were furious, and to this day, Ryder’s burial is a textbook case of WWE sabotaging organic popularity.

2. Rusev (Rusev Day) – The Catchphrase WWE Buried

When Rusev teamed up with Aiden English and the crowd organically embraced “Rusev Day,” it became one of the most popular chants in WWE.

Despite massive fan support, WWE never pulled the trigger. No main event push. No title run. Eventually, Rusev was quietly demoted and later released. Fans still chant “Rusev Day” at live events — a lasting symbol of WWE’s refusal to acknowledge what the crowd truly wants.

3. Taz – ECW Legend, WWE Afterthought

When Taz debuted in WWE at the 2000 Royal Rumble and defeated Kurt Angle — WWE’s undefeated rising star — fans thought a new era had begun.

But after that moment, Taz was quickly moved down the card, his character watered down, and his in-ring career cut short.

Many believe WWE never fully embraced him due to his ECW background and smaller stature, despite massive crowd reactions early on.

4. Baron Corbin – Pushed, Then Punished

While not everyone’s favorite, Baron Corbin had serious momentum when he won the Money in the Bank briefcase in 2017.

But rumors of backstage heat and a perceived attitude problem led to a sudden and embarrassing loss of his cash-in.

He was quickly rebranded multiple times, from “Constable” to “Sad Corbin” — none of which matched his early potential.

Many fans believe Corbin’s case is another instance of WWE torpedoing a star for internal reasons.

5. Cesaro – Too Talented for His Own Good?

The “Swiss Superman” Cesaro is widely regarded as one of the best in-ring performers of his generation

. But despite consistent crowd support and jaw-dropping performances, WWE never gave him a sustained main event run.

Even when he won the inaugural André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, the momentum was short-lived. Vince McMahon once infamously said Cesaro “didn’t connect” — a statement fans still challenge to this day.

6. Christian – Always Living in Edge’s Shadow

While Edge received main event pushes and legendary status, Christian was constantly treated as second-best.

Despite being hugely over with the crowd, especially during his World Heavyweight Title run in 2011, WWE pulled the plug quickly.

His reign lasted just two days before dropping the title to Randy Orton. The message was clear: WWE didn’t see Christian as a top guy — even when fans did.

7. Cody Rhodes – Had to Leave to Be Taken Seriously

Cody Rhodes tried everything in WWE — Dashing Cody, Stardust, tag team runs — but every time he started to gain traction, he was slapped with a gimmick no one wanted.

Frustrated, he left the company, rebuilt himself on the indie scene, helped launch AEW, and became a top name in the industry.

Only then did WWE bring him back — finally treating him like the star he always was. But fans haven’t forgotten how badly he was underused the first time around.

8. Rob Van Dam – The People’s Choice, Never Vince’s

RVD was red-hot in the early 2000s, especially after his WWE debut. Fans loved his unique style, charisma, and high-flying moves.

Despite this, WWE slow-played his rise, never giving him the full push until 2006.

Even then, his run was short-lived — after winning the WWE and ECW Championships, a real-life incident derailed him, and WWE seemed all too eager to move on. For someone so beloved, RVD never got the consistent spotlight fans felt he earned.

9. Rey Mysterio – The Champion WWE Didn’t Believe In

While Rey Mysterio won the 2006 Royal Rumble and became World Champion in tribute to Eddie Guerrero, many felt WWE treated his reign as a placeholder.

He was often booked as a weak champion, losing non-title matches weekly.

Despite being a global icon, Mysterio was never truly given the sustained respect he deserved during his prime — and fans noticed.

10. Daniel Bryan – Yes Movement vs. WWE Management

No one represents organic fan power quite like Daniel Bryan.

His underdog story resonated so deeply that the Yes Movement took over arenas — and forced WWE to change WrestleMania 30’s plans.

But before that moment, WWE resisted his push at every turn, even inserting Batista into the 2014 Royal Rumble instead.

The crowd hijacked shows, demanding Bryan get his chance. WWE eventually caved, but the resistance made one thing clear: they didn’t want him as the face of the company.

From Zack Ryder to Daniel Bryan, these wrestlers all had something in common: they got over without WWE scripting it. And in WWE, that’s often the ultimate sin. Rather than capitalize on fan momentum, the company has repeatedly chosen to control the narrative — even if it means burying beloved superstars.

Fans haven’t forgotten. And they’re still waiting for WWE to explain why being too popular became a punishment.