Making a great first impression is crucial in life, and this holds true in WWE as well. New wrestlers are often introduced with weeks of vignettes, teaser clips, and digital buzz, building high expectations among fans. When a debut finally happens, it can become a memorable moment, celebrated for years on social media. However, when expectations aren’t met, the excitement fades as storylines falter or fail to live up to the hype. This article explores five WWE debuts that were heavily anticipated but ultimately disappointed.
First up is Scott Steiner’s 2002 debut. Although he had been part of the wrestling world since the early ’90s, his WWE return was overhyped. After signing late in 2002, his arrival at Madison Square Garden was built up with weeks of promotion. Steiner showcased his signature “Big Bad Booty Daddy” persona by defeating some opponents handily. However, his momentum was quickly lost in a poorly received feud with Triple H, and by 2004 he was released.
Next is Sin Cara, who debuted in 2011 as a huge signing from Mexico’s CMLL promotion. Known as Mistico before joining WWE, he was a top star in Mexico – even compared to John Cena in terms of popularity. WWE hyped his arrival with a press conference in Mexico City, signalling his significance. Unfortunately, once on WWE programming, his matches and storylines failed to capture his original magic, leading to his release in 2014 and a decline in his wrestling aura.
Hideo Itami’s debut was another that fell short of expectations. Originally Kenta from Japan, he was a major star in Pro Wrestling Noah and seen as a major international signing when he joined WWE’s NXT. Despite impressive early wins, Itami struggled with multiple injuries and couldn’t consistently perform at his best. Released in 2019, Kenta later called his WWE tenure “the most frustrating days” of his career.
Ultimo Dragon, signed in 2003 during WWE’s brand split, was another hype case that fell flat. Known for his high-flying style, Dragon was expected to be a star alongside Rey Mysterio in the cruiserweight division. However, previous surgery had limited his capabilities, and he never matched the performance fans anticipated. After a year, WWE released him, unable to successfully integrate his talents.
Lastly, Diamond Dallas Page’s WWE debut in 2001 didn’t meet expectations. Coming from WCW, DDP wanted to make a big impact but was saddled with an awkward storyline involving stalking The Undertaker’s wife. This damaged his image, and combined with a serious neck injury, forced him into early retirement in 2002. Despite his struggles in WWE, DDP remains beloved for his later contributions through DDP Yoga.
Fan Take: These overhyped debuts remind WWE fans that despite star power and anticipation, success requires the right storytelling and timing. For wrestling as a sport, it shows that building a legacy isn’t just about hype—it’s about delivering consistent, compelling performances that resonate with the audience.
