10 WWE Wrestlers Who Had BETTER Careers In TNA

[@Purplegoblin57]

I’m not gonna lie but I think Samoa Joe had a better career in TNA than in the WWE! 🔥

[@Jer1miah]

Fax that’s how I even know him and I’m a wwe fan mostly

[@HothesDentist]

True

[@dustinsonnier5602]

As a wwe fan I agree

[@Xynbar]

Not gonna lie when I think of TNA I think of AJ Styles and Somoa Joe

[@BlaxkSun]

This list is people who started in WWE then transferred to TNA.

[@billyc2493]

Bobby Roode is another example. World champion in TNA, a midcard and tag champion in WWE.

[@jackgonahieu4999]

The NXT run was amazing

[@andrewp.stewart4585]

Isn’t he a former NXT Champion?

[@Warrioruk]

@@andrewp.stewart4585 Yeah, but his main roster run was just bad.

[@dxjustin416]

Being NXT champion doesn't validate his wwe run. His TNA worlds better. Team Canada, beer money, world champ

[@calebmaybin6896]

Glad to see TNA getting some exposure on these Wrestlelamia lists. Would love to see some variety TNA list videos: TNA best/worst Attires, TNA best/worst themes, TNA best/worst finishers, TNA best/worst merchandise, TNA matches/gimmicks that WWE took notice of, etc.

[@0fficialdregs]

yeah without him shitting on them

[@Shawntrimble9501]

Gail kim definitely had a better career in tna

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

Gail Kim, Tenelle Dashwood, & Michin. Unlike WWE where they were Jobbers in TNA they actually managed to snag a few Championships and headline a few Pay-per-views.

[@zanethind3533]

Michin now though is doing great

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

@zanethind3533 Yeah that not being the first Women's US Champion is working so well.

[@zanethind3533]

@user-em6ie2be7x she's got a feud with Chelsea

[@jamesg1974a]

Gail is a great example along with Christian where Vince didn’t like their look so he punished them. Vince saying that American men won’t like Asian women… Is crazy… And Gail was hot plus can wrestle

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

@@zanethind3533 And you don't think being The First owner of any championship would've been more beneficial?

[@WWEAEWMarvelFan]

So far Naomi had a better career in TNA than returning to WWE, I had high hopes for her when she returned but nope back to where we started smh

[@Robinbird30000]

At least she is tag team champion right now but yeah I like Naomi a lot I hope she wins a world title this year or midcard title

[@XavierRodriguez-u4e]

​@@Robinbird30000yeah she was handled the tag title which makes the belt less prestige 😂.from becoming tna women champion to being a tag team belt is a downgrade 😅

[@Robinbird30000]

@@XavierRodriguez-u4e she could still win a world title it’s possible tiffy time ain’t gonna hold it forever

[@XavierRodriguez-u4e]

@@Robinbird30000 yeah because knowing hhh he would probably give it to Charlotte flair of all people.im hoping she wins another singles championship

[@DamariJackson24]

FACTS

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Mickie James run in TNA was legendary

[@eltee704]

Gail Kim was way before her time. if she joined the WWE now she'd be up there with Lynch and Bayley

[@trueSconox]

She'd be above them, miles above.

[@Old-Boy_BEbop]

correction, if Lynch and Bayley were older and joined her back than they would be up there right behind Gail Kim

[@SLTR7]

Another example of how out of touch Vince became in the 2000s and 10s

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Angelina Love TNA run was iconic

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

Taya Valkyrie - in TNA she was their Longest Knockouts Women's Champion. When she debut in NXT she was Frankie who had a soild gimmick but Vince McMahon didn't see value in her for some reason.

[@DamariJackson24]

I think the reason Taya did not work out in the wwe was she signed with them when NXT black and gold was in its dying days and also when triple h had those heart problems and had to leave for a while which lead to Vince taking over the booking and turning it into NXT 2.0 which focused on more younger wrestlers. So there was no place for Taya which lead to her being released I think she has had a solid mid card run in AEW/ROH yeah she’s not a main eventer or anything but compare it to her wwe run it’s a lot better I still her best run in a promotion was definitely he TNA run though.

[@LastDropFalls]

​@@DamariJackson24 Vince never took over the booking of NXT or NXT 2.0. He never booked the show.

[@heath1948]

​@@LastDropFallskeep telling yourself that Shawn at that point was a puppet to Bruce and Vince

[@nixda9326]

@@heath1948 Vince had no interest in NXT. Triple H and Shawn were or are still the Bosses in NXT.

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Christian Cage was a huge main eventer in TNA

[@theghostreckon316]

Kurt Angle is the best example, he feels more like a TNA guy than a WWE guy.

[@nicktaylor2657]

No way He was Perc Angle more than Kurt

[@jetman80pops]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 thanks for that laugh 😂😂😂😂😂

[@fluffybunnyz285]

He only went to tna because they didn’t tell him to quit the percs and Jeff Jarrett stole his wife

[@theghostreckon316]

@@nicktaylor2657 “OH ITS TRUE…”

[@thatboybear]

Kurt’s run in TNA doesn’t come close to his run in WWE. He had solid opponents down there, but a lot of those were either guys on the come up like Samoa Joe and AJ, or guys on the backswing of their careers like Booker and Nash. In the WWE he worked with every top guy they had while they were in their primes and held the big belt on multiple occasions. It’s like comparing Jordan’s Wizards run with his time in Chicago.

[@Aragorn7884]

"Steiner Math" is *GOD* tier 😅😂

[@zanethind3533]

What they did to Christian was criminal. He should've been a main event star like Edge. I'm glad TNA had given him that. He's also super underrated like properly underrated unlike the Miz who was underrated but isn't no more.

[@fredtott4684]

Even his AEW run is WAY better than his WWE run.

[@zanethind3533]

@fredtott4684 yeah and imo his AEW run is his best work of his career right beside TNA.

[@kingwokester7324]

I remember being so salty when they just jobbed him out to Orton after winning the WHC. LMAO

[@legendsofspeed7756]

I’m just glad TNA gave these wrestlers a chance and it helped because look at some of these guys now there mega stars

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Bobby Lashley run in TNA was iconic

[@kenterminateddq5311]

I'm surprised that there's no mention of former NWA-TNA Heavyweight Champion, Rhino, Wrestlelamia. Did they forgot about the TNA Hall of Famer?

[@FallenAngelAltair]

Forgot about WWE resident fun and comedian R-TRUTH aka Ron Killings in TNA

[@RyanCachat]

I agree and I’m also shocked Ken Kennedy was not on there

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Bully Ray was solid main event guy in TNA

[@victorspell1]

Bully I wasn't feeling as a main event dude at all.

[@graemenicol6377]

Gail Kim was a legend in TNA and with their woman's division back then been so great that wasn't easy so I can't understand how WWE failed her so much.

[@ericamhernandez]

Was looking for something to watch and you posted 40 seconds ago!!

[@IamLegendaryguy1998]

Do a another video like this with wwe and Aew wrestlers

[@DamariJackson24]

I would love to see wwe wrestlers who had better careers in aew video.

[@ChrisSuperDude]

It would be about 30 seconds long: Dean Ambrose and Swerve. Maybe Sting if you are solely comparing AEW and WWE.

[@dustinsonnier5602]

@@DamariJackson24😂😂😂

[@adrianmohrey6331]

I feel like AEW isn’t old enough yet. Give it another few years, and I’d love to see this

[@thatboybear]

@@ChrisSuperDude Christian is certainly doing better than he did in WWE. Maybe not TNA levels, but that’s been over a decade ago. Brodie Lee, if he would’ve lived longer would make the list. You could also easily say Cody. WWE def picked him back up based on the fan base he’d built down with TK (and I’d wager as a little bit of an f you to the competition). But as the other poster said, AEW’s still young and they’ve still got room to grow some folk. I’ve got a feeling Ricochet will fare better down there and I’ve got hopes for Shelton Benjamin. Oh, and I just remembered Powerhouse Hobbs had a brief run over in WWE, as well as Keith Lee (It’d be great to see him back). Oh, and frikkin Adam Cole. It’s actually not a bad crop so far.

[@c_shel1989]

7:48 Why are we using a picture of Mickie James for Reby? 🤨

[@yannickasselin724]

Pope was Fun to Watch in TNA

[@TheTrixster690]

Please do a part 2. I know a couple of names: Jeff Hardy Victoria Taya Valkyrie Velvet Sky Kurt Angle Austin Aries Taylor Wilde Naomi Madison Rayne A.J. Styles Bobby Roode Christopher Daniels Samoa Joe Brother Devon Awesome Kong Laurel Van Ness Winter

[@kimbelleville4596]

Mr. Anderson ( Kennedy ) Matt Morgan Tomko James Storm Motor City Machine Guns Sting

[@calennon3]

Christian is criminally underrated, he’s a legend just based off what he did in WWE, yet he’s arguably had better runs in both TNA and AEW

[@robertpalatsky5017]

A few Wrestlers that should be included: 1) Sting 2) Samoa Joe 3) Bobby Roode 4) AJ Styles (to a point) 5) AWESOME KONG- if you don't know TNA, you wouldn't know Kharma 6) Rhyno Sure, there's more, too.

[@jeremywilliams5141]

Here are a few others: 1. Tara/Victoria. Yes, she's a 2X Women's Champion in WWE but in TNA, she's a 5X Knockouts Champion 2. Eric Young 3. Bobby Roode 4. James Storm 5. Braden Walker/Chris Harris 6. Deonna Purrazzo 7. Taya Valkyrie/Franky Monet 8. Matt Morgan. At least in TNA, he wasn't given a speech impediment and he is a 2X Tag Team Champion. Plus, he was in a few main events and even competed for the TNA World title. 9. Samoa Joe

[@joshie4070]

9. Kurt Angle 10. Samoa Joe 11. Bully Ray Drew Mcintyre, Bobby Lashley, and MAYBE Cody Rhodes probably wouldn't have won the WWE championship during their respective 2nd runs with WWE had it not been for TNA. Jordynne Grace to WWE is imminent, and while Tessa Blanchard fumbled the bag a few years ago, it isn't too late for a Tessa vs Rhea Ripley dream match

[@PrelectXBL]

Blake still works for WWE. He's a coach at the performance center. My wife is friends with his sister. He's been there since his wife unalived herself. WWE actually did a lot to help his family through that tough time.

[@kristopherlroseboro2821]

Lay Cool only existed because of The Beautiful People?? I honestly thought that was just a rumor!

[@0fficialdregs]

yup and when laycool broke the title, they were trying to be like the beautiful people

[@eddiespaghetti2798-d6o]

It’s sad that so many wrestlers were just neglected in WWE glad all these stars got better runs in TNA.

[@zanethind3533]

Matt Hardy did deserve a WWE World Title ngl and his comeback run in 2017/2018 should've been the time

[@JWUniverse]

All these names I watched during there TNA Runs and man I don’t know how Vince didn’t see anything in all these names… They literally were the faces of TNA! Glad some of them are back in TNA… I hope the same for Baron Corbin! PS Yes I agree DA BEAT DOWN CLAN was Hurt Business OG Baby!

[@austintgod9621]

I don't understand how micke james didn't get the push considering she used to get huge pops everytime she appeared.

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Matt Hardy should've been World Champ in WWE

[@zanethind3533]

Steiner being in the WWE in the 2000s was just bad timing and bad luck

[@jamesadams8975]

This list should include Sami Callihan and Rich Swann

[@OhyeahMrKrabz]

While i see Kurt Angle as a WWE guy, he had a better career in TNA

[@quentelhill5074]

It's funny because I always looked at him like a tna guy he had a crazy career

[@Rj-pw7zs]

I'd say they were pretty even runs really. He had amazing runs in both companies.

[@trishalapun]

Gail Kim had such a powerful journey in TNA. Yk I didn’t even knew she was in wwe, it was shocking to see how badly wwe booked her.

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

I would give anything to see Gail Kim vs Asuka...That's a Dream match both companies need to make happen.

[@movie-mandan]

To me Samoa Joe, EC3 and Mickie James were the ones that baffled me as to how WWE didn't use them well.

[@jimobrien9104]

Steiner vs Samoa Joe is one of my favorite feuds of all time. Not even kidding.

[@PACNYY]

Let's be honest it's not hard to make big in TNA when the Golden Ages of TNA doesn't exist anymore. I still watch it every week, but I know it's not what it once was.

[@larrymarshall8900]

Facts

[@brianform5572]

And again more great WRESTLING CONTENT as usual 😎👍

[@0fficialdregs]

angelina love held the tna ko title 7 times, a record for the belt!

[@marcusmoore3061]

Kurt angle, Samoa Joe, Eric young, awesome kong

[@zanethind3533]

Look overall success the Hardyz and Dudleyz had great success in both companies. Yes Matt and Bully Ray had singles success much better in TNA but successful in general is in both companies

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Gail Kim is TNA legend

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Jeff Jarrett is legend

[@GreatMewtwo]

The same Jeff Jarrett who was a titleholder right when his contract expired and Vince bought him out for $200K.

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Scott Steiner run in TNA was memorable

[@matthewpaul526]

I always love a countdown that ends with #14. Good work, AI voiceover.

[@DaddyFutbol]

The Pope has a fire 🔥 theme that always makes or breaks a wrestler. DeAngelo was dope

[@stressdavis4517]

The whole "Main Event Mafia" was better in TNA. That was the best era in TNA

[@jaymendezz]

Start your own promotion, push yourself, that’s a major key

[@larrymarshall8900]

That's a line from Nas Album Done rapped by Nas. That's what Tony Khan done but he doesn’t know how to run his own freaking company.

[@harley_yelrah9429]

Ima say it Vince preferred Edge over Christian because Edge has a big head and that looks better on tv

[@benespinosa6725]

I Absolutely loved jeff jarrett's run in TNA he did have a better career there for all the backlash his six NWA title reigns in TNA gets he did have great matches especially his match against sting at bound for glory 2006 Angelina love's TNA run with velvet sky as the beautiful people that was the entire reason i began watching in 2007 gail Kim as the valet for AMW is so iconic that and her becoming the first TNA Knockouts champion in 2007 at bound for glory.

[@davidparkes7741]

I've always wondered, had Owen not died in 99, would Jeff Jarrett have still left WWE later that year??

[@Rj-pw7zs]

Probably. Russo left around that time and him and Jeff were really close. Plus Jeff saw himself as a main event guy and Austin didn't want to work with him because Austin didn't see Jeff as on that level.

[@marcusmoore3061]

MJF is what I wanted EC3 to be

[@XXV_Flea333]

I see big poppa pump, i click

[@Beatmosh]

The reason they were named "The Beautiful People" is because Angelina Love was told in WWE that she wasn't good looking enought to make it... despite her being very attractive!

[@beerguy177]

mickie james is one that comes to mind rhyno aswell

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

EC3 was main eventer in TNA

[@jamesgibson5818]

Don’t forget about the fact that Taryn Terrell was once named knockouts referee by Brooke Hogan in TNA as well

[@DNVS.11]

May not have been a better career but he was definitely at his peak in TNA, the one and only Perk Angle

[@CARL_093]

I agree on the list i used to watch tna since 2006 i have seen careers excell more of former wwe stars in tna

[@SolTheSeeker]

You showed Mickie James instead of Reby Sky. There was 14 and not 10 as the title stated. You left out Awesome Kong despite mentioning her, which would of rounded the list out at 15.

[@Tufferwear]

I have firsthand knowledge about Angelina Love's career, having represented her back in the day. Did you know that in 2009, she was actually considered for a WWE stint? However, unfortunately, the opportunity fell through due to false claims about her professionalism spread by someone in the Women's locker room. On a related note, it's worth mentioning that TNA made a strategic move by going live on January 4, 2009, against WWE's Raw. Instead of airing the Strip Poker angle, they would have made a bigger impact if they had featured Angelina Love's return live, confronting Lacey Von Erich, which would have been a more exciting and memorable moment.

[@piercepatterson9274]

Kharma(Awesome Kong)

[@dcb_75]

Good list. It is kind of funny how wwe didn't see the potential in some of these people even after they went to TNA, did well and went back. I think the #1 for this will always be Angle. People will talk about his initial wwe run and yeah, it was fantastic but look at the talent he was working with - he was working with the best. But with TNA, he was working with great talent that didn't have the careers like Austin, etc yet Angle made them all look like they were top talent anywhere. And the matches he had were just as good if not better than in wwe. I think his TNA run was far better than his wwe run.

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Taryn Terrell TNA run was memorable

[@scottracing51s]

The way wwe missused Gail Kim I believe is a true crime against wrestling she was one of the best women to ever get in a ring in my opinion

[@metsandjetsfan5174]

Don't forget Allysin Kay and Marti Belle, they tried out in WWE, but weren't signed, at least they did excel in TNA and several indies

[@viper851]

Everybody was better who came to WWE from another organization, WWE makes a joke out of everyone who didn't start their career in WWE

[@kimwaddell4218]

I didn't know who Steve Maclin was until he showed up in TNA.

[@Luca-ke4rm]

for women, there are lot: Tara (Victoria) Awesome Kong (Kharma) Mia Yim (Michin) Taryn Terell (Tiffany) Gail Kim (obviously) Mickie James (obviously) Tenille Dashwood (Emma) Maddison Rayne (obviously) Deonna Purrazo (obviously) Trinity (Naomi) Chelsea Green (Inaugral Women US Champion) and Maria (had better storylines in WWE) are the only ones who had a better career in WWE than TNA

[@robertjones9595]

3:38 of course Jeff Jarrett had a better career in TNA he owned the company and booked himself to be the champion

[@0fficialdregs]

JJ and his FATHER, FOUNDED TNA WRESTLING!!!

[@nkosinathimakhaza3159]

Why can't there be an understanding that not every talent needs to be pushed to the ME, there are some guys whove had outstanding careers as midcarders

[@SamEVO69]

I’ll argue that AJ Styles had a better TNA run than WWE run

[@tomseville2345]

The Mickie story from 2010 is beyond sick; that confirms "Piggy James" was NOT a "heel schtick" from Michelle and Layla; it was even worse that WWE management were scapegoating their heel TV *characters* to spew their *real* feelings about her. Which indicates they knew how disgusting it was and how it would be received, and needed the smokescreen...

[@againstanarmyofshadows]

You forget Christopher Daniels

[@WayOfThePharaoh]

I had no idea Angelina Love was in the WWE at one point

[@tomingram4108]

Wwe fans never notice any other promotions because they have become used to wrestling with no options

[@robertjones9595]

4:42 Scott Steiner was mostly injured in his WWE run plus he had heat with Triple H

[@delilahhayden]

*talks about Matt's wife* *shows Mickie James pic from earlier*

[@jamesg1974a]

Christian was every bit as good as Edge if not better. Vince is known for burying people he doesn’t like for one reason or another. It’s almost like he’d rather see somebody destroyed then let them go be successful somewhere else.

[@tjrush1988]

I’m sorry but no Kelly Kelly was the perfect BabyFace she IS THE DIVA for the Divas Division

[@Gabe-y8h]

top 10 with bonus 🥰

[@FunnyJoshVideoz]

Eric Young, Mike Knox, Kaval, Mr.Kennedy, Sting, John Cena

[@MACHINArebirth]

Could never take Matt Hardy seriously because of his bow legs and how he shuffles around the ring

[@eightyeight.1048]

Man, I used 2 love the forgotten sons.

[@ChrisBreaker23]

"His wife Reby helped elevate him.." *shows photo of Mickie James*

[@Lupillo107]

Hopefully HHH books Penta the RIGHT WAY🤞

[@deshaefromarounthawayricha7324]

Great video

[@chrisgonzales4420]

Women that are not the front runners in WWE or not given a proper chance in WWE usually do mounds better in other Promotions. It has a lot to do with WWE seemingly forgetting there are more than 5 wrestlers.

[@John93965]

TNA is truly the place to be.

[@JoeyBeansLI]

You definitely forgot to add Brian Myers.

[@Rj-pw7zs]

Tbf to Jarrett he claims the money he held Vince up for was money that was already owed and was afraid he wouldn't be paid when he left.

[@RedForeman]

Should be a video of TNA stars who did terrible in WWE . It would be 3 hours long hell James storm situation still bothers me to this day he was just there then he wasn’t ..

[@cenationofjnu]

WWE lost a gigantic opportunity by not letting Matt play his broken hardy gimmick.

[@daxmoney5011]

4:10 “nice push” bro he was world champion and laid down for the POS Hulk Hogan so Booker T could have his first title win