TNA Wrestlers Who Made It Big in WWE
Hello there, wrestling fans! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of professional wrestling to explore the TNA wrestlers who made it big in WWE. We'll take a look at some of the most talented athletes who started their careers in Total Nonstop Action (TNA) and later found success in the global juggernaut that is WWE. So, buckle up, grab some popcorn, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and tna wrestlers in wwe.
The Rise of TNA
Before we delve into the stars who transitioned from TNA to WWE, let's briefly talk about TNA itself. Founded in 2002 by Jeff Jarrett, TNA (originally known as NWA: Total Nonstop Action) was a wrestling promotion that aimed to provide an alternative to WWE. TNA introduced innovative concepts like the "6-sided ring" and the "X Division," which focused on high-flying, fast-paced action. While TNA never quite reached the heights of WWE, it did produce some incredible talent.
AJ Styles - The Phenomenal One
Kicking off our list is none other than the Phenomenal One himself, AJ Styles. AJ started his career in TNA in 2002 and quickly became one of the promotion's biggest stars. He held numerous championships, including the TNA World Heavyweight Championship a record seven times. Styles was known for his incredible athleticism, innovative moveset, and charismatic personality.
In 2016, after 14 years in TNA, AJ Styles made the jump to WWE as part of the highly anticipated "WWE Draft." He made an immediate impact, winning the WWE World Championship in his debut match at WWE Backlash. Since then, Styles has become one of WWE's top stars, winning multiple world championships and even headlining WrestleMania. He's also widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
Samoa Joe - The Samoan Submission Machine
Another TNA legend who found success in WWE is Samoa Joe. Joe began his career in TNA in 2005 and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He held the TNA World Heavyweight Championship twice and was known for his brutal fighting style and devastating submission moves.
Samoa Joe joined WWE in 2015 as part of the NXT roster, where he continued to showcase his incredible talent. He won the NXT Championship and even headlined NXT TakeOver: Toronto against Shinsuke Nakamura. In 2017, Joe made his WWE main roster debut and has since become a regular feature on Monday Night Raw. He's held the WWE United States Championship and even challenged for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania.
Kurt Angle - The Olympic Hero
While Kurt Angle's career spanned both TNA and WWE, he's perhaps best known for his time in TNA. Angle joined TNA in 2006 after being released from WWE due to injuries. He immediately became one of TNA's top stars, winning the TNA World Heavyweight Championship twice and even serving as the promotion's General Manager.
Angle returned to WWE in 2017 as part of the "Hall of Fame class of 2017." He made his in-ring return at WrestleMania 35, where he tagged with Baron Corbin against Seth Rollins and Finn Bálor. Angle has since become a regular presence on WWE programming, serving as both a wrestler and a backstage producer.
Bobby Lashley - The Dominator
Bobby Lashley is another TNA star who found success in WWE. Lashley began his career in TNA in 2003, where he quickly became one of the promotion's most popular stars. He held the TNA World Heavyweight Championship twice and was known for his incredible strength and athleticism.
Lashley joined WWE in 2005 but was released in 2008 due to injuries. He returned to TNA, where he continued to dominate the competition. In 2018, Lashley returned to WWE and has since become a regular feature on Monday Night Raw. He's held the WWE Intercontinental Championship and even challenged for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania.
Ethan Carter III - The Suplex Machine
Last but not least, we have Ethan Carter III. EC3 began his career in TNA in 2013 and quickly became one of the promotion's top heels. He held the TNA World Heavyweight Championship twice and was known for his incredible wrestling ability and charismatic promos.
EC3 joined WWE in 2018 but was released in 2019 due to budget cuts. He returned to the independent circuit, where he continues to showcase his incredible talent. While EC3's time in WWE was brief, he made a significant impact and is widely regarded as one of the most talented wrestlers of his generation.
Honorable Mentions
Before we wrap up, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention some of the other TNA stars who found success in WWE. James Storm and Beer Money were one of TNA's most popular tag teams and even enjoyed success in WWE as part of the Nexus faction. Rob Van Dam and Jeff Hardy both made brief appearances in WWE after leaving TNA, with Hardy even winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. And who could forget TNA Knockouts like Tara and Gail Kim, who both made significant contributions to WWE's women's division?
The Legacy of TNA
While TNA may no longer be in existence, its legacy lives on in the stars it produced. The wrestlers on this list, and many others, honed their craft in TNA and went on to achieve incredible success in WWE. TNA may have been the underdog promotion, but it certainly punched above its weight.
So there you have it, folks! A comprehensive look at the TNA wrestlers who made it big in WWE. Whether you're a lifelong wrestling fan or just a casual observer, there's no denying the impact these stars have had on the world of professional wrestling. As always, thanks for reading, and we'll see you next time!