Examining WWE’s Next Round of Tryouts
Former MMA Artist, GHC Champions, TNA & ROH Alumni at Tryout
It’s been known that WWE’s tryout camps, more often than not, are attended by various famous names within the wrestling world; Uhaa Nation, Kevin Steen, and Hugo Knox are some names to have been seen at past tryouts at the innovative WWE Performance Center. As of right now, the next round of tryouts has begun; but who’s in line to potentially become the next big thing in WWE?
Names have been thrown about across the internet for a while now, but it’s been confirmed that the following names are there to tryout for the WWE:
Male:
~ Tommaso Ciampa (30, 1,80m, debut in 2005)
~ Johnny Gargano (27, 1,78m, debut in 2005)
~ Chuck Taylor (29, 1,85m. Debut in 2002)
~ Drew Gulak (28, 1,80m, debut in 2005)
~ Biff Busick (29, 1,85m, debut in 2007)
~ “The One Man Thrill Ride” Jimmy Preston (30, 1,78m, debut in 2009)
~ The Mighty Don’t Kneel: Shane Haste (29, 1,85m, debut in 2003) & Mickey Nicholls (29, 1,85m, debut in 2001)
~ Matt Riddle (29, 1,85m)
~ Big Duke Dalton (29, debut circa 2010)
~ Suburban Commandos (debut in 2004): T-Rent (1,83m) & D-Unit (1,88m)Female:
~ Havok (28, 1,83m, debut in 2004)
~ Taeler Hendrix (25, 1,70m, debut in 2008)
~ Athena (26, 1,57m, debut 2007)
~ Gisele Shaw (Lance Storm Academy graduate, debut 2015)
~ Andrea (30, 1,85m, Debut in 2007)Female non-wrestlers
~ Dianna Dahlgren (24, 1,70m) (model and IFBB Pro Bikini competitor)
~ Nikki Galladay (22, 1,67m) (TV’s Bad Girls Club)
It is interesting to note, in particular, a wide variety of these names for working on various independent circuits, and national TV in some cases. Tommaso Ciampa, a former ROH World Television Champion, previously had a Developmental Contract with WWE in the mid-2000’s – he had a successful career within Ring of Honor, and should do well in this tryout camp.
Other fellow independent alumni at this tryout include; Chuck Taylor, who is also currently signed to Global Force Wrestling, and has previously worked with Chikara and PWG in the past. He’s also in much better shape than Seth Rollins, so take that for what you will.
Australians Shane Haste and Mikey Nicholls, known collectively as The Mighty Don’t Kneel, are former GHC Tag Team Champions for Pro Wrestling NOAH, and competed at Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome against Suzukigun earlier this year. They’ve been praised for their exciting offense and charisma, and would be a welcome addition to the tag team division wherever they settle.
Matt Riddle is a former UFC fighter, with an 8-3 record. However, he was marred in controversy after failing two marijuana tests in one year, leading to his firing from UFC. This would surely be a red flag for those at WWE, who are famous for their “strict” drug policy. Their logic could excuse him from these strikes, as they occurred outside their company, and there’s no evidence to suggest he would be caught whilst performing for WWE.
On the female side of things, names to note are Jessicka Havok, former TNA Knockout’s Champion, who also happens to be currently dating NXT performer Solomon Crowe, aka Sami Callihan. Not only that, but she is reportedly still working for TNA… this could get interesting.
Taeler Hendrix has also competed for TNA in the past, alongside OVW, where she held their women’s championship for over 200 days, but was let go from the company after a disagreement with Dixie Carter, who called her “too heavy for TV”. Which, of course, makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, so it’s expected that Dixie would say that.
Andrea, formerly known as Rosie Lottalove, has also been seen in TNA before. She retired two years ago, lost over 100 lbs, and has returned to the squared circle. In a transformation akin to Black Reign’s rejuvenation back to the Goldust character, things are looking up for the newly reborn Andrea.
Any mix of these names would be a great addition to the WWE; the tag-team division in NXT and WWE’s main roster would benefit hugely from TMDK, and you couldn’t go wrong in picking up Ciampa and Taylor for their considerable popularity on the independent circuits, not to mention their connections with current WWE performers such as Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens and now Samoa Joe. The former UFC fighter Matt Riddle is also an interesting name to add into the mix, and considering WWE’s tumultuous relationship with MMA as a whole, it’d be worth our collective interests to see how he would fit into the mix.
What are your thoughts on some of the names mentioned? Are there any that you’re particularly excited about? Leave a comment below and you could be featured on the next episode of The Suplah!
Credit to: /r/SquaredCircle user /u/PushEmma for the list of performers
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