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    6 WWE stars who have lost their way

    Gossip
    Runfyers
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    Booking can be a fickle monster in wrestling, and especially in WWE. Officials have always had their favorites and those who were considered priorities over other Superstars.

    It’s a harsh reality of the business. If Triple H or others in Creative lose interest or ignore a star’s popularity, it can lead to a confusing usage of a performer that leaves fans scratching their heads.

    WWE bookers often favor and prioritize stars created at the WWE Performance Center over big free agents from other promotions. Consistently booking everyone on the roster isn’t easy.

    However, the way some stars are treated is extremely disappointing. Some are stuck without a Creative direction, while others are featured but buried. The next six WWE stars have lost their way for one reason or another.

    #6. Rusev isn’t booked like a monster

    Rusev came back to WWE last year with a few other former AEW stars, but has been booked into oblivion over the last year. He’s challenged for the Intercontinental Championship a few times with nothing to show for his efforts.

    Chad Gable eventually defeated Penta to win the belt, and in that time, The Bulgarian Brute was losing matches to Rey Mysterio and Je’Von Evans. Having veterans put over younger talent isn’t anything new, but Mysterio is older than Rusev.

    Creative has also clipped his wings, making him feel less and less dangerous every time he attacks someone. The proof is in who wins matches, and bookers haven’t treated Rusev like the threat he could be.

    #5. Ilja Dragunov should be trading chops with Gunther

    Ilja Dragunov returned from an injury close to one year ago. His reemergence coincided with winning the United States Championship from Sami Zayn in an Open Challenge match.

    He put the belt on the line nearly every week and provided constant action for the WWE Universe. He lost the title, and through no fault of his own, his way as a featured member of SmackDown.

    The Mad Dragon hasn’t been used much since the Andre The Giant Battle Royal on SmackDown before WrestleMania. He could have easily challenged Trick Williams when he held the US Title or been used in other angles. Instead, he’s directionless.

    #4. Giulia’s strange booking on the main roster

    There was a time when WWE presented Giulia like a big deal and future World Champion. She quickly won the Women’s United States Championship but was booked as an afterthought as champion.

    She dropped the belt and won it again, but suffered the same fate as champion. Splitting from Kiana James and turning face should have been a fresh start for The Beautiful Madness, but it went the wrong way.

    Blake Monroe attacked her in London. Lash Legend buried her to qualify for the Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match at SummerSlam. Staying with James at least kept Giulia relevant, but the breakup has shown Triple H doesn’t consider her a priority.

    #3. WWE doesn’t seem to believe much in Joey Hendry

    Joe Hendry was once so popular in the industry that he was included in two Royal Rumbles. He obviously didn’t win, but received a great reaction from the fans when he entered.

    His popularity even netted him a spot opposite Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41. The Viper made quick work of Hendry, but he can say he competed at The Showcase of the Immortals.

    Hendry joined NXT and had a brief run as NXT Champion. Joining the main roster should have led to more, but Je’Von Evans has been featured much more than the former TNA star.

    Bron Breakker squashed him a few weeks ago, and he’s lost more matches than he’s won. His concert with Danhausen was one of the worst segments in history. It shouldn’t be hard to find a storyline for someone as charismatic as Hendry. The same could be said for Ricky Saints.

    #2. WWE clipped Lyra Valkyria’s wings

    Lyra Valkyria may not be as charismatic as Becky Lynch or as big as Jade Cargill. What she does offer is a solid in-ring performance every time.

    She was lovable as a face, and even got over against The Man during their Women’s Intercontinental Championship feud. Partnering with Bayley felt like a way for both to get TV time with little substance behind the pairing.

    The real reason was for Valkyria to eventually turn on Bayley. Instead of adopting a darker, lethal aspect of the Morrigan, the Irish deity she used in her gimmick, WWE made her appear as if she hadn’t slept for weeks.

    It looked like she cut her last promo from a boiler room. With the arrival of Sol Ruca, it feels like Triple H has cast Lyra down into an ill-fitting role. She even lost to Ruca again on RAW.

    #1. Carmelo Hayes’ treatment in 2026

    Carmelo Hayes was a focal point of NXT during his tenure. He won the NXT and North American Championships. Being closer to Finn Balor than John Cena in size meant that he’d have to fight harder than others for everything.

    That was evident this year as, despite doing good work as US Champion, he was cast aside right before WrestleMania in favor of Trick Williams.

    He eventually challenged Baron Corbin for the title, but was again tossed aside for his former running mate. Hayes has all the tools, except for size. It shouldn’t be that hard to book someone with the complete package like Hayes consistently.