10 Wrestlers Who Were Almost Set To Join Iconic WWE Stables
Hulk Hogan
10. Baron Corbin and Luchasaurus Nearly Joined The Wyatt Family
At one point, WWE seriously explored expanding the Wyatt Family beyond Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, and Erick Rowan. Baron Corbin was nearly brought in as a silent, intimidating powerhouse, with backstage promos already filmed alongside Wyatt—material that was ultimately shelved and never released. The concept leaned into Corbin’s physical presence rather than promo work, positioning him as a quiet enforcer. Luchasaurus, working under a different name at the time, was also discussed as a potential addition. However, injuries derailed that possibility before it could move forward. In hindsight, the core trio’s unsettling chemistry was seen as fragile, and adding more bodies risked diluting the raw, eerie identity that defined the group.
9. Matt Morgan Almost Became The Third Brother of Destruction
In 2005, WWE floated the idea of expanding The Undertaker–Kane mythos by introducing a third brother. Matt Morgan was earmarked for the role, with creative pitching him as Abel, a biblical counterpart to Kane. The character would have debuted masked, and early concept art reportedly received Vince McMahon’s approval. Despite the initial momentum, the plan was abruptly scrapped. The concern was that adding another sibling would shift the iconic duo from an unstoppable force into something resembling an overworked family melodrama, undermining the mystique that made the Brothers of Destruction legendary.
8. Chyna Was Offered a Spot in WCW’s nWo
Before becoming one of WWE’s most influential female stars, Chyna was approached by WCW to join the New World Order. WCW executives viewed her size and intimidating look as a natural fit for the faction. Chyna ultimately declined the offer and chose WWE instead, debuting as Triple H’s bodyguard before rising to prominence as a core member of D-Generation X. While joining the nWo could have made her part of history, it also risked reducing her to just another name in an already overcrowded faction. WWE’s smaller, more focused groups allowed her to stand out—and reshape expectations for women in wrestling.
7. Dan Severn Turned Down the Ministry of Darkness
Dan Severn was once considered for The Undertaker’s Ministry of Darkness, but the proposal came with extreme conditions. Vince McMahon reportedly told Severn he would need to fully commit to the satanic imagery, including shaving “666” into his forehead. Severn, a legitimate fighter with real-world sponsors and a grounded personal brand, refused. He made it clear there were limits to what he would do for a paycheck. For many, the idea of inserting a serious, no-nonsense competitor into a group built on occult theatrics would have clashed badly with his credibility.
6. Kaitlyn Almost Became a Diva of Doom
In 2011, WWE quietly explored expanding the Divas of Doom—Beth Phoenix and Natalya—by adding Kaitlyn as a third member. The duo’s mission was clear: dismantle the Barbie doll era of the women’s division and establish a more physical, athletic standard. A SmackDown segment was even taped in which Kaitlyn turned heel and aligned herself with them. For reasons never publicly explained, the segment was pulled before it aired. Had it gone forward, it could have accelerated the shift toward stronger, more power-based women dominating the roster.
5. Christopher Daniels Was Almost the Third Member of The Brood
Before Christian became synonymous with The Brood, Christopher Daniels was the original choice to join Edge and Gangrel. He had the look, in-ring ability, and supernatural edge that fit the vampire-inspired faction. However, Edge personally pushed for Christian, citing their long-standing friendship and natural chemistry. Vince McMahon listened, and the lineup was changed. The decision proved pivotal, as Edge and Christian went on to form one of the most successful and influential tag teams in WWE history.
4. Hulk Hogan Wanted In on the Bullet Club
In 2017, at the height of the Bullet Club’s popularity, Hulk Hogan expressed genuine interest in joining the group in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. The idea was discussed internally, but negotiations quickly fell apart after Hogan reportedly asked for an appearance fee of around $75,000 for a single show. Beyond the financial hurdle, there were creative concerns. The Bullet Club thrived on rebellion, youth, and forward momentum—traits that clashed with the perception of a veteran star seeking one last high-profile payday.
3. Test and Val Venis Were Considered for D-Generation X
Following Shawn Michaels’ departure in 1998, WWE explored adding new members to D-Generation X. Test was viewed as a long-term project with main-event potential, with comparisons even being made to a young Kevin Nash. Val Venis was also discussed, as his adult film star persona fit DX’s edgy, boundary-pushing reputation. Despite the surface-level logic, Triple H and others felt the additions would feel forced. Preserving DX’s natural chemistry took priority over expanding the lineup.
2. Big E Nearly Joined The Shield
When The Shield was being formed in 2012, Big E was seriously considered as a potential member. Ultimately, WWE chose to keep the group as a tight three-man unit and redirected Big E into a separate path alongside Dolph Ziggler and AJ Lee. The decision worked on both fronts. The Shield became one of the most dominant factions of the modern era, while Big E later found massive success and popularity as part of The New Day.
1. Mark Jindrak Was Originally Slotted for Evolution
Perhaps the most famous faction what if involves Evolution. When the group was taking shape in the early 2000s, Vince McMahon was firmly behind Mark Jindrak as the fourth member alongside Triple H, Ric Flair, and Randy Orton. Vignettes were even filmed with him in mind. Triple H, however, strongly objected, believing Jindrak lacked the maturity and presence needed for the group. After significant pushback, McMahon reconsidered, and Batista was given the spot instead. The change helped turn Evolution into one of the greatest factions in wrestling history.
