Austin Idol began his career as a power wrestler, which stood to reason considering he competed as a Power Lifter in the Super Heavyweight division.  But we know the adage of strongman wrestlers, who although are marketable are rarely any good.  After a plane crash that sidelined him, he remerged significantly lighter, with a new look, and the moniker of the “Universal Heartthrob”.  The new persona was a winner, and though he was not on a national stage he was a draw in Southern promotions and feuded often with Jerry Lawler.  Had Idol had a shot in the WWF, he could very well have done well there.

The first time that Tom Prichard arrived in the WWE it was as one half of the Heavenly Bodies with Jimmy Del Ray.  It took the “Doctor” a long time to get there as he toiled in the Indies, the USWA and Smoky Mountain in numerous roles for over fifteen years.  By the time he reached the National stage it was clear to anyone looking that he was already a seasoned pro and a ring general.  He eventually won Tag Team gold in the WWE (albeit with a different partner), but his real contributions continued after his ring retirement where he has performed a trainer for the WWE for years after.  It is this role that could see him as a dark horse Hall of Fame candidate.

Marc Mero’s first incarnation in WCW as Johnny B. Badd had such an awful beginning it is hard to imagine he could ever overcome it.  Mero actually got over by playing the character so over the top, but while he was doing it fans were really taking notice of the improvement in his in ring skills.  By 1994, he was one of the best wrestlers on the WCW roster and his string of Television Titles was well deserved.  He was still very talented in WWE, but he essentially sacrificed his career for his then wife, Sable by putting her over and helping to make her one of the biggest stars that Vince had at the time.  Marc Mero could be considered for the Hall for the above reasons, but his anti WWE comments following the Chris Benoit death may have prevented that from ever happening.

Don Leo Jonathan may have been born and raised in Utah but it was in Canada that he found his home.  Jonathan’s size and wrestling acumen allowed him to become a true international superstar and he traveled the world winning titles and headlining cards.  As mentioned he was most comfortable in Canada and it was for the NWA in Vancouver that he truly cemented his star and faced all comers.  Don Leo Jonathan took on Jean Ferre (Andre the Giant) in a legendary match in Montreal and though that did not take place under a WWE banner, it has been referenced to by the WWE.  He may never have been a WWE star, but he was one of the best big men of all time.