As the final bell has rung for 2025, the WWE Universe is left reflecting on a year of massive transitions.
Fans saw RAW’s move to Netflix, the launch of the ESPN era with WWE Wrestlepalooza, and a roster more stacked than perhaps any in the promotion’s history.
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However, a stacked roster often leads to major stars falling through the cracks. While some reached new heights, others struggled with inconsistent bookings, lack of screen time, or creative resets that failed to land.
Here are five WWE Superstars who, fans believed, despite their massive name value, did not live up to the hype in 2025:
#5. Brock Lesnar
When The Beast stormed the ring at WWE SummerSlam 2025 to F5 John Cena, it felt like the biggest moment of the summer. The stage was set for a monstrous run during Cena’s Farewell Tour.
Brock Lesnar eventually got the win at Wrestlepalooza, essentially squashing the 17-time World Champion in a callback to his 2014 dominant bout against the same opponent at SummerSlam.
However, fans believe WWE did absolutely nothing with the victory. Instead of becoming the final “End Boss” for the next generation, Lesnar vanished for months following the win.
When he did reappear, the aura of his return had seemingly dwindled significantly. For a legend whose return was meant to change the landscape, he felt more like a part-timer checking a box than a needle-mover.
#4. Rusev
The Bulgarian Brute finally made his WWE return in April 2025, making a loud comeback on RAW after WrestleMania 41.
Fans were excited, hoping for a big main-event run now that he was back after years away. He kicked things off strong by taking apart the Alpha Academy, and for a few weeks, it really felt like Rusev Day was making a comeback.
But that momentum didn’t last long. Instead of jumping into the World Heavyweight Title picture, Rusev got stuck in a cycle of quick wins over mid-card guys. By the end of the year, it appeared he was mostly used as a foil to other stars, like Dominik Mysterio, in high-profile matches.
This has left fans wondering why he came back at all if he wasn’t going to be pushed as the top-tier threat he once was.
#3. Former WWE United States Champion Austin Theory
Last year was dubbed the year of Theory. After unmasking as the culprit who cost CM Punk at WWE Survivor Series: WarGames, Austin Theory was revealed as the latest member of The Vision, a formidable faction led by Paul Heyman. Fans believed that being a Paul Heyman Guy alongside Bron Breakker should have propelled him to new heights.
However, Theory hasn’t exactly clicked with The Vision, and there is a chance he’ll get back on track over time. He has the talent and the platform; it’s just a matter of finding the right character direction and momentum. Hence, turning face down the line remains a possibility, and if he can reconnect with his potential, he might still make 2026 a breakout year.
#2. Uncle Howdy
The Wyatt Sicks debut was the most talked-about moment of 2024, but by the end of 2025, it seems the Howdy Hype had largely evaporated. While the faction had some standout moments, Uncle Howdy himself appeared to be a victim of slow-burning storytelling that was, frankly, too slow.
Fans grew tired of the cryptic vignettes and flickering lights that yielded little narrative payoff. Without a major title feud or a regular presence in the ring, Uncle Howdy only showed up sporadically. As a result, he seemingly lost that must-see appeal. In 2025, many believe Uncle Howdy became a reminder that atmosphere and mystery only work if they eventually lead to a meaningful story.
#1. Roman Reigns
It seems like 2025 was a frustrating year for Roman Reigns fans. Roman competed in only seven matches all year. While “less is more” was the mantra during his historic title reign, it looks like that logic began to fail him in 2025.
The OTC returned to television nearly half a dozen times this year to save Jey Uso or confront the new Bloodline, but the cycle became predictable. Because he rarely wrestled and his appearances followed the same save-the-day formula, the “Big Fight Feel” started to diminish.
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Edited by Angana Roy
