Dominik Dijakovic’s journey with WWE is coming to an unexpected and abrupt end, as the company has decided not to renew his contract at the eleventh hour. This decision has sparked discussions among wrestling enthusiasts, particularly regarding Dijakovic’s underutilized talent and missed opportunities. Wrestling veteran Tommy Dreamer recently weighed in on this topic during an episode of “Busted Open Radio,” expressing his disappointment over WWE’s handling of the athletic powerhouse.
Dreamer emphasized the potential that Dijakovic possessed and lamented the lack of significant roles for him within WWE’s programming. “If I look at ‘NXT,’ they need heels, and Dijak could’ve been one of those heels,” Dreamer stated, noting the shift in ownership under TKO Group Holdings, which now oversees WWE’s business operations. “It’s a different ownership. I don’t know how much influence people can have.”
The former ECW star didn’t hold back in holding WWE’s creative team accountable for their oversight. “If these people aren’t factored into your plans, don’t draft them because here’s the end result,” Dreamer argued, referring to Dijakovic’s draft to “Raw” with no substantial creative direction. “Main roster, they need heels. I would’ve pushed him as this next-level heel.”
Dreamer further criticized the decision to draft Dijakovic to “Raw,” suggesting that “SmackDown” would have been a more suitable platform for him. According to Dreamer, “SmackDown” lacked heat, and Dijakovic could have been the magnet for heat that the show needed, potentially serving as a formidable antagonist for top stars like Cody Rhodes and providing a break from the ongoing Bloodline storyline. “I would’ve made sure Dijak was a magnet for heat,” Dreamer asserted, highlighting the missed opportunity to elevate Dijakovic’s status and the overall dynamic of the blue brand.
Having worked with Dijakovic on the independent circuit, Dreamer praised his work ethic, size, and athleticism. These attributes made Dijakovic a standout performer, yet they were seemingly overlooked in his WWE run. Before his departure, Dijakovic had expressed admiration for his former rival Eddy Thorpe, predicting that Thorpe was destined for championship success. This shows Dijakovic’s ability to recognize and appreciate talent, adding another layer to the disappointment surrounding his exit.
Dreamer’s comments highlight a broader issue within WWE’s creative process: the mismanagement of talent and the failure to capitalize on wrestlers’ unique strengths. Dijakovic’s situation serves as a reminder of the importance of strategic planning and the need to nurture and develop talent effectively. As fans and industry insiders reflect on Dijakovic’s WWE journey, there is a collective hope that the wrestling world will learn from these missteps and better harness the potential of its performers.
Stephen’s Insight:
Tommy Dreamer’s insights into Dominik Dijakovic’s WWE tenure underscore the significant gaps in WWE’s talent utilization strategy. Dijakovic’s untapped potential and the creative team’s inability to integrate him meaningfully into storylines reflect broader systemic issues. Dreamer’s perspective not only offers a critique but also provides a roadmap for how WWE can better leverage its talent to enhance its programming and storytelling.
