“Benching” is the new word used to replace “stuck in catering” when professional wrestlers are under utilized by a promotion. WWE President Nick Khan claimed that the company he leads does not use such a practice. That was easily debunked, and yet another example of a performer being pushed to the wayside has popped up. Tyler Bate is the latest to subtly open up about not being used by the company, and it is a travesty that this talented performer isn’t on television more often.
“Not injured,” Bate posted on his Instagram account. “Waiting…”
Tyler Bate is one of the best young professional wrestlers in the business. He is only 28 years old with 13 years of experience. Yet, WWE has completely failed to utilize him since his move to the main roster. In 2023, Daily DDT recognized the top wrestlers 29 years of age and younger. Bate was a lock for the list, coming in at number nine.
However, if you believed WWE’s booking, he’s nothing more than a role player. The last time he was on television was on the April 18 edition of WWE SmackDown, taking part in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. He returned to action in March of this year and has had only two televised matches since. The rest of the time, he’s been on Main Event, losing more often than winning. The last time he competed was on May 26 in a tag team match with Pete Dunne – another name who isn’t used to his fullest abilities.
The blame fully falls on none other than Triple H. As the head of WWE Creative, his booking has consistently left capable performers on the sidelines. Bate is just the latest name to add to the list. Other examples like Omos or Candice LeRae sit in catering while waiting for an opportunity without any explanations or expectations to be utilized.
Tyler Bate is a talented performer on any roster. There’s a reason the multiple-time champion came into the WWE with so much hype. He has all the skills to be a main event performer on any WWE show, and the possibility to create some great matches and feuds are right there for the taking. Unfortunately for wrestling fans, Triple H and company are more focused on celebrity involvement, social media metrics, and other KPIs that don’t translate to people like Bate making it to television more often under this regime.