WWE has been home to some formidable factions in recent years, with groups like The Bloodline, The Judgment Day, and Imperium making their mark. However, according to former WWE star AJ Francis, the company missed an opportunity with a popular faction.
Known as Top Dolla during his time in WWE, Francis played a crucial role in the Hit Row faction, which also included B-Fab, Swerve Strickland, and Ashante ‘Thee’ Adonis.
In a recent interview with Wrestling Inc., Francis revealed that Hit Row was his brainchild, originating from his indie wrestling days as The Row. He emphasized that the faction was pivotal in redefining Swerve’s character and career.
“For me, Hit Row was my brainchild from my first run on the indies before I got to WWE where it was called The Row,” Francis explained. “It was cool because it completely changed Swerve’s character, and it gave us opportunities to be on TV.”
Despite the faction’s potential, Francis expressed disappointment in the lack of push and opportunities they received. The members were eventually released by the company, marking a significant moment for the group.
“Obviously, we went to SmackDown, and [everything] changed, but I’m grateful that an idea that I created was good enough that it wasn’t really changed at all,” Francis reflected.
Speaking about the missed opportunities, Francis highlighted his limited mic time during his tenure, emphasizing his confidence in his promotional skills.
“I was on NXT for four months,” he revealed. “I was on SmackDown for almost two years, and I had more promos on NXT than SmackDown. The Hit Row logo has a microphone in the middle of it, and we never got it. Me not getting a microphone for more than 15 seconds in two years is a travesty of justice. I say it all the time; I’m the best promo in this business.”
Despite his WWE release, Francis remains determined and believes he can shine independently.
Expressing initial disappointment, he emphasized the need to showcase his star power and capabilities outside WWE, asserting that he is hotter than ever and making strides on his own terms.
Fans eagerly await Francis’s future breakthrough moments in the industry, as he remains vocal about WWE while carving his path forward.
