WWE Superstar Wrestlers Let Go Triumphs, Trials, and Comebacks

The world of WWE is known for its fierce competition, where superstars rise to glory and, at times, face unexpected departures. This journey is a rollercoaster of triumphs and trials, with some wrestlers making stunning comebacks. In this exploration, we delve into the stories of 33 remarkable WWE superstars who experienced the highs and lows of their careers, from shocking releases to triumphant returns.

Table of Contents

Bray Wyatt: The Fiend’s Rollercoaster Ride

Bray Wyatt, the enigmatic force behind The Fiend, faced a surprising release from WWE after a loss to Randy Orton at WrestleMania 37. His absence lingered, and in July 2021, the shocking news of his release rocked the wrestling world. Despite returning a year later, health issues tragically curtailed his potential for a substantial comeback.

Daniel Bryan: From Controversy to Championship Glory

The legendary Daniel Bryan, known for his tenacity and in-ring prowess, faced an unexpected exit in 2011 after a controversial incident involving ring announcer Justin Roberts. Despite this setback, Bryan returned triumphantly and carved out a legendary run in WWE, later departing for AEW.

Sasha Banks and Naomi: Tag Team Turmoil

In May 2022, the WWE landscape witnessed the departure of tag-team champions Sasha Banks and Naomi after dropping their titles. While Banks found success in New Japan Pro Wrestling, Naomi, married to superstar Jimmy Uso, ventured into Impact as Trinity Fatu. The possibility of a WWE reconciliation remains uncertain.

Dolph Ziggler: End of an Era

In a shocking turn of events, WWE bid farewell to Dolph Ziggler in 2023, ending his nearly two-decade tenure. Despite not being a household name, Ziggler’s fifteen titles and unexpected release left fans in disbelief, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the wrestling business.

Jeff Hardy: Battling Demons, Embracing AEW

The legendary Jeff Hardy, a tag-team icon, faced WWE releases twice, both linked to substance abuse issues. His 2021 exit, following a perplexing house show performance, marked a turning point as Hardy embraced a new chapter in AEW, leaving an indelible mark on the wrestling landscape.

Matt Hardy: A Tale of Twists and Turns

Like his brother Jeff, Matt Hardy experienced two WWE departures. The first in 2005, triggered by a real-life scandal involving his girlfriend Lita, and the second in 2010, attributed to physical wear and his brother’s exit. Hardy’s resilience led to impactful returns, showcasing the unpredictable nature of his journey.

Melina: Unraveling Potential

Despite being a five-time world champion, Melina faced an unceremonious release from WWE in 2011. Her return at the 2022 Royal Rumble hinted at a potential resurgence, underscoring the enduring legacy of talented women wrestlers in the industry.

Carlito: Wellness Policy Woes

Carlito’s original WWE run derailed in 2010 due to a violation of the wellness policy. Despite the setback, he returned in 2023 as the LWO’s tag-team partner, showcasing the industry’s willingness to provide second chances.

Mickie James: Trash Bag Controversy and Impact Triumphs

Mickie James, a WWE legend, faced a mass release in 2021. The controversy surrounding the delivery of her belongings in a trash bag fueled her departure. Undeterred, James found success in Impact, emerging as one of its prominent champions.

Shelton Benjamin: A Shocking Mass Release

Shelton Benjamin’s unexpected release in 2023, following a ten-year run, mirrored the surprising departure of Dolph Ziggler. This mass release highlighted the uncertainty that even established superstars face in the ever-evolving landscape of WWE.

Muhammad Hassan: Controversy and Consequences

Muhammad Hassan’s promising WWE career came to an abrupt end in 2005 after a scripted segment coincided with the London terrorist attacks. The fallout led to his firing, shedding light on the delicate balance between scripted entertainment and real-world events.

Scotty Goldman’s Blink-and-Miss WWE Stint

Scotty Goldman’s brief WWE tenure, consisting of just seven matches, is overshadowed by his transformation into Colt Cabana in AEW. His journey illustrates that resilience and reinvention can lead to unexpected success.

Umaga: Potential Unfulfilled

Umaga, a promising WWE star, faced two releases, in 2003 and 2009, due to violations of the wellness policy. Tragically, six months after his final release, Umaga succumbed to a heart attack, emphasizing the toll of the industry on its performers.

The IIconics: Tag Team Split

The charismatic duo, The IIconics (Billy Kay and Peyton Royce), captured hearts in the women’s tag division. Despite their popularity, WWE disbanded the team in 2021, leading to the release of both wrestlers and leaving fans questioning the rationale behind the decision.

Drew McIntyre: The Chosen One’s Redemption

Drew McIntyre’s initial WWE run, marked by his association with the 3MB faction, ended in 2014. His release proved temporary as he returned in 2017, embarking on a redemption arc that transformed him into one of WWE’s biggest superstars.

Mr. Kennedy: Charisma Cut Short

Mr. Kennedy’s potential as a WWE megastar was curtailed by his 2009 release, allegedly influenced by complaints from Randy Orton and John Cena about his in-ring safety. His departure highlighted the delicate nature of backstage dynamics in shaping careers.

Curt Hennig: The “Perfect” Storm

Curt Hennig’s firing in 2002, stemming from the infamous “Plane Ride From Hell” incident, showcased the real-world consequences of backstage pranks. Hennig’s departure added a unique chapter to wrestling lore.

Jeff Jarrett: Backstage Firing Drama

In a bizarre turn of events, Jeff Jarrett was fired backstage by Vince McMahon ahead of WrestleMania 17, with Jarrett initially assuming it was part of the show. This incident underscored the blurred lines between scripted entertainment and backstage reality.

Alberto Del Rio: Unraveling in Unprofessionalism

Alberto Del Rio, a WWE great, faced dismissal in 2014 for alleged unprofessional conduct. Despite a return, Del Rio requested an exit in 2015, shedding light on the challenges of navigating backstage dynamics in the wrestling world.

Scott Hall: Substance Abuse Struggles

Scott Hall’s release from WWE following “The Plane Ride From Hell” was intertwined with substance abuse issues. His departure served as a cautionary tale about the impact of personal struggles on a wrestler’s career.

CM Punk: Silence, Departure, and AEW Return

CM Punk’s departure from WWE in 2014, marked by his absence and the company’s treatment of it as a potential storyline, created headlines. Punk’s prolonged hiatus ended with a triumphant return to AEW, illustrating the unpredictability of wrestling narratives.

Kurt Angle: Olympic Gold to Unforeseen Release

Even Olympic gold couldn’t shield WWE legend Kurt Angle from the 2020 mass release during the COVID-19 pandemic. Angle’s departure reflected the challenging decisions made during unprecedented times.

Hulk Hogan: From Immunity to Consequences

Hulk Hogan, a WWE icon, faced termination in the wake of racist comments made publicly. Despite the severity of the incident, Hogan’s eventual return to the company showcased the complexities of forgiving and forgetting in the wrestling world.

Shawn Michaels: Early Setbacks and Resilient Comebacks

Shawn Michaels, one of WWE’s biggest superstars, faced an early release in his career alongside Marty Jannetty. Less than two weeks later, they returned, marking the beginning of a storied career that defied early setbacks.

Paige: Rise, Fall, and AEW

Paige, an immediate WWE sensation, faced a release in 2022 due to persistent neck injuries. Despite her popularity, she couldn’t secure medical clearance, leading to a departure and a subsequent journey to AEW.

Sabu: ECW Legacy and WWE Departure

Sabu, an ECW legend, experienced a short-lived WWE tenure ending in 2007. His departure remains shrouded in rumors, but his continued presence in wrestling, including a 2023 appearance in AEW, exemplifies resilience.

Cesaro: Contract Disputes and New Horizons

Cesaro’s eleven-year tenure with WWE concluded amid contract extension disputes. Despite consistent popularity, the inability to reach an agreement led Cesaro to AEW and Ring of Honor, showcasing the intricate dance between talent and promotion.

Jack Swagger: Seeking Opportunities Beyond WWE

Jack Swagger’s nearly decade-long WWE run concluded as he sought opportunities beyond the company. Publicly denied a release initially, Swagger eventually found success in AEW, illustrating the power of persistence in a wrestler’s journey.

Hideo Itami: Injuries and Release

Kenta Kobayashi, known as Hideo Itami in WWE, faced multiple injuries, dampening his five-year stint. Eventually granted a release, Itami found success in AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, proving that setbacks can lead to new opportunities.

Chyna: A Trailblazer’s Tragic Exit

Chyna, a trailblazing women’s superstar, faced a tragic release in 2001, marking the end of an era. Despite sporadic returns, her contributions to the wrestling world endure, leaving an indelible mark on its history.

Goldust: The Endless Cycle

Goldust’s WWE journey, marked by multiple releases and returns, epitomizes the cyclical nature of wrestling careers. Whether welcomed back or facing temporary departures, Goldust’s resilience showcases the enduring possibilities within the WWE landscape.

Conclusion: WWE’s Ever-Evolving Landscape

The world of WWE is a tapestry woven with stories of departures, challenges, and triumphant returns. As the industry evolves, so do the journeys of its superstars. Whether finding success in alternative promotions or making comebacks to the grand stage, these 33 stories underscore the resilience and unpredictability that define the world of professional wrestling. As WWE programming continues to captivate audiences, a Peacock subscription provides a front-row seat to witness these compelling narratives unfold.

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Paul McDonald

Photo Editor

Paul is a freelance photograher and graphic designer and has worked on our most recent media kit.

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