5 former WWE Superstars who should have been world champion

In 2020 and 2021, WWE released many superstars due to budget cuts. While some were fired, others chose not to renew their contracts.

The list of released superstars consists of former world champions like Bray Wyatt, Braun Strowman, Jeff Hardy, Big Show, and many more. It also entails stars underutilized by WWE.

Throughout the years, WWE has overlooked the potential of a few superstars. These underrated superstars were buried to put others over. The WWE Universe has always been vocal about WWE burying talented performers.

Superstars who've been treated like jobbers are talented pro-wrestlers with main event potential. WWE has dropped the ball on some who could've been successful world champions.

Here's a list of released WWE Superstars who should've been world champions:

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#5. Aleister Black

Malakai Black, known as Aleister Black in WWE, had a captivating gimmick. He's currently signed to AEW after being released from WWE in June 2021.

The Dutch Destroyer was given a top-tier spot on the black-and-gold brand. He was the NXT Champion for 238 days! Unfortunately, Black's main roster run, which began in February 2019, was monotonous.

Black had a great supernatural gimmick full of potential. His aura was powerful. Black was meant to be a world champion, but WWE chose to release him. Currently, Malakai Black is rocking his House of Black gimmick in AEW.

#4. Rusev

Rusev was WWE's biggest powerhouse. The former WWE Superstar was at the peak of his career in 2015. He was a three-time United States Champion.

His feud with John Cena was the highlight of his WWE run. The Bulgarian Brute had his most entertaining run during his Rusev Day gimmick. Vince McMahon failed to recognize his aptitude.

Following his WWE departure, he signed with AEW and went on to become the most dominant TNT Champion in history. The former United States Champion is finally getting the career he deserves in Tony Khan's promotion.

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#3. Samoa Joe

Samoa Joe had an up-and-down WWE run. He's one of the few stars to be released twice in the same year (2021).

The Samoan Submission Machine is the only three-time NXT Champion and also a two-time United States Champion. Joe evinced his credibility in his bouts against Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns.

WWE never saw Joe as a main eventer despite his virtuosity. Fans waited years for Samoa Joe to become the face of the WWE, but that never happened.

#2. Cesaro

Cesaro was arguably the most underrated WWE Superstar of all time. He left the promotion in February 2022 after working for WWE for over eleven years!

The Swiss Superman was a powerhouse, high-flyer, and the technical star of WWE. In his long-standing career, he only wrestled in one WrestleMania, which he fortunately won. Cesaro beat Seth Rollins at WrestleMania in a singles bout.

2021 was a great year for him as Cesaro challenged Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship in the main event of WrestleMania Backlash.

Cesaro was never given a proper world title feud and wasn't able to showcase his incredible talent. Now that Cesaro is a free agent, fans are hoping for him to win the world title in other promotions.

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#1. Adam Cole

Adam Cole is one of the biggest stars WWE failed to capitalize on. He's been the greatest heel on NXT. Cole, the second-ever NXT Triple Crown Champion, is considered the best NXT Champion of all time.

Cole was NXT's biggest draw during his championship reign. He pulled off excellent matches throughout his NXT run. Cole was scheduled to debut on the main roster as Keith Lee's manager. He wasn't a fan of the idea, and decided not to renew his WWE contract.

The Panama City Playboy could've been a main eventer at WrestleMania. Instead, he joined AEW and is currently challenging Hangman Page for the AEW World Championship at Revolution 2022.