10 most surprising WWE releases in 2021: Where are they now?

#5. Samoa Joe – Former WWE United States Champion

Also azmong the post-WrestleMania WWE cuts, Samoa Joe was a RAW commentator until The Show of Shows. He's the only name on this list who returned to WWE since being released, becoming a part of NXT once again.

Joe was initially William Regal's enforcer before starting an intense feud with Karrion Kross, who would also be released a few months later. The in-ring veteran defeated Kross to become a three-time NXT Champion at NXT TakeOver 36.

However, an undisclosed injury forced Joe to vacate the title less than a week before the launch of NXT 2.0. He has also been a talent scout for the brand since his return.

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#4. Ruby Riott

Ruby Riott was part of the group of talent WWE released on June 2, featuring some shocking names. Her release came as a surprise, considering SmackDown's thinning women's division at the time.

Riott is well-liked among her former peers in WWE. This fact was evident on social media as she debuted in AEW under her new name Ruby Soho. She won the Casino Battle Royale at All Out before unsuccessfully challenging Dr. Britt Baker DMD for the AEW Women's Championship.

Soho has remained a prominent figure and is now in the final of the TBS Championship Tournament, which will take place in two weeks on Dynamite.