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

The IIconics, Braun Strowman, and Bray Wyatt
The IIconics, Braun Strowman, and Bray Wyatt

#3. Braun Strowman – Former WWE Universal Champion

Braun Strowman seemed like a WWE lifer considering his size and strengths in the ring. He was the Universal Champion less than a year before his release on June 2, having challenged for the WWE Championship on pay-per-view a few weeks earlier.

Strowman is now going by his real name Adam Scherr, along with the moniker 'The Titan' after his recent re-emergence. He's now a part of the 'Control Your Narrative' stable alongside former WWE Superstars EC3 and Westin Blake.

The group has teased the addition of Karrion Kross, who is under a 90-day no-compete clause following his WWE release last month.


#2. Aleister Black

WWE made an error with Aleister Black's contract as he only had a 30-day non-compete clause. His release was quite bizarre as he had been re-introduced on SmackDown. Black even began a program with Big E before WWE let him go on June 2.

A month later, Malakai Black debuted on AEW Dynamite and attacked Cody Rhodes. Black even defeated Rhodes multiple times during their feud.

He's currently one of the most over stars on AEW's stacked roster while also appearing in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. Malakai Black teamed with Brody King to win the PWG World Tag Team Championship.

Teddy Long snaps when Swerve Strickland's race is brought up HERE

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