3 WWE firings that made careers and 2 that did not

WWE is no longer the only big promotion in this world. There are many other companies, proving to be successful. Even though they are not at WWE’s level, people are still watching their shows. Impact Wrestling, Ring Of Honor and NJPW are some wrestling promotions that are delivering what the fans want and under their wings, many Superstars have found a tremendous amount of success.

Bobby Lashley is a great example of a wrestler who failed in WWE but became a big deal in TNA (Impact Wrestling). WWE already has plenty of names signed and it is why some talented wrestlers unintentionally get wasted by them. I wouldn’t be wrong to say that WWE is a business where one can either make his/her career or break it.

While some wrestlers were lucky enough to get the taste of success, others, however, got frustrated and requested their release. What's good for these wrestlers is that now they have the opportunity to rebuild themselves and make their name. But at the same point, we have some popular wrestlers who are struggling since leaving Vince McMahon’s company.

Here are 3 WWE firings that made careers and 2 that seemingly destroyed. And as always, let me know what do you think about these Superstars in the comment section below.

#5 Firing that made a career: Cody Rhodes

Rhodes has now become the wrestler fans wanted him to be

Cody Rhodes is one of those wrestlers who went against the odds when he decided to find success outside of the WWE. He started working in this promotion in 2006 and continued doing it till 2016.

In those 10 years, Rhodes worked as a mid-card wrestler and then as a jobber. The creative team thought to rebuild him by using the Stardust gimmick but it almost destroyed Rhodes’ career.

However, after working some months as Stardust, Rhodes asked for his release. His decision shocked many people but Cody believed in himself. After leaving WWE, the former Intercontinental Champion worked in the Independent scene which abruptly changed his career. Then working with NJPW and ROH, Rhodes became the hottest free agent which proved that success without WWE is indeed possible.

#4 Firing that did not: Alberto Del Rio

Alberto Del Rio is a great in-ring wrestler but his own issues cost him a lot

After becoming popular in Mexico, WWE brought Alberto Del Rio to their company and in no time, Del Rio became a top heel Superstar. In a few months, he won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship which, according to some fans, was a step taken in a hurry. His push continued for some months after which Rio became a mid-carder. However, in 2014, WWE fired him after Del Rio slapped an employee who made racist jokes about the former World Champion.

After leaving the WWE, the Mexican Superstar joined many other promotions and in 2017, Impact Wrestling signed him. Again, Del Rio got fired from there as well when he didn't show up on the main event of Impact Wrestling vs Lucha Underground show. However, the most confusing part is that Del Rio showed up on WrestleCon earlier that day and it is still unknown why he didn't appear that night. Now, the former WWE Superstars works as an Independent Wrestler and it is unlikely that his career will get back on track unless any big promotion sign WWE.

#3 Firing that made a career: John Morrison

John Morrison has now become Johnny Impact

In my opinion, John Morrison is one of the best talents WWE has ever let go. Even though he won several mid-card titles during his spell in this company, he never got the position he actually deserved.

In 2011, WWE wanted him to sign a 3-year long deal but Morrison demanded more creative freedom. Things didn't work out between both parties and the former Intercontinental Champion ended up leaving WWE. He then began wrestling on the Independent Circuit where his career skyrocketed. So far, he won many championships and proved that he can become a successful wrestler outside WWE. He is currently working for Impact Wrestling as Johnny Impact and is the biggest Superstar of that company.

Aside from wrestling, Morrison is also an actor and it seems like he is finding some success here as well. And now that he has become a prominent name, don't be surprised if WWE brings him back to the company in the near future.

#2 Firing that did not: Ryback

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Former WWE Superstar Ryback has a muscular body, something which Vince McMahon subtly prefers when pushing a wrestler. After some time of his WWE debut, The Big Guy became a dominating Superstar in the company. However, the lack of audience support behind him forced WWE to send him back to the mid-card scene.

In 2016, Ryback left WWE and it seems like both parties are not on great terms. According to him, WWE promised him many things but at the last moment, they back out. After leaving WWE, Ryback has been vocal about these issues.

Even though Ryback thought that his career will get back on track after leaving WWE, things didn't exactly happen the way he thought as now his wrestling career isn’t looking great. Aside from that, he has started his own podcast named Conversation With The Big Guy Ryback and a fitness brand Feed Me More.

#1 Firing that made a career: Jack Swagger

Swagger won his debut MMA fight this year

Most of you would think that Jack Swagger shouldn't be on this list and to be honest, I too had the same thought initially. However, after learning more about his current situation, I think that he deserves to be on this list. Swagger is one of Vince McMahon’s failed experiment in WWE. Joining Raw in 2009, he quickly became Mr. Money In The Bank and then cashed the briefcase against Chris Jericho to become the new World Heavyweight Champion.

However, it didn't help him a bit as the fans were not truly behind him. WWE realized it quickly and sent him back to the mid-card scene. He was rarely getting featured on television and after some time, WWE released him.

He then came to the Independent Circuit where fans got to know about his true potential. Swagger quickly became famous which kept him booked for shows all the time. Recently, he made his MMA debut and was victorious in his first fight. Now, we could expect him to return back to WWE in the near future if things get brighter for the former World Champion than now.