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This year, many WWE Superstars asked for their release from the company. Some of them were unhappy because of their position in the promotion while others wanted to have more creative freedom. However, not many were able to leave WWE because either their release request was rejected or Vince McMahon convinced them to stay.
The formation of All Elite Wrestling played a huge role in this as WWE couldn't just let their talent leave the company because their decision would have affected them in the future. That said, we'll take a look at three WWE Superstars who were granted their release this year and two that actually quit the company.
Also read: 5 WWE Superstars who wanted to quit in 2019 (and the reasons why they didn't)
As always, let us know your thoughts about this list in the comments below.
#5 WWE granted their release: Shawn Spears (FKA Tye Dillinger)
Shawn Spears worked for WWE since 2013 (during his second run) and achieved a lot of success in NXT. The Perfect 10 was a fan favorite but WWE failed to ascend him to the top.
When did he ask for his release?
In February 2019, Spears announced via Instagram that he had asked for his release from WWE. Two days later, WWE granted his request and soon, he became a free agent.
The aftermath
The former WWE Superstar now works for AEW where he recently faced Cody at All Out but lost the match. His debut, which happened during Double or Nothing, also surprised many fans. Spears is currently one of the biggest heels of the promotion and we can expect his career to thrive there. After all, this is what we expect from AEW, considering Tully Blanchard is in Spears’ corner.
Also read: 3 WWE Superstars Vince McMahon almost fired and 3 wrestlers he almost hired
#4 Actually quit WWE: Jon Moxley
The situation between Jon Moxley and WWE took a bad turn in late 2018 when Moxley was feuding with his former Shield brother, Seth Rollins.
The night Roman Reigns relinquished his Universal Championship, Vince McMahon decided to turn Ambrose heel at the end of the show by attacking Rollins. It was absolutely shocking, to say the least.
When did he leave WWE?
What should have proved to be a career-changing turn ended up being one of the reasons to leave WWE for Jon Moxley. His contract expired in April 2019 and after the final Shield reunion, Moxley left the company.
The aftermath
Just like fellow wrestler Shawn Spears, Moxley too landed in AEW. He made his big debut at Double or Nothing and was booked to face Kenny Omega at All Out. However, an unfortunate injury coerced him to rest on the sidelines. These two rivals are now scheduled to face each other at AEW's next pay-per-view, Full Gear.
#3 WWE granted their release: Dustin Rhodes (FKA Goldust)
Dustin Rhodes has worked for multiple wrestling promotions including WWE, TNA, and WCW. In Vince McMahon’s company, he worked as a mid-carder (or lower mid-carder) Superstar. His brother Cody left WWE years ago and now works as an Executive Vice President for AEW.
When did he ask for his release?
In April, Rhodes asked for his release from WWE. Fans were certain that Vince wouldn’t allow him to leave his company, mainly because of his chances of joining AEW. However, it was Triple H who ensured Vince that Dustin’s release wouldn’t hurt WWE, so the CEO of WWE agreed.
The aftermath
The former WWE Superstar now works for AEW, as it was expected, and so far, he has wrestled several matches for the newly formed promotion. One of the best matches of his career also happened in 2019, at Double or Nothing, where Dustin faced his real-life brother Cody.
#2 Actually quit WWE: Rhyno
Current Impact Wrestling Superstar Rhyno got fired from WWE on-screen last year in December. The firing was done as part of a storyline and Rhyno returned to WWE a few weeks later.
When did he leave WWE?
However, he later decided to leave WWE for real when as his contract was going to expire on July 17. In an interview, the former WWE Superstar revealed that he wanted to wrestle more often, which is why he decided to quit Vince McMahon's company.
"They actually offered me more than twice my downside [guarantee] but it wasn’t where they would have to use me because the downside is so large. It wasn’t about money – it was about me wanting to be on the road working.”
The Aftermath
Rhyno returned to Impact Wrestling during Slammiversary XVII under a mask and also works for various independent wrestling promotions across the United States. He seems to be in good shape and it wouldn't surprise us if he continues to wrestle for the next few years.
#1 WWE granted their release: KENTA (FKA Hideo Itami)
KENTA began his WWE career in 2014 and debuted as part of the company’s developmental brand, NXT. He achieved some success in the brand before moving to 205 Live. Itami wasn’t thriving in Vince McMahon’s company, which led to him asking for his release.
When did he ask for his release?
Earlier this year in January, KENTA gave his notice to WWE and his release request was granted. Later, he thanked the company for releasing him and we were sure what would happen next.
The aftermath
After leaving WWE, KENTA joined NJPW and during the inaugural NJPW: Royal Quest, he beat Tomohiro Ishii to win the NEVER Openweight Championship. He was hospitalized after the pay-per-view but is now fine.
Also read: 5 WWE storylines that were written for someone else (and why the plans were changed)
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