4 Recently released WWE employees and where they should go

Though the rumblings of disgruntled Superstars were in the air, as AEW loomed in the horizon, WWE shocked the world this week with a small albeit strong day of spring cleaning as they finally agreed to let two superstars walk, released one supposed nuisance and came to terms with a longtime employee.

Since the advent of NXT and its global expansion plans as well as the rise of wrestling all over them, WWE really hasn't been keen on releasing or firing too many superstars unless their arms get twisted by sponsors or if their buttons pushed. So it came as a shock, though a soft one, as WWE released Hideo Itami, Tye Dillinger, TJP and Arn Anderson.

While the former two had filed in their requests ages ago, it became official a few days back. This is surprising, considering WWE isn't known to play nice with the rising AEW or other companies in need of talent. The juggernaut of the industry would rather stockpile performers and let them rot than give them away as workable talent and future stars for its competition.

The real zinger in this week's news comes with the untimely departure of company man and producer Arn Anderson. The grapevine suggests that he and big boss Vince McMahon don't see eye to eye on daily creative decisions, an indication of WWE's imbalanced powerplay.

At the same time, the release of TJP suggests a lot of issues had built up between the inaugural Cruiserweight Classic winner and the management or locker room.

Either way, it's easy then to see that these four releases might not impact WWE's day-to-day operations but could become fine gets for a burgeoning independent scene. As such, let the speculation run rampant as to where these men may land up.

#4. AEW Creative Consultant is Double-A

It's no surprise Arn had support from top part-timers to those marginalized in the roster. Has Vince gone senile then?

Arn Anderson's departure is a huge blow to WWE and another example of the great gulf between the old guard mentality and Vince McMahon's perceived false ideas for his product. The rumors suggest Anderson's departure from his role as a producer isn't due to the arrival of new blood backstage but rather the heated altercations between him and Vince.

Double-A is one of the few men who could undeniably challenge Vince's authority and ideas. At the same time, Anderson's vocal supporter in John Cena has been missing in the company, who could have avoided the situation from going south altogether.

Regardless of his relationship to Cody Rhodes, Arn would turn into a perfect fit for a company that is in the process of finding its footing. With Billy Gunn as head producer and Cody's partners also looking to skew towards the new school, there isn't a place for old-fashioned Arn Anderson. However, some old school mentality and Arn's sharp mind for the business could do wonders if he were to take up a role as a creative consultant to the boys.

It'd bring an opposing view to the company, allowing it to grow in a direction even The Elite might not have considered. Showing that they are willing to play ball on a full-time wrestling show in contrast to their youtube BTE programme, Cody and his team shall find Double A's advice a powerful tool to merge innovation with tradition for a real change within pro-wrestling.

#3. X-Factor of the Impact Wrestling X-Division for TJP

Coming into WWE with the reputation of being the youngest veteran of the indies, TJP leaves the company with the reputation of being difficult to deal with. It's hard to say if this is true or not as TJP has had great longevity with a couple of companies.

On top of this list is surely Ring of Honor and Impact Wrestling. It's highly likely the former comes calling, considerably stocking the roster after the ELITE's departure. Yet, considering TJP's special set of skills, he might do well to build a place in a not-so-competitive indie scene.

Impact Wrestling, who is smarting from a few early losses this year and the promotion of Brian Cage to the main event, should snatch up the former Manik as a staple of their X-Division. He is a perfect fit for the regular style of the division with no limits.

TJP tangling with former 205 Live rival Rich Swann, or finally letting loose after years in the purple wilderness against hosses such as The Mack and Sami Callihan, would be a smooth addition to a growing/changing roster.

#2. A Homecoming to NOAH then out to New Japan for KENTA

KENTA was doomed the day they changed his name

Unlike a lot of misused foreign talent in WWE, a lot of the issues with Hideo Itami's run actually stem from his unfortunate injuries and the instantaneous mistake they made with him in NXT. Oddly enough, the much-revered brand hadn't found its footing with outside talent, stripping KENTA off his known repertoire as a hard hitter.

It might have helped smoothen his sails into the main roster, yet that time and talent passed him by with mounting injuries. Eventually raging over time passing him by, Itami entered the Triple H-controlled 205 Live as a hard-hitting heel but none of the bite was left.

Now flailing and probably a shell of his former self, much like PAC before him; Itami should stick to his loyal home grounds of NOAH to rehabilitate his career. As soon as he can though, Itami might find New Japan calling for his talents if he stays injury free. A slew of dream matches and some championship runs, most likely with the NEVER Openweight belt, can produce a fitting finale for KENTA's illustrious career.

#1. Tour the Indies before an Elite 10 Promotion for Tye Dillinger

Tye Dillinger is probably an odd duck, as, despite his limited usage, WWE would have ideally held onto him out of sheer spite and power. They could have just as easily come to terms with Dillinger, packing him back to NXT and beginning the slow process of opening the rosters to traveling turns around the NXT wrestling landscape.

Dillinger is the kind of performer that thrived in the intimate environment of full sail but translated into a simple gimmick on the main roster. He spent some time in WWE developmental and never really clicked besides his 'Perfect 10' gimmick but one has to admit that has a shelf life and limit at least for the casual crowd.

It's why a meta-infused AEW might do better with him. What helps further is that the real Ronnie Ameill has a history with Cody Rhodes. The two were once partners in OVW and Rhodes considers Dillinger as a mentor figure. However, that doesn't mean that the company should pick the Perfect 10 outright.

Cody assured of his company's status beyond WWE's leftovers and Dillinger's talent being valued by any company, would give his friend some sound advice. Much like Cody after his departure, what Tye needs to do is go on a decent tear through the independent circuit before making his way back to AEW. It could give him great mileage and add value to not just his stature but whichever company he ends up joining.

With their shared history, the love and fanbase of both performers as well as a decent string of matches; Tye Dillinger versus Cody Rhodes can become a perfect ten rivalry for AEW.