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WWE is currently the biggest wrestling company in the world and many of the best wrestlers on the planet are signed to the billion-dollar company. While many have managed to grab the brass ring and break through the glass ceiling, others get very less TV time and they find themselves left out and get lost in the shuffle. While it's understandable that not everyone can get pushed, some of these wrestlers were big names and world champions in the wrestling promotion they previously worked for, such as Impact Wrestling and Ring of Honor.
Many of these Superstars decided to stick with WWE despite being rarely used because there was no other wrestling company/promotion comparable to WWE. But now, with the establishment of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), these Superstars have another option and this led to them requesting their release from WWE. While some were granted their release from the company, the rest had their request turned down and they had no other choice but to stick around and wait till their contract expires.
Four WWE Superstars from the main roster were released from WWE this year, and all of them are currently competing in other major wrestling promotions. So, without further ado, let's take a look at these four Superstars and where they are right now.
#4 TJ Perkins (TJP)
TJ Perkins signed with WWE in 2016 and competed in the Cruiserweight Classics, where he won the tournament and became the inaugural WWE Cruiserweight Champion. After losing the title to Brian Kendrick at Hell in a Cell, he later turned heel and allied with the former "King of the Cruiserweights" Neville. Unfortunately for Perkins, he never enjoyed the same success again.
On February this year, Perkins wrestled his last match on 205 Live against Humberto Carrillo where he lost. Three days later, TJP was released from his WWE contract.
Why he was released: Perkins stated that he didn't ask for release from the company, according to reports, and he doesn't believe in quitting. According to rumors, his release wasn't a cost-cutting measure, nor was it because he requested one, but it was due to disciplinary measures.
What he's been up to: Once his 90-day no-compete clause expired, Perkins returned to the independent scene and continued wrestling. He returned to Impact Wrestling in June two months ago where he defeated Ace Austin. He also competed in Impact Wrestling's Slammiversary PPV, although he didn't sign with the promotion.
In July, it was reported that Perkins would be wrestling during New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Super J Cup tournament.
#3 Hideo Itami (KENTA)
Hideo Itami signed with WWE in 2014 and was assigned to NXT. He had a long feud with The Ascension which resulted in him teaming up with the debuting Finn Balor. Itami competed in several tournaments to become the number one contender for the NXT Championship but was unsuccessful on both occasions.
In 2015, he suffered an injury which caused him to be sidelined for over a year. He joined 205 Live in 2017, which ultimately led to his downfall. In January, he requested his release from WWE and his request was granted.
Why he was released: Itami requested his release from the company after a 5-year tenure. He competed on NXT, Raw and the 205 Live brands but failed to win a championship. After his release, he took to Twitter and said 'thank you.'
What he's been up to: Itami currently wrestles for New Japan Pro Wrestling under the ring name KENTA. He took part in the 2019 G1 Climax where he joined the Bullet Club stable.
#2 Tye Dillinger (Shawn Spears)
Tye Dillinger initially signed with WWE in 2006. He competed in the company's then-developmental territory OVW as "The Canadian Sensation" Shawn Spears. After OVW split with WWE, Spears was moved to FCW. In 2009, he was released by WWE and returned to the company in 2013, where he was assigned to NXT. He moved to SmackDown Live in 2017 where he had an underwhelming run.
Why he was released: On February, Dillinger requested his release from the company. He took to Twitter and released a statement about asking for his release, which was granted by WWE. Dillinger was released and he couldn't compete for another wrestling promotion for 90 days.
What he's been up to: Dillinger made his AEW debut under the ring Shawn Spears at the promotion's Double or Nothing PPV, where he competed in the pre-show Casino Battle Royale. He is currently scheduled to face Cody Rhodes at AEW All Out.
#1 Goldust (Dustin Rhodes)
Goldust initially debuted in the WWF (now WWE) back in 1990 as Dustin Rhodes. He left the company the following year and returned in 1995, where he debuted his 'Goldust' character. He left the company several times more and wrestled for other promotions like WCW, AJPW and TNA/Impact Wrestling. In WWE, he has held the Intercontinental Championship as well as the Hardcore and Tag Team Championships.
Why he was released: On March 28, Goldust left WWE after his contract expired. So why is he on this list? Well, the Bizzare One stated that he requested his release from the company. WWE allowed him to sit out his contract, which meant they had no problem with him leaving. He issued a farewell statement to WWE and his Goldust character.
What he's been up to: Goldust joined AEW under the name Dustin Rhodes and faced his brother Cody at AEW's Double or Nothing PPV, where he was defeated. The match received a 5-star rating by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
