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2019 has been an explosive year for wrestling - and it's not over yet. The world outside of WWE is more exciting than ever, as it is within the WWE Universe.
With more wrestling out there than ever before, it's a great time to be a wrestling fan, and arguably the best time to be a wrestler of the past two decades. However, probably not if you're locked into a contract and not getting to wrestle, or at least not as much as you'd like to.
WWE is notorious for stockpiling talent and, with so many shows and the risk of injuries, it's hard to blame them - but this does come with its pitfalls as it's only logical that not everyone can be used to their full potential at all times - and of course, that leaves some unhappy.
With so much wrestling out there, the grass may look greener, and several stars may wish to move on. Will WWE release them and essentially gift them to the competition? That's another story - but here are five Superstars who have asked for their release from WWE recently, but are still contracted to the company.
#5 Mike Kanellis
Just yesterday, former WWE 24/7 Champion Mike Kanellis confirmed that he has requested his release from WWE, posting a very open, emotional and heartfelt statement on his Twitter account regarding his decision as to why he wishes to leave the company.
In the statement, which can be seen in full below, Kanellis confirms that he re-signed with the company back in June, but hints that he may actually regret that decision before opening up about life outside of wrestling, and how not getting to wrestle on television has led to him going home "defeated, sad and angry."
According to Kanellis, that it isn't fair to his wife Maria, or his daughter - and coupled with wasting four years of his life, the former ROH star states that he wants to wrestle around the world and not waste any more time.
There had been unsubstantiated rumors back in January that Kanellis and wife Maria had requested their release before re-signing in June.
#4 Lio Rush
One man who reportedly requested his release but has completely turned his WWE career around is The Man of The Hour Lio Rush.
Despite not formally confirming that he had requested his release, the now-NXT Superstar had reportedly urged WWE to release him before his hiatus from the company.
Back in May, PWInsider revealed that Lio Rush's wanted to show them, WWE, what he could accomplish if allowed to leave.
As previously reported on PWInsider.com, there has been talk of sending Rush back to NXT with the idea of building him a new character and presenting him as something more than just a mouthpiece. We are told that Rush has, at on at least one occasion, instead suggested the company release him so he can “show them” what he could accomplish outside of WWE.
We spoke with Lio Rush during his hiatus from WWE for Dropkick DiSKussions. Rush opened up all about his hiatus and his other ventures.
Meanwhile, NXT's move to the USA Network has revived The Man of the Hour's career, with the premiere seeing Rush return and since winning the NXT Cruiserweight Championship from Drew Gulak.
It would appear that Lio Rush is going nowhere any time soon, and WWE seem well and truly invested in The Man of the Hour.
#3 & #2 Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson - The Revival
Much like Lio Rush, The Revival reportedly requested their release before going on to win silverware in WWE.
Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson were one of the top teams in NXT, having won the Tag Team Championships twice but seemingly stagnated on the main roster in 2018 and 2019, until they reportedly raised concerns regarding the Tag Team Division and would go on to win the gold.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, The Revival asked for their release, but stated that it was not granted.
The Revival, after their win over Kalisto & Metalik on the 1/13 Raw, while still in their gear, asked for their release. As of press time, they haven't been given their release.
The "top guys" have made no secret of their desire to face off against The Young Bucks, after being referenced in Being the Elite in a move that saw wrestling fans across the globe lobby for a clash.
AEW event teased signing the pair following the controversy surrounding their status with WWE.
WWE are reportedly trying to sign The Revival to extended deals. The pair are contracted with WWE until April 2020, but Dash Wilder's contract has been extended by ten weeks due to time missed via injury.
#1 Luke Harper
Back in April, Luke Harper - like Mike Kanellis - publicly requested his release from WWE.
Luke Harper had been out of action for over half a year after sustaining an injury during a dominant run as SmackDown Tag Team Champions with Rowan as The Bludgeon Brothers - having won the titles at last year's WrestleMania. A return at this year's grand spectacle would be very mixed - with the former Wyatt Family member not receiving a unique entrance, but then having a showdown with former Wyatt Family ally Braun Strowman before being eliminated by The Monster Among Men while suplexing Ali.
A post shared by Luke Harper (@thislukeharper) on Apr 16, 2019 at 1:17pm PDT.
Luke Harper would then disappear again, before taking to Instagram to confirm that he had requested his release from WWE. The former Intercontinental Champion thanked the company and expressed his pride at being a WWE Superstar. While admitting the decision was difficult, Harper said he felt it is the right one, and that he wants to grow as a performer and as a person.
Luke Harper has since returned to WWE following another hiatus, pairing with Erick Rowan - but Rowan was drafter to RAW while Harper remains a free agent at the time of writing.
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