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#4 Two-time WWE Champion Ric Flair
In August of this year, Ric Flair was released by WWE at his request. While it initially appeared to be a cordial parting of the ways between the two parties, The Nature Boy has recently brought up some of his issues with WWE on his podcast, Wooooo Nation Uncensored.
The WWE Hall of Famer was particularly displeased with the decision to remove him from the opening package for WWE programming. Flair also stated that he doesn't intend to return to the promotion; he cited a lack of respect from WWE President Nick Khan.
"I couldn't ever work for Nick Khan in my entire life," said Flair. "Vince McMahon, I could work for, but Nick Khan, who's the guy that orchestrated taking me off the show? Never in a million years. Tony Khan respects me. As does Vince. Nick Khan has none. I talk to Vince now. I got no problems with Vince. He just knows I won't come back."
Flair even said that he'd want AEW to celebrate his life and career instead of WWE, in the event of his demise. Based on these comments, it's fair to assume that The Nature Boy and WWE won't be mending fences anytime soon.
#3 Three-time WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee
Though she was only 28 at the time, AJ Lee left WWE in April 2015. She was the standard-bearer for the women's division during her time with the company. Lee held the Divas Championship for 406 days through three reigns, a record that still stands to this day. The fan-favorite star was before her time, as she missed out on the opportunity to work with the likes of Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair.
After she left WWE, Lee went on to become a New York Times best-selling author. In October of this year, she returned to the wrestling world when she signed with WOW – Women of Wrestling as an executive producer. She will also provide color commentary for the promotion in 2022.
If Lee eventually returns to the ring, AEW would be a more likely destination than WWE; her husband, CM Punk signed with Tony Khan's company earlier this year. As with Jericho, even if Lee gets inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, she probably won't wrestle for the company in the future.
