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In 2016 WWE released a rather large group of WWE Superstars for reasons ranging from failed negotiations, toxic business relationships, talent unhappy with their respective creative process and so on.
With that said, there are several superstars released on an annual basis. That day has become infamously known as "Black Friday".
Over time, some of those who were released have since returned to the company. Meanwhile, others have moved on to have success elsewhere, perhaps with another wrestling promotions.
When you look back at all of those who have parted ways, who are some former WWE superstars that you would like to see return? Who are some you never want to see again? In this column, we take a look at 5 former superstars who deserve the opportunity to come back and finish what they may have started.
#5 Kaitlyn
She was drop-dead gorgeous, she was incredibly strong, she was an exceptional worker and the fans loved her. So why on earth did WWE ever get rid of Kaitlyn to begin with? Well, to be fair, they didn't.
In fact it was Kaitlyn herself who left the business so that she could focus on her thriving clothing line. She also wanted to make time to help her then husband PJ Braun with his supplement company, Blackstone Labs. Unfortunately, Kaitlyn and PJ eventually split-up and ultimately got divorced in early 2017.
Since her divorce, Kaitlyn has had a sudden change of heart regarding her retirement from wrestling. Now with her newly found free-time, Kaitlyn is able to consider more activities, one is getting back into the ring.
When she left WWE in 2014, Kaitlyn left on good terms and was apparently told that the door was always open for her, if she desired to return. Kaitlyn has recently started working for an independent promotion in South Florida called Coastal Championship Wrestling.
It would only make sense now that she start taking a look at coming back home, to the place where she was once the WWE Divas Champion.
#4 Damien Sandow
2016 was the year that WWE officials released a total of 16 Superstars. While some of the names that were released were probably deserving, there were several on that list that many (including this writer) were absolutely stunned to hear of their release. One of those mentioned that left fans scratching their collective heads was Damien Sandow.
One of the final angles that Sandow was known for was the "MizDow" storyline. This storyline would serve as a catalyst to launch Sandow into becoming one of the most popular and loved Superstars on the entire roster.
Unfortunately, his newfound fame would be short-lived as Sandow was released from his WWE contract on May 6, 2016. Fans all around the world were completely shocked upon hearing the news that Sandow was released.
After leaving the company, Sandow had a short stint with Impact Wrestling, where he did enjoy a bit of success. However, he has since taken a break from the industry, stating he wanted to pursue more options in the acting field. With this said, I do not believe it would take much persuading to convince Sandow to return.
#3 Cody Rhodes
While on the WWE roster, Cody Rhodes wore many hats and accepted any role tossed in his direction. However, once he began to stand up for himself and decided he wanted some of the say in his creative future, things began to change and his relationship with the company grew toxic.
Cody parted ways with the company in 2016 and since that time, it appears he is having the time of his life. The man is traveling the world on his own terms and winning championships at every stop.
So why would Cody even want to come back? That is the million dollar question that WWE officials must figure out. WWE needs Cody more than Cody needs WWE. But the WWE Universe would be the real winners if he returned.
Cody has left a huge pile of money on the table with WWE. It's all his for the taking if he decides to come back and finish what his family started.
#2 CM Punk
When CM Punk abruptly left the WWE in 2014, he was still red hot and at the top of the main roster. However, he had expressed his concerns regarding the creative future of not only himself but the future of the company as a whole. Essentially, Punk felt as if his concerns were falling on unresponsive ears.
Punk would go onto pursue a life outside of professional wrestling. He would start working as a writer for Marvel Comics, which had been a dream job situation for Punk for quite some time.
There was another dream job (so to speak) which Punk had been sitting on for a little while. Punk wanted to try his hand at professional MMA, and after extensive training, CM Punk faced Mickey Gall at UFC 203.
After a tremendous build-up leading to the event, Punk would fall to Gall in the first round, via submission. It's also worth noting that Punk recently lost his second UFC match to Mike Jackson via unanimous decision.
After suffering back to back defeats, it appears now that CM Punk's Mixed Martial Arts career has concluded. While he has stated on multiple occasions that he will never entertain the idea of returning to the squared-circle, there are many who believe there is still hope, especially now that UFC has closed the door on him.
#1 Hulk Hogan
Unless you have been living in a cave for the past 5 years or so, then you are well aware of the chaos that has been Hulk Hogan's life.
The nail in the coffin was the audio which was leaked from a private phone call in which Hogan can be heard using several racially insensitive remarks.
A lot of time has passed since Hogan was released from his WWE contract. Since that time The Hulkster has spent his time expressing his sincerest apologies as well as attempting to rebuild his image.
WWE has removed all images and likenesses of Hulk Hogan. Essentially, Hulk Hogan has been erased from WWE history and that is a hard pill to swallow, not only for Hogan but for those of us who grew up as Hulkamaniacs.
While I will never condone the remarks Hulk Hogan made in that leaked audio, I do often wonder if the punishment fits the crime in this situation. Personally I believe Hogan was used as an example so that others in the future might think twice before opening their mouths.
When you simply think about the history of professional wrestling, it is impossible to imagine what things would be like without the contributions made by Hulk Hogan.
Hogan brought pro wrestling to the mainstream and made it seem okay to be a fan. His in-ring work laid the foundation by which many of today's superstars have followed.
There comes a time when we must forgive and move on. Isn't it time to extend the olive branch to the man who has done so much to revolutionize the sport that we all love? Are his sins unforgivable?
It's time folks. It's time to give Hogan the opportunity to stand in a WWE ring and apologize to the WWE Universe, as well as the men and women in the locker room who looked up to him. Hogan's remarks were disgusting, I agree totally with that thought.
However he is human, and he does deserve the chance to come back home and make things right once and for all.
