5 Superstars who could leave WWE before they get released

The unfortunate reality of being a WWE Superstar since 2020 has been that their job isn't guaranteed at all. A few times a year since April 2020, WWE has been releasing talent en masse, and the ones that happened behind the scenes have gone under the radar.

While WWE was hoarding talent until 2019 and easily handing out lucrative contracts to prevent AEW from signing them, the approach has changed now. While a certain few top-tier superstars are likely safe from being released, the number of such names seems to be reducing.

The releases of top names such as Braun Strowman, Bray Wyatt, and Nia Jax, among others, proved that few superstars are safe from the axe. However, Daniel Bryan FKA Bryan Danielson and Adam Cole are two recent examples of superstars finishing their contracts and jumping to AEW without any risk of release.

While the circumstances are undoubtedly different, these five superstars are likely to walk out of WWE after their contract expires before there is a risk of getting released.

The only problem is that the AEW roster continues to get bloated with top talent, while WWE's is thinning down as they look for a different approach to building future superstars. Even then, these five stars may prevent getting released by simply leaving when their contract expires:

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#5. Shelton Benjamin - WWE contract reportedly expires soon

Shelton Benjamin has been back with WWE for over four years now. It's hard to believe because he spent most of that time in creative limbo. The most notable part of Benjamin's WWE return run has been with The Hurt Business.

Breaking up The Hurt Business proved to be a costly decision, and they were reunited several months later with no momentum on their side. Given how WWE has handled Shelton Benjamin creatively, there's a good chance of him leaving the company once his contract expires.

Benjamin's contract with WWE reportedly expires between the end of 2021 and mid-2022. While he has stated that he signed a multi-year contract, the expiry date is closing in soon, and it's even possible that neither party will be interested in renewing.

Could it mark the end of Shelton Benjamin's wrestling career?

#4. Paige - Leaving WWE to make an in-ring return?

It has been over three-and-a-half years since Paige announced her retirement from WWE. Her career ended prematurely after one botched move in a WWE Live Event caused a severe injury to her neck.

Similar to Daniel Bryan, WWE simply wouldn't clear her for an in-ring return. However, a few days after she announced her in-ring retirement, she replaced Bryan as the General Manager of SmackDown.

With the McMahons taking full control on-screen later that year, WWE quietly removed Paige from her General Manager duties. She doesn't have an active role, and she revealed on her Twitch stream that her contract expires in June 2022.

Paige has also been open about the fact that she is focusing long-term on a return to the ring.

"I'm not f**king done," Paige said. "I'm not done yet. This is going to be my comeback story. I'm inspired. I'm so inspired by the people coming back to wrestling and the more I think about it, I'm like, 'Okay, mentally, I'm ready to go.' I'm going to start working around, getting in the ring a little bit. Maybe. We'll see. This is not saying I'm making a comeback tomorrow. It's a long f**king road."

Paige said she was uncertain if WWE would offer her a contract, but given their third-party ban as well as her desire to return to the ring, leaving the company seems to be the only option.

#3. Johnny Gargano - Leaving WWE before any potential main roster call-up?

Johnny Gargano leaving WWE could be an inevitability. He has been Mr. NXT for years, and he seems to have avoided a main roster call-up -- something that most fans seem to be relieved about.

When it's all said and done, Gargano will go down as one of the greatest superstars in NXT history. But WWE's entire approach to NXT has changed, with the "third brand" status gone and NXT 2.0 being used as developmental territory again.

To add to that, Gargano's age may work against him as WWE is looking to hire and push superstars in their 20s. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful revealed that the NXT Triple Crown Champion's contract will expire on December 3rd.

As of this writing, there was an update from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, stating that there is still a chance that Johnny Gargano will be a part of NXT 2.0.

However, given WWE's change in direction, Gargano might end his 6-year stint with the company.

#2. Sami Zayn - The best chance of staying in WWE?

Admittedly, Sami Zayn has the least chance on this list of leaving WWE. Despite not having the most success on the championship level, Sami Zayn has enjoyed regular TV time for a while now.

Despite making his name as a babyface in NXT, Zayn has spent four out of nearly six years on the main roster as a heel. He seems to excel in the role, and WWE appears to value him as well.

However, he isn't in the category of superstars that could be protected from getting released. Given that he isn't a top star, he always seemed to be at risk in 2021.

However, Dave Meltzer of WON revealed that Sami Zayn's contract is due to expire by the end of 2021. Just like Johnny Gargano, Zayn is in a bit of a tricky position.

There isn't any news as to whether WWE offered a new contract to Sami Zayn, but he may choose to try his luck elsewhere.

#1. Kevin Owens - Is he AEW-bound post-WWE?

Kevin Owens' departure from WWE could be a heartbreaking one if it happens. While he had a quick rise in NXT, his WWE main roster debut saw him confront the company's franchise player John Cena.

While Owens would become the second Universal Champion, he never reached the same heights that he did post-2016. He has accomplished a lot, but in recent years, his championship success has been minimal.

While Kevin Owens has been utilized as a top star for a while, many argue that WWE hasn't used him to his full potential. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful and Dave Meltzer of WON reported simultaneously that Owens' contract expires on January 31, 2022.

WWE is likely to offer Kevin Owens a renewal of his contract since he seemed to gain the trust of Vince McMahon at one point. But the question is whether Owens will re-sign with WWE.

AEW seems to be a greener pasture for Owens at this point, and with several of his friends being top names on the roster, he could jump ship as well.