5 Times WWE let their Superstars compete for other companies whilst under contract

The WWE is the ultimate juggernaut of professional wrestling and has been that way for quite some time. Though rivals have tried to claim the top spot, including the AWA, WCW, TNA and most recently AEW, there's yet to be a company that has been able to usurp Vince McMahon.

With the biggest bank account, WWE has been able to afford the very top Superstars, but despite having this monopoly, the company isn't without its breaks.

On occasions, WWE have even allowed some of their Superstars to jump ship and showcase their talents in other promotions without facing repercussions. Here are 5 times the WWE allowed their very own Superstars to compete for other companies, despite being under contract.

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#5. Latino Heat lights the fire of Ring of Honor

Eddie's career would culminate by winning the WWE Championship at No Way Out 2004 from Brock Lesnar

Though Eddie Guerrero is fondly remembered by all since his death in November 2005, things weren't always so easy for the high flyer. In 2001, Guerrero was fired by the company after being caught driving under the influence, though fortunately, he turned his life around in record time and was re-hired by the McMahon promotion the following year. In his hiatus though, Latino Heat would apply himself on the independent scene, and even worked the very first Ring of Honor show, titled The Era of Honor Begins.

After being rehired by WWE in 2002, Guerrero would quickly capture the Intercontinental Championship, though would return to ROH a few weeks later, competing in a tag team match. As a huge star in WCW and the WWF, we can only imagine how many fans first heard about the new promotion thanks to Latino Heat.

#4. The Beast returns to the Octagon

Lesnar dominated Mark Hunt in his return to the Octagon at UFC 200 in 2016.

Brock Lesnar is a specimen unlike any other WWE Superstar

After an incredible two-year career from 2002-2004 - one that saw the Beat become the youngest WWE Champion - Lesnar would find similar success in the UFC until 2011, and returned to pro wrestling the following year. By the time UFC 200 rolled around in 2016 though, Lesnar was feeling the MMA itch, and after careful negotiations, was allowed to compete at the historic event, despite being a WWE Superstar.

Soundly defeating Mark Hunt, the win was tainted by Lesnar's doping violation, though with or without any banned substances in his body, it was always likely that Brock would win. With his win, Lesnar would continue his winning ways, demolishing Randy Orton at Summerslam and proving himself a beast in WWE and UFC.

#3. Hulk Hogan and his toy

Hogan would compete in New Japan multiple times, even as WWF Champion.

Arguably the biggest star in all of wrestling, Hulk Hogan has had success across various promotions, but will perhaps always be known best for his initial run in the WWF. Had Hogan not joined the WWE though, he could've been a big star in Japan, as the Hulkster proved he was a big NJPW fan back in the day when he took on the Great Muta in mid-1993.

For any historians out there, they'll know that at the time of the Muta match, Hogan was the WWF Champion, recently capturing the gold at WrestleMania 9, and things get weirder from there. Post-match, Hogan appeared in a now-infamous segment, describing his own title - the WWF Championship as a toy - claiming the IWGP Heavyweight title was the real prize. It's not too surprising that the Immortal One left the WWF shortly after.

#2. WWF's ECW star topples WCW's ECW World Champion

Tazz as ECW Champion on WWF Monday Night RAW.

As part of ECW, Tazz was an absolute killer. So when the Human Suplex Machine made his debut in the WWF in early 2000, fans had high hopes. After a dominating debut inside MSG at the Royal Rumble against Kurt Angle, Tazz's career in WWE would never reach much higher, and later that same year, appeared briefly back in the extreme promotion.

When ECW World Champion Mike Awesome jumped ship to WCW, the Georgia promotion didn't know whether the title could be shown on screen, so an amicable decision was made. The decision, saw WWF's Tazz return to ECW, winning the title from WCW's Awesome in one of the most bizarre title changes in history. Though the Suplex Machine's reign with the gold wouldn't be long, his shocking appearance and win has remained lodged in the mind of fans.

#1. John Cena and Mr. McMahon in a high school gym

Both Cena and McMahon competed at a high school gym in 2007.

When fans sat down to a Chaotic Wrestling event in May 2007, few knew what was going to happen. A charity show to raise funds Newbury Police Association, everyone attending was encouraged to give big and were given a huge prize in return by the appearance of then-WWE Champion John Cena.

Serving in a special guest referee role, Cena wasn't the only big star on the show, as WWE CEO Vince McMahon also made a shock appearance, and during the main event tried to attack the 16-time World Champion, only to be levelled by an FU. A shocking night for everyone watching, it was a classy move by WWE to allow Cena to perform at the high school gym as Big Match John definitely helped bring in big donations for the Police.