5 WWE Superstars who requested their release

Nowadays, WWE Superstars have several options for pursuing careers elsewhere when their contracts expire.

Independent promotions have gained immense traction among professional wrestling fans recently. Tony Khan's All Elite Wrestling has also become a dominant force in challenging Vince McMahon's promotion.

These factors have led to several WWE Superstars publicly requesting their release before their contracts expire. The likes of Jon Moxley (fka Dean Ambrose), Shawn Spears (fka Tye Dillinger), Dustin Rhodes (fka Goldust), and FTR (fka The Revival) have successfully negotiated their releases to join AEW.

Apart from the wrestlers mentioned above, in this article, we look at five other WWE Superstars who requested their release:

#5 WWE Superstar - Rusev

Former WWE superstar Rusev was a force to be reckoned with in Vince McMahon's promotion.

He is a former three-time United States Champion. Rusev had some classic bouts with established superstars like John Cena, The Undertaker, Sheamus, Randy Orton, The Big Show, and Mark Henry.

In 2018, just before WrestleMania 34, Rusev was unhappy with his direction on the SmackDown brand. He was supposed to compete in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at the grand event but was put in a fatal four-way match for the United States Championship at the last minute.

Rusev at the time had requested his release from WWE, with Mike Johnson revealing this on PWInsider Elite Audio:

"I know I heard a month or three weeks ago that Rusev was pushing for a release because he wasn't happy with how he was being used but I could not confirm that with a second source. So, it's possible it's true and I feel it's interesting that he was suddenly added to the match [at WrestleMania]."

The Bulgarian Brute was part of WWE for two more years before finally being released in April 2020 due to pandemic-related budget cuts.

After leaving WWE, Rusev joined AEW in September 2020 under the new ring name Miro. He eventually became the AEW TNT Champion after beating Darby Allin. After an impressive 140-day reign, he lost the title to Sammy Guevara.

#4 WWE Superstar - Maria

Former WWE Superstar Maria was one of the most famous names on the women's roster. She was the Diva of the year in 2009 and is a one-time 24/7 Champion.

Maria and her husband Mike Kanellis had requested their release in January 2019 from WWE. They felt they were not being used properly. Ryan Satin of ProWrestling Sheet reported the following:

"Pro Wrestling Sheet has learned Mike and Maria Kannellis recently asked for WWE officials to release them from their contracts. Sources tell us the Kanellis’ have been unhappy with the way they’ve been used in WWE for awhile and finally made the decision a few weeks ago to request their releases."

Unfortunately for the Kanellis', the promotion didn't grant their request, and like Rusev, they were only let go in April 2020 due to pandemic-related budget cuts.

#3 WWE Superstar - Gran Metalik

Former WWE Superstar Gran Metalik was a member of the now-defunct Lucha House Party.

In one of his biggest career achievements, the Luchador won a Fatal-Fourway match to become the #1 contender for AJ Styles Intercontinental Championship in July 2020. Metalik, unfortunately, came up short in claiming the title. He is a former 24/7 Champion as well.

In September 2021, Metalik had asked for his release citing unhappiness with how he was being used. The company eventually released him on November 4.

Metalik was optimistic about his immediate future after his release, with the aforementioned Twitter post. It remains to be seen where he goes next after his 90-day non-compete clause is over.

#2 WWE Superstar - Lince Dorado

Former WWE superstar Lince Dorado was also a part of the Lucha House Party, with compatriots Metalik and Kalisto.

He has held the 24/7 Championship in the past. Dorado, like Metalik, had also requested his release in September 2021. WWE granted his wish on November 4.

Dorado is currently a free agent, and it remains to be seen which promotion he will join next after his 90-day non-compete clause is over.

#1 WWE Superstar - Andrade

Former WWE Superstar Andrade was one of the best talents on the roster, a former NXT and United States Champion.

He has had some memorable bouts with fellow superstars like AJ Styles, Braun Strowman, and Rey Mysterio. Andrade beat Mysterio to become the United States Champion in December 2019 at a house show in Madison Square Garden.

In March 2021, Andrade had requested his release with a Twitter post:

On March 21, 2021, WWE released the former United States Champion after the Fastlane pay-per-view.

Andrade then joined AEW in June 2021 under his new ring name, "Andrade El Idolo." He was last seen competing in a Casino Ladder Match for a shot at the AEW World Championship. Unfortunately for Andrade, he came up short as Hangman Page won the match.