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WWE signs new talents every now and then whether it’s a popular figure or a young talent. Triple H’s NXT also plays an essential role in building WWE’s roster with talented Superstars, but in this tug o' war, everybody wants to achieve success.
Over the past few months, multiple Superstars have asked for their release, and many of them are frustrated with WWE right now. Recently, rumors emerged that Sasha Banks is also upset with her title loss at WrestleMania and she doesn’t want to return to WWE. But Vince knows her importance and will not let her leave quickly.
However, it isn’t the first time when WWE Superstars decided to leave the company. The following are five former WWE wrestlers Vince McMahon regrets losing.
#5 CM Punk
Former WWE Champion CM Punk left Vince McMahon’s company in 2014. Later, on Colt Cabana’s podcast, Punk said a lot of things about WWE and most of them were against the company. However, it doesn’t mean that Punk didn’t have a great career in WWE. At one time, he was the cornerstone of WWE, but due to the company’s medical team and other creative issues, problems started developing, and it ended with CM Punk getting fired from WWE.
Since then, fans have demanded his return to pro wrestling, which he actually did, but in an unusual way. He even made his UFC debut against Mickey Gall and later faced Mike Jackson, but in both fights, he lost. WWE has also wished Punk’s return to the company, but his stubborn attitude isn't allowing him to do so. Even after four years of his retirement from wrestling, fans haven’t forgotten CM Punk and they never will.
#4 Cody Rhodes
Despite being a great wrestler, Cody Rhodes didn’t reach his full potential in WWE, and lack of creativity led to his release. However, it proved to be a blessingin disguise for Rhodes as he has now become one of the most influential Superstars. Rhodes was working Stardust’s gimmick in WWE which was similar to his brother, Goldust. However, WWE failed to make this a successful gimmick, and it is when Rhodes lost his momentum.
He decided to leave WWE and returned to the independent circuit, where his career skyrocketed. Rhodes wrestled for many independent promotions, and even his brief run in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) helped him a lot. He now works for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a wrestler and vice president and maybe one day they'll run WWE out of business. We don’t know if that's possible, but ne thing is certain that Vince McMahon regrets losing Rhodes.
#3 Dean Ambrose
Dean Ambrose or Jon Moxley, whatever you call him, it’s true that he has left WWE. For many of us, it was a shocking decision, but for a die-hard wrestling fan, it was the right decision. Ambrose had a successful career in WWE, but from his point of view, the company wasn’t letting him to the things he wanted to do.
Ambrose worked as Jox Moxley during his independent wrestling career, but since joining WWE, Vince McMahon changed his identity completely. He got a new name and a similar gimmick but continued performing his best. But since losing his WWE Championship, the creative team didn’t let Ambrose reach the same level as compared to Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins.
The Lunatic Fringe also had some issues with the creative decisions which could have led to his WWE release. Ambrose has now left WWE, and Jon Moxley has made his return. Vince McMahon tried his best to refrain Ambrose from leaving, but he failed. Things are now going to be interesting for sure, and we have to wait for some time.
#2 Chris Jericho
Since leaving WWE in 2018, Chris Jericho joined New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and had a great run there. He also returned to the independent circuit where his value increased a lot.
In 2019, WWE tried to sign Jericho, but they failed when All Elite Wrestling (AEW) presented a massive offer to Y2J which he happily agreed. However, it doesn’t mean that the former WWE Champion wouldn’t return to Vince McMahon’s company again. Speaking to Chris Van Vallet, Jericho said this:
“Well I mean, maybe in three years I might go there or be associated or whatever, but for the next three years, it’s AEW. That’s where I’m signed and that’s the contract that I have.”
Even though Jericho is now an AEW-bound, Vince still respects him a lot, and will surely want to resign him. Considering how popular Jericho has become now, his presence would have helped WWE increase their viewership by a large margin.
#1 Neville (Pac)
Neville joined WWE in 2012 as a developmental talent but quickly became a popular figure. Formerly known as the King of Cruiserweights, Neville impressed everyone through his fantastic work. When he won the Cruiserweight Championship, things looked good for the British Superstar until WWE started pushing Enzo Amore over him. Neville didn’t like this and reportedly, left WWE out of frustration.
More than a year of his absence, WWE announced his departure from the company and Neville returned to the independent circuit as Pac. In 2019, he signed a contract with AEW and considering how talented he is, Vince will probably want to sign him back as soon as possible. However, it’s unlikely that Neville will sign with WWE again, considering his frustration with them.
Which one of these Superstars would you like to see in WWE again? Have your say in the comments below!
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