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WWE releases superstars for various reasons, whether it's misconduct, creative reasons or simply a "cleanout" of Superstars that they aren't doing too much with. Sometimes, it's nothing personal, sometimes superstars who are frustrated ask for a release.
You have instances with superstars such as Cody Rhodes who request their release, take it with stride and make a bigger name for themselves and establish themselves as one of the biggest stars in wrestling. For Cody, however, he belongs to an elite few. He earns more outside WWE than he did in the company, so there's little incentive to go back.
Either way, superstars either fold and quit their wrestling career or they do their thing and improve themselves and eventually return to WWE. Some, however, don't do as well. Either an alternate career is attempted and doesn't work out or sometimes they don't handle their release particularly well.
It should be noted that most superstars generally do leave WWE on good terms, whether released or not. In this list we look at both sides of the coin.
#1 Simon Gotch: Handled Well
Simon Gotch was part of The Vaudevillians, who by all means wasn't put in a place to succeed greatly. Either way, Simon Gotch had developed a bad reputation after getting involved in a backstage fight with Sin Cara.
He even had a bit of drama backstage at WrestleMania 33 weekend as well. Unfortunately, things weren't working out for Gotch in the WWE and he was released shortly thereafter. However, what surprised some fans was that in interviews post-release, Gotch didn't speak negatively of WWE at all. In fact, he was very composed and mature with his responses, stating that the release was mutual as he wasn't very happy either.
He stated that sometimes things don't work out and you have to take opportunities that come. He was even happy that his release helped Aiden English showcase what he had as a singles talent.
#2 Rich Swann: Handled well
Rich Swann seemed destined for great things when he was a featured star in WWE's Cruiserweight Division, even picking up the title on the 205 Live debut. Unfortunately for the happy-go-lucky Swann, things turned sour in late 2017 when he was accused of Domestic Violence.
WWE subsequently suspended him and he had gone on the down low before WWE and he mutually agreed on his release. However, the good news for him was that he was soon cleared of any charges and would go on to sign with Impact Wrestling.
It was a new opportunity that opened for Swann and he did a great thing by being quiet during the time of controversy. Things will likely work out well for him long-term.
#1 Enzo Amore: Didn't Handle It Well
Enzo Amore was one of the most popular stars in the WWE roster, being one of the highest merchandise sellers. Week after week, people chanted along with his catchphrases and he seemed like a long-term player for WWE.
He was moved to the Cruiserweight Division and then won the title in quick order, sending the division into a dark period. Soon after, he was accused of rape by a girl from Phoenix and was released with immediate effect after he reportedly never informed WWE that he was being investigated.
It was clear that the accusations didn't have much base to them and he was soon proven innocent. He came out of silence after this and went on to release two rap videos under a different name - 'Real 1".
These videos didn't help Amore's cause at all and it only further soured him in the eyes of the people. He vowed not to return to wrestling again.
#3 Emma: Handled well
Emma was in the forefront of the Women's Revolution and never really got the credit she deserved. She had two runs on the main roster, both which didn't work out due to creative.
It was well known that she was a talented star but she was hardly featured and even went in limbo for months when she was supposed to debut a new character called 'Emmalina'. Fans were devastated when she was released, but she seemed to take it with stride.
She would return to the independents as Tenille Dashwood and even have a run with ROH, competing to crown the first Woman of Honor Champion. Though unsuccessful, it was only the start as she currently enjoys a successful run in the independents. She never talked negatively about WWE and has definitely kept the door open for a return in the future.
#4 Big Cass: Handled Well
It took Cass almost three months from his release to open up about it. He returned from a long layoff in 2018 and seemed to be destined for big things on SmackDown Live. However, he lost to Daniel Bryan in two consecutive matches and was released shortly thereafter.
In an interview on Booker T's podcast, Cass revealed that his release was warranted. He said that he made too many mistakes in too little time. He even went on to say that if he were in Vince McMahon's shoes, he would have done the very same thing.
He would go on to reveal his intentions to return to WWE someday. That remains his objective. With an attitude like that, there's no doubt that he will return as long as he keeps doing his thing in the indies.
#2 Alberto Del Rio: Didn't Handle It Well
After less than a one-year run in WWE, Alberto Del Rio requested an early release and was granted it. From there, he did nothing but burn bridges, talking trash about the company on live videos when intoxicated and getting into several personal issues in his relationship with Paige.
The only thing he achieved was that he isolated himself from his fanbase. Despite this, he was signed by Impact Wrestling and would go on to have world title runs right off the bat. However, his run wouldn't go as smoothly as he began to no-show events in Mexico and even Impact's event during WrestleMania weekend in 2018. He was released by Impact in short order.
#5 Jack Swagger: Handled it well
Jack Swagger requested his release after a long period of inactivity and creative underutilisation. He was granted his request and filled his time wrestling in the indies. He later announced his intentions to begin an MMA career and sign with Bellator, the second biggest MMA promotion in the world.
Swagger continues to wrestle while also training for a Bellator Heavyweight bout. He has a legitimate amateur wrestling background that will undoubtedly help. He seemed to leave WWE on good terms and whether he returns or not, has great things lying ahead.
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