8 WWE Superstars who were released in 2019

#6 Hideo Itami

Hideo Itami, or KENTA, was a huge signing for NXT in its earlier days and many thought it wouldn't be long until he was a top star in the company. It certainly seemed like that was the plan with the way he was introduced and his early booking.

However, several injuries derailed Itami's push completely and he ended up floundering in NXT whilst everyone else around him had been called up to the main roster and was finding success.

Eventually, Itami was moved to 205 Live where he had a series of great matches before he requested his release and was given it on February 22nd, 2019.

Many assumed that Itami was going to go back to Pro Wrestling NOAH where he made his name as Kenta on the independent circuit, but he surprised everyone by joining New Japan Pro Wrestling.

He had a great showing in the G1 Climax, but his actions afterward where he joined the Bullet Club and turned on his friend Shibata were more memorable. He has since gone on to beat Ishii for the Never Openweight Title at Royal Quest.