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For quite some time now, WWE fans have grown used to the annual purge of the roster, so-to-speak. Each year, usually shortly after Wrestlemania, WWE releases a number of Superstars from their respective contracts.
For some, the writing has been on the wall, while others may appear to be blindsided by the news of their termination from the company.
Then there are some who actually want out of their contract, for one reason or another. They might be unhappy with their creative progress, or lack thereof, or they could just be ready for a lifestyle change, in which case a mutual separation is best for all parties involved.
No matter the surrounding circumstances, this day, now infamously known as WWE’s “Black Friday,” is going to come around, it’s just a matter of which talent is not making sense to keep around from an economical standpoint.
After all, this may be entertainment, but it is still a business, which means the shareholders still expect to make a profit when it’s all said and done.
WWE’s Black Friday is a very tense time for the Superstars on the main roster, as well as those on NXT’s roster. Despite not making it to a Raw or Smackdown roster just yet, those guys and gals are getting paid, and if they are not performing up to standards, they too will be wished well on their future endeavours.
This past year, the WWE Universe was shocked to learn of the Superstars who were released, most notably, Damien Sandow and Wade Barrett. Many of us, the common fans, look at the current roster with disbelief, knowing there were plenty of others who should have been cut way before Sandow or Barrett.
Also read: 5 Former WWE Superstars we want back
With that said, we weren't there and we don't know the details of why they were let go, so it’s best to give things time to develop. Eventually, everything will come to light, and will maybe make some sort of sense.
For instance, Wade Barrett’s release was a mutual ordeal, where he simply got burnt out. Wade wanted to return home for a while, possibly focus on some of his acting opportunities, and just unwind. Fortunately, Barrett departed on good terms, so who knows, maybe one day he will return!
On May 6, 2016, there was a press release published on WWE.com, stating that the company had released 8 WWE Superstars.
The column read: “WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE Superstars Damien Sandow, King Barrett, Santino Marella, Cameron, Hornswoggle, Alex Riley, El Torito and Zeb Colter as of Friday, May 6, 2016. WWE wishes the best in all of their future endeavours.”
WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE Superstars King Barrett and Damien Sandow as of Friday, May 6, 2016. https://t.co/bo5sQmIe75
— WWE (@WWE) May 6, 2016
In this article, we will take a look at each of these 8 former WWE Superstars and see if we can catch up with what they’re doing today. Are they still wrestling? Have they retired from the entire industry? What do they have planned for their future?
We will attempt to answer those questions and more, as we take a look at the 8 Superstars who were released on May 6, 2016, and find out exactly what they're up to these days.
#8 Cameron
Cameron was a participant in the 2011 revival edition of WWE Tough Enough. Oddly enough, Cameron didn’t make it very far into the competition. In fact, she was the FIRST person eliminated on the show! The FIRST, yet she still, somehow, landed a WWE contract?
Over the course of Cameron’s career, she never accomplished much of anything worth mentioning.
I know that sounds horrible, but Cameron seemed as if she really had no desire whatsoever to ever improve. Her claim to fame was her role on the hit reality television series Total Divas. As far as her in-ring career went, Cameron never did much outside of dancing for Brodus Clay, as one-half of The Funkadactyls.
After being released from the WWE, Cameron decided to retire from in-ring action, opting to focus on several personal desires she had, including her music career, as well trying to get noticed for potential acting gigs.
While she has essentially retired from wrestling, Cameron still finds time to appear at the occasional wrestling convention, such as WrestleCon and others similar to that event.
Sportskeeda’s 2-Cents: Cameron is a beautiful young lady, but lacks raw talent as well as the will to learn. She just seemed as if she couldn’t care less about being a WWE Superstar and it showed. Will she get another opportunity in the WWE? No. Hell no.
#7 Alex Riley
There are a decent amount of fans who feel that Alex Riley never got is true opportunity to shine. Riley was a participant in the second season of NXT, which is where he caught the attention of WWE creative officials who thought that Riley might have had something they needed.
However, after spending an entire career bouncing back-and-forth from the main roster, to the developmental process, and back again, Alex never seemed to put all the necessary pieces in place.
After his release, Riley headed to Hollywood, where he began searching for acting opportunities. Since that time, Riley has landed a few minor acting roles, but nothing significant just yet. Riley is also making the occasional indie appearance as well.
He also makes appearances at various wrestling conventions all around the world. Alex has also been booked onto a few modelling gigs as well.
Sportskeeda’s 2-Cents: Alex allegedly had a number of backstage problems especially those with John Cena. Some reports have even stated that he was too “toxic” in the locker-room and it was probably Cena’s feelings about Riley that ended Riley’s push.
When it comes to a potential return to the WWE, anything is possible, but in this case, I highly doubt Alex Riley will ever step foot inside a WWE ring again. That ship has sailed.
#6 El Torito
I have to admit, I have always been a fan of the little folks in wrestling. To be honest, some of these guys are just as talented as their bigger counterparts. When I think about El Torito, my mind goes back to the 2014 Extreme Rules pay-per-view.
During the preshow of that event, El Torito faced Hornswoggle in a match that was far from a joke. In fact, many believe that the WeeLC match was one of the best matches of 2014.
Unfortunately, beyond what he accomplished during his time in the WWE, there just wasn’t much more for him to do. However, in Mexico, El Torito is actually a pretty big star. Instead of the El Torito moniker, he is known there as Mascarita Dorada.
Following his release from the WWE, El Torito returned to action in the Mexican wrestling scene, where his wrestling career is still alive and well.
It’s also worth noting that El Torito has always been a strong advocate of protecting kayfabe. During his time off from wrestling, you will never catch him in public without a mask covering his face. This is a common practice amongst the Mexican Luchadores.
Sportskeeda’s 2-Cents: As I said, I have always appreciated what these guys do and how well they adapt to an environment which was not built to accommodate them. They are incredible athletes, with a tonne of talent.
As far as a possible WWE return is concerned, I can see El Torito coming back for a one-off type of scenario. As far as a full-time goes, maybe, but I just don’t see a demand for his services.
#5 Zeb Colter
Zeb Colter is one of the great minds of professional wrestling and quite frankly, I was shocked to hear his name mentioned among those released. However, Zeb was having some nagging health issues, which limited his ability to provide much for the company.
Zeb is also a fantastic talker, as noted by his angle with Swagger and Cesaro, as well as his short time with Alberto Del Rio.
Upon leaving the WWE, Colter spent the next few months traveling to various independent promotions for booked appearances. Zeb also spent some time helping Jeff Jarrett, offering his advice to better Double J’s struggling Global Force Wrestling promotion.
In January, Zeb signed a contract with Impact Wrestling as a creative consultant, as well as a producer. This was a great addition to TNA’s creative team.
ARE YOU GOING TO MISS ME WHEN I GO? I THINK THESE 2 GUYS PLAYED A PART IN ALL THIS. @WWE pic.twitter.com/7nsJp0enfO
— Zeb Colter (@DirtyDMantell) May 11, 2016
Sportskeeda’s 2-Cents: Zeb Colter is a wrestling treasure. We, as fans, were fortunate to watch his work. Aside from his contributions to professional wrestling, Zeb Colter also served his Country as a member of the United States Army, where he earned a Vietnam Service Medal.
When it comes to a potential return to the WWE, I’m not sure that is something Zeb would even entertain. The man is 67 years old and he has nothing left to prove, so this is a situation that would only take place if he himself had the desire to return and finish his career with the company. He is now with Impact Wrestling.
#4 Hornswoggle
Just as I previously mentioned regarding El Torito, I have a high level of respect for these little guys who dare to chase their dreams inside the squared circle. It’s obvious that professional wrestling is a sport that is catered to and designed around the bigger guys.
However, Hornswoggle is a prime example of someone who never allowed his disadvantages to detour him from success.
In a business where it is often times a rarity to see someone last longer than a few years, Hornswoggle managed to remain with the WWE for over a decade, which is a true testament to his determination and will to succeed.
After being released from the WWE, Hornswoggle instantly began getting booking inquiries from promotions all over the world. Since WWE owned the rights to the Hornswoggle name, he made a small change to his ring name and began his new journey as “Swoggle.”
Swoggle has kept a fairly full schedule, but nothing like the grind of WWE travel. He has mentioned that he is happier than ever now that he is able to spend time with his family while continuing to make a good living as a professional wrestler.
As of today, Swoggle is making appearances for major indie promotions everywhere, including Chikara and PWG. He also made several appearances with Impact Wrestling as well.
Sportskeeda’s 2-Cents: Hornswoggle is a trend-setter for other small people who may come up after him with dreams of becoming WWE Superstars. He serves as proof that you can achieve anything, as long as you work hard and never allow anyone to deter you from making your dreams a reality.
Swoggle will be just fine. We will be hearing about him for many years to come and is now with Impact Wrestling.
#3 Santino Marella
Santino Marella made his WWE debut as a crowd-plant during a 2007 episode of Raw, from Milan, Italy. During the segment, Vince McMahon selected Santino from the crowd, as a “fan” to challenge Umaga for the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
After a little help from Bobby Lashley, Santino defeated Umaga, becoming the new Intercontinental Champion on his WWE debut.
Following his debut, Santino was believed to be a potentially big star. However, it wasn’t long until WWE made the creative decision to utilise Santino for his comedic gift, which turned out to be his best asset.
After a 10-year-run as WWE’s resident comedy relief Superstar, Santino was released along with the others, in 2016.
Since his departure, Santino has turned all of his attention to his business, the Battle Arts Academy, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Santino, along with his business partner, opened the Academy in late-2013.
Battle Arts Academy has since served as a resourceful facility for all athletes, including WWE Superstars.
Sportskeeda’s 2-Cents: Santino had the gift of comedy, which he offered to fans for a huge portion of his WWE career. I will always appreciate his ability to insert hilarious antics into the boring parts of live shows.
Santino had a purpose, which he served and did very well while he was with the company. In regards to whether or not I believe he will ever return to the WWE, I honestly do not see him ever wrestling anywhere again. He has previously stated more than once, that he has retired from in-ring work.
His life’s work is now dedicated to the continued success of his Battle Arts Academy.
#2 Wade Barrett
I really thought Wade Barrett was a future WWE Champion. He possessed all of the necessary tools and skills to be a top star in the company. From the time he was the leader of the original Nexus, I was a believer.
Barrett was a lot of fun to watch, especially in his run as Bad News Barrett when he was the ultimate antagonist. Despite never really reaching the top-tier of the main roster, Barrett still managed to pull off 5 WWE Intercontinental Championship Title reigns and was once considered to break the streak when he was hot as the Nexus leader.
Unfortunately, Wade just reached a point where he was no longer happy, nor content being where he was. He had come to the conclusion that he still had some other desires in his life which needed his attention, so he eventually asked for his release.
Upon his departure, Wade Barrett was informed that the WWE door was always open for him if at anytime he wished to return and that till date the company would want him back. Wade returned home, to the UK, where he had a number of acting opportunities awaiting.
Goodbye @WWE.. pic.twitter.com/bYkPYW628Q
— Stu Bennett (@StuBennett) May 6, 2016
Sportskeeda’s 2-Cents: Wade Barrett was an outstanding brawler prior to coming into the WWE. He used his bare-knuckle background as an advantage when he became a professional wrestler, which gave him a unique, yet highly entertaining style that many fans enjoyed.
It’s really a shame that he had to go, but, I get it. As far as a possible return, YES, I certainly believe that he will come back to the WWE sooner rather than later.
#1 Damien Sandow
It’s been roughly nine months since his release, and I still don't understand this one.
Damien Sandow was on the verge of such a tremendous breakthrough that The WWE Universe was busting at the seams in anticipation of a Sandow push. But, for whatever reason, Vince and his band of executive misfits never pulled the trigger on what could’ve been something really special.
When the news broke of his release, many fans, including myself, thought this was some sort of evil trolling by Mr. McMahon. Sadly, it was not the case.
Since leaving the company, Damien Sandow has been the most wanted, in-demand wrestler out of all former WWE Superstars. The sudden explosion of attention and love was overwhelming for Sandow, but it kept him busy during an interesting time of his career.
Sandow was a member of the TNA Impact Wrestling roster as Aron Rex. He portrayed a Liberace-inspired character, whom I have compared to somewhat of a mixture of Gorgeous George meets Adrian Adonis type of persona. However, on April 4th 2017, Rex announced his departure from the promotion.
#ThankYouSandow for entertaining the heck out of me. @TheDamienSandow pic.twitter.com/cUuETdOm2f
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) May 6, 2016
Sportskeeda’s 2-Cents: Sandow’s release will be remembered as one of the biggest mistakes made during the 2000’s. Sandow was well loved and enjoyed entertaining the masses, which he did so well. This is an instance where WWE’s loss was certainly TNA’s gain for a while but Sandow has since left Impact too.
Will he return to the WWE? Absolutely. Impact Wrestling is living on borrowed time, which will result in several wrestlers looking to gain the attention of WWE’s powers-that-be. As for Sandow, he already has their attention, someone just needs to admit a huge mistake was made, and Sandow will be back in the fold.
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