WWE’s U-turn: R-Truth and 3 other Superstars who were quickly brought back after getting released

R-Truth made his shocking return during the final moments of this year’s Money in the Bank Premium Live Event. The thunderous reaction from the WWE Universe sent a message to the powers that be that they love the superstar.

Superstars being let go all of a sudden often lead to intense reactions and, in some instances, a shift in an ongoing storyline that the released talent is involved in. Driven by fan support, clarified misunderstandings, and strategic pivots, these rapid comebacks highlight WWE’s unpredictable landscape.

Check out these superstars who were once let go by the promotion but quickly returned.

#4. Emma’s return was a whole lot quicker than R-Truth’s

Former WWE Superstar Emma was released back in 2014 due to a simple mix-up.

She got entangled in an incident where she was accused of stealing an iPad case from a Walmart store. WWE was quick to distance itself from her, citing the aforementioned allegation as the reason for her termination.

It was later learned that Emma had simply forgotten to pay for the item, deeming the incident a simple misunderstanding. The former superstar’s release sparked major backlash from fans at the time, as they considered the release an unfair move.

Due to fan outcry and clarification that everything was not intentional theft, Emma was rehired just a few hours after being let go by WWE. She completed community service for the misunderstanding before returning to WWE TV.

#3. Drake Maverick

Drake Maverick is a former 24/7 Champion. (Image credits: wwe.com)

Drake Maverick was released by WWE in 2020 as part of the promotion’s cost-cutting measures during the pandemic, alongside several other superstars.

He was competing in the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament at the time when he learned about it. There was even a clip of him addressing his release. The video went viral as it garnered significant support from fans.

WWE still allowed him to compete in the tournament before calling it a day with the company. However, WWE had a change of heart. After his strong performance in the tournament, not to mention his viral clip, Triple H came out offering him a fresh NXT contract.

#2. Matt Hardy

It was due to his unprofessional conduct on social media that Matt Hardy was released by WWE back in 2005. This was after his discovery that his then-girlfriend, fellow WWE Superstar Lita, was having an affair with another superstar, Edge.

Hardy’s social posts were said to have disrupted WWE storylines at the time, as he vented out his personal grievances online while being sidelined due to an injury. This led to WWE’s controversial decision to fire him. It did not sit well with the fans since they believed Hardy was the victim.

The massive fan support, alongside a petition that garnered 15,000 signatures, resulted in WWE reversing its initial decision and rehiring Hardy.

#1. R-Truth

It came as a shock to the wrestling world that R-Truth’s contract was not getting renewed by WWE. The superstar announced the heartbreaking development on his social media post on June 1, ending his 17-year tenure with the company.

The decision shocked fans and his colleagues alike, given R-Truth’s immense popularity, comedic timing, and consistent presence on WWE programming. Fans were left wondering whether it was legitimate or part of an ongoing storyline.

Thanks to fans’ uproar, R-Truth shocked the entire WWE Universe when he interfered in the high-stakes tag team match showcasing Logan Paul and John Cena against Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes at Money in the Bank.

R-Truth’s appearance reportedly altered the outcome of the PLE’s main event, thrilling the audience.