In recent years, WWE has released a slew of stars. Whether the wrestlers decided to leave on their own or the company fired them due to budget cuts, these releases made headline news. Stars such as Jon Moxley, and Rusev are a few of the big names who've said goodbye to WWE.
As with any release, some wrestlers go on to experience success in other promotions. However, some retire from the business and find new careers. There there are the fortunate few, who get a second chance with WWE. Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley are two stars who received another chance and found success during their second run in WWE. For today's article, we'll take a look at other released WWE wrestlers who could get a second chance, while others won't be so lucky.
9 No Chance: Lars Sullivan
Wrestling and controversy are two things that go hand in hand. Throughout the years, there's been plenty of wrestlers who've landed themselves in hot water. One of the most recent cases involves Lars Sullivan.
Sullivan had the look that WWE and athleticism to be WWE's next big star. However, his tenure in WWE was plagued by one problem after another. In 2019, Sullivan found himself in a huge controversy when it was discovered he made several racist and sexist comments on a bodybuilding forum. Sullivan's insensitive comments made the rounds, and he apologized for his actions. Although, he remained with WWE following the controversy, he was released in January 2021. Given the controversy around him and Sullivan quitting the wrestling business, a return isn't likely.
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7 No Chance: The Revival
The Revival were one of WWE's top tag teams. The duo of Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson were huge in NXT, yet suffered the dreaded curse when called up to the main roster. In 2019, WWE turned the duo into a laughing stock with one humiliating segment after another. One of their most infamous scenes was the Ucey Hot segment.
Backstage, the Revival became frustrated with their booking and campaigned for their release. WWE granted their release in April 2020, and the next month the duo now going by the name FTR made their debut in AEW. With them now having creative freedom and featured in a big storyline, it seems the team has found their home at AEW.
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5 No Chance: EC3
When it come to getting another chance, EC3 has had several with WWE. His first WWE run was from 2009 to 2013 under the name Derrick Bateman. After his first release, he went to Impact Wrestling, where he became a star as EC3. In 2018, WWE came calling again and the wrestler couldn't resist a return, this time going by his Impact name EC3.
After spending a year in NXT, he was called up to the main roster in 2019, where he was placed in a feud with a departing Dean Ambrose. Despite attempts to make EC3 a babyface, the crowd booed him and showed their support for Ambrose. Following the disastrous feud, Vince McMahon lost interest in EC3, who was then treated as a jobber. During that time EC3 became unhappy and was going to eventually ask for his release, which came in April 2020.
4 Second Chance: Matt Hardy
Matt Hardy is one star who's been in and out of WWE for several years. Whether he was in a tag team with his brother Jeff or in a singles career, Matt was popular with fans. During his last run in WWE, the eldest Hardy grew annoyed with lack of creative control. Matt wanted to continue his Broken gimmick, which was a success in Impact Wrestling. However, WWE never got fully behind the gimmick.
Days following his WWE release, Hardy made his AEW debut on March 18, 2020, bringing the Broken gimmick with him. However, Broken Matt Hardy wouldn't last long, and he's now switched to the Big Money Matt gimmick. Matt's current run in AEW has been hit or miss with fans. Although, his last WWE run ended on bad terms, one can't rule out a possible Matt Hardy return.
3 No Chance: Mike And Maria Kanellis
When Maria Kanellis returned to WWE in 2017, she didn't come alone. Joining her was husband Mike Bennett aka Mike Kanellis. The couple experienced success in Ring of Honor and New Japan, but the same couldn't be said during their time in WWE. The pair's run in WWE was met with Mike's stint in rehab and Maria's two pregnancies. Aside from that, the couple became frustrated with their creative direction.
Although, Mike asked for his release in 2019, he and Maria ended up signing five-year deals. However, months later in April 2020, they were released from the company. Since then the couple has made a return to Ring of Honor. As for a potential comeback to WWE, given how outspoken Maria's been about her former employer, that seems unlikely.
2 Second Chance: Rusev
Rusev had everything it took to become a main-eventer in WWE. In the early days, WWE had high interest in The Bulgarian Brute, yet his push never went anywhere and he became stuck in the mid-card level. Despite gaining popularity with fans thanks to Rusev Day, WWE never gave him a proper push. During his final months in the company, Rusev and his wife Lana were placed in a horrible romance angle with Bobby Lashley.
Like many stars, Rusev was upset with his character and vented his annoyance online. He got his wish for release in April 2020, and months later in September made his debut in AEW as Miro. So far Miro's story of being Kip Sabian's best man and a video game fanatic isn't catching on to fans. With Miro's AEW gimmick being lukewarm, it wouldn't be surprising if he decides to go back to his Rusev roots.
1 Second Chance: Andrade
Andrade is the latest WWE star to be released by the company. The wrestler had potential during his run in NXT where he was the yellow brand's top champion. Yet, his main roster run was filled with ups and downs. Following the end of his association with Zelina Vega and Angel Garza, Andrade disappeared from television in order to have eye surgery. When he was cleared to return, it was evident WWE didn't have any plans for him. Growing annoyed at not being used, Andrade decided to ask for his release.
Although, initially denied his request, Andrade's release was granted on March 21st. Since he doesn't have a non-compete clause, Andrade is now ready to sign with another promotion. Even though Andrade is moving on to other ventures, he hasn't ruled out a possible return down the road. Since he's engaged to Charlotte Flair, WWE would be willing to give him another chance.