Who Got Released From WWE in 2021?
Contents
Keep up with the latest WWE releases and find out who got released from WWE in 2021.
WWE Releases
On January 6, WWE released Samoa Joe, Billie Kay, Peyton Royce, Mickie James, Tucker, and Mojo Rawley. All of these superstars were let go due to WWE’s budget cuts.
Who got released?
Each year, WWE releases a number of Superstars from its roster. While some of these releases are voluntary (i.e. the Superstar asks to be let go), WWE also elects to release other performers for a variety of reasons, ranging from budget cuts to disciplinary action.
So far in 2021, WWE has released a total of 21 Superstars, including household names like Alexa Bliss and Braun Strowman. Here is the complete list of releases:
-Aleksandar Jaksic
-Aleksandar Jankovic
-Braun Strowman
-Cezar Bononi
-Deonna Purrazzo
-Drake Maverick
-EC3
-Eric Young
-Heath Slater
-Humberto Carrillo
-Jeff Hardy
-Johnny Gargano
– Kushida tag team partner in NXT Oney Lorcan tag team partner in NXT Aleister Black not renewed contract, future with WWE is uncertain but has not been officially released as of yet. Update: As of 5/19/21, Aleister Black has been officially released by WWE. Lana her contract was not renewed, future with WWE is uncertain but she has not been officially released as of yet. Update: As of 5/19/21, Lana has been officially released by WWE. Lio Rush future with WWE is uncertain but he has not been officially released as of yet Mickie James her contract was not renewed, future with WWE is uncertain but she has not been officially released as of yet Samoa Joe his contract was not renewed, future with WWE is uncertain but he has not been officially released as of yet Shelton Benjamin his contract was not renewed, future with WWE is unknown but he has not been officially released as of yet Update: As of 5/26/21, Shelton Benjamin’s profile has been removed from the NXT website, indicating that he has indeed been released by the company. Tucker Knight future with WWE is uncertain but he has not been officially release as of yet Update: As lockermate Otis’s profile was also removed from the NXT website on the same day (5/26/21), it’s safe to assume that Tucker Knight has also been let go by the company.
Why were they released?
WWE has a long history of releasing Superstars, whether it be for creative reasons, financial reasons, or personal reasons. 2021 has seen a number of releases from the company, with a number of high-profile names being let go.
So far in 2021, WWE has released superstars such as Aleister Black, Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre, Lana, Matt Riddle, MVP, Samoa Joe, and The IIconics. There are a number of different reasons why these superstars were let go by WWE.
Some superstars, such as Aleister Black and Braun Strowman, were simply seen as surplus to requirements and WWE had no plans for them going forward. Other superstars, such as Drew McIntyre and Samoa Joe, were released due to financial reasons as WWE looked to cut costs during the pandemic.
Lana was released due to personal reasons after she requested to be let go from her contract. Meanwhile, Matt Riddle and The IIconics were both released due to backstage heat after they had a number of disagreements with WWE management.
What are their future plans?
Since their releases, former WWE superstars have continued to make a name for themselves in the world of professional wrestling. Some have found success in other promotions while others have decided to retire from the ring altogether. Here is a look at what some of the most recent WWE releases are up to now.
On May 6, 2021, WWE released seven superstars including Kurt Angle, Rusev, Mojo Rawley,Primo & Epico Colón, Tucker, and Santana Garrett. According to reports, WWE has been releasing talent due to budget cuts amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kurt Angle was one of the most successful wrestlers in WWE history, winning multiple championships during his time with the company. After his release, Angle announced that he would be returning to Impact Wrestling, the promotion he helped make famous in the early 2000s.
Rusev was another superstar who was released by WWE in early 2021. Rusev had recently been involved in a highly-publicized storyline with Lana and Bobby Lashley which many fans felt was mishandled by WWE creative. After his release, Rusev took to Twitter to thank WWE for his time with the company and to express his excitement for what lies ahead in his career.
While we don’t know exactly what their future plans are just yet, it’s clear that these former WWE superstars still have a lot to offer the world of professional wrestling. Only time will tell what they’ll do next and if they’ll ever return to WWE again.
WWE Reactions
How did the WWE Universe react?
The WWE Universe has been left shocked and surprised by the recent release of stars such as Braun Strowman, Alexa Bliss, and Bray Wyatt.
Many fans have taken to social media to express their disbelief at the news, with some even calling for a boycott of WWE programming.
Others have praised WWE for making the tough decisions necessary to cut costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regardless of how the WWE Universe feels about the recent releases, one thing is for sure – these stars will be missed.
What was the general consensus?
The releases came as a bit of a surprise to the WWE Universe, as most wrestlers who were let go had been with the company for several years. There were some negative reactions to the news, as fans were disappointed to see some of their favorite superstars no longer with WWE. However, many people understood WWE’s decision to release them, as the company is always looking to save money and cut down on its roster.
What did the released superstars say?
On Wednesday afternoon, WWE announced that it had come to terms on the release of nine superstars. While some names on the list were not surprising, others caught fans off guard.
The superstars who were released are as follows:
-Tye Dillinger
-No Way Jose
-Deonna Purrazzo
-Mickie James
-Peyton Royce
-Billie Kay
– Alessandro Michele (formerly known as Drew Gulak)
-EC3
-Lio Rush
Many of the released superstars took to social media to share their reactions to the news. Tye Dillinger, who had been with WWE since 2006, said he was “grateful” for his time with the company. No Way Jose simply tweeted “Free at last,” while Deonna Purrazzo thanked WWE for giving her a “chance to prove myself.” Mickie James shared a lengthy statement expressing her gratitude for her time with WWE and her excitement for the future. Peyton Royce and Billie Kay, collectively known as The IIconics, also shared a statement expressing their gratitude and saying they will “never forget” their time in WWE. It is unknown at this time what any of the released superstars will do next.
