4 WWE Superstars who were released in 2019: Where are they now?
WWE is currently the biggest wrestling company in the world and many of the best wrestlers on the planet are signed to the billion-dollar company. While many have managed to grab the brass ring and break through the glass ceiling, others get very less TV time and they find themselves left out and get lost in the shuffle. While it's understandable that not everyone can get pushed, some of these wrestlers were big names and world champions in the wrestling promotion they previously worked for, such as Impact Wrestling and Ring of Honor.
Many of these Superstars decided to stick with WWE despite being rarely used because there was no other wrestling company/promotion comparable to WWE. But now, with the establishment of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), these Superstars have another option and this led to them requesting their release from WWE. While some were granted their release from the company, the rest had their request turned down and they had no other choice but to stick around and wait till their contract expires.
Four WWE Superstars from the main roster were released from WWE this year, and all of them are currently competing in other major wrestling promotions. So, without further ado, let's take a look at these four Superstars and where they are right now.
#4 TJ Perkins (TJP)
TJ Perkins signed with WWE in 2016 and competed in the Cruiserweight Classics, where he won the tournament and became the inaugural WWE Cruiserweight Champion. After losing the title to Brian Kendrick at Hell in a Cell, he later turned heel and allied with the former "King of the Cruiserweights" Neville. Unfortunately for Perkins, he never enjoyed the same success again.
On February this year, Perkins wrestled his last match on 205 Live against Humberto Carrillo where he lost. Three days later, TJP was released from his WWE contract.
Why he was released: Perkins stated that he didn't ask for release from the company, according to reports, and he doesn't believe in quitting. According to rumors, his release wasn't a cost-cutting measure, nor was it because he requested one, but it was due to disciplinary measures.
What he's been up to: Once his 90-day no-compete clause expired, Perkins returned to the independent scene and continued wrestling. He returned to Impact Wrestling in June two months ago where he defeated Ace Austin. He also competed in Impact Wrestling's Slammiversary PPV, although he didn't sign with the promotion.
In July, it was reported that Perkins would be wrestling during New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Super J Cup tournament.