5 Superstars who were released while holding a title

For a professional wrestler, winning a championship is a culmination of years of hard work, blood, sweat and tears. If it happens in a major promotion, it etches their name in the annals of wrestling history.

However, there are times when they, for one reason or the other, throw away the opportunity to hold on to their championship. Most recently, Enzo Amore was suspended – and subsequently released, while he was the WWE Cruiserweight Champion. It wasn't the first time that a champion was released from a major wrestling promotion, while still holding a title.

Lets take a look at five Superstars who were released from a major wrestling organisation, while still holding a title in the company.

#5 Meng

Tonga Fifita, better known as Meng to the WCW fans, and as Haku to the WWE fans, was one of the legitimate tough guys in the business. There have been numerous stories, recounted by his peers and veterans in the industry, about Meng's toughness, and how he always protected the integrity of the business.

During his time in WCW, Meng worked on a weekly deal with the company. This meant that he did not have a long term contract, but would show up to the show every week and get paid for it. Just a few weeks before WCW went out of business, Meng was given the Hardcore Championship at WCW Sin.

However, only a week later, Meng showed up at the Royal Rumble as Haku, and the Hardcore Championship was declared vacant. The WCW management did not have to come up with an elaborate reason however, as one week later, Vince McMahon bought the company, and WCW folded!