Former world champion, comedic duo, & more - 5 stars with promising potential who were dismissed by WWE in some fashion
While it wasn't on the same level as 2020 and 2021, WWE has allowed some stars to leave the company this year. Some, like Ricochet and Becky Lynch, let their contracts expire instead of agreeing to a new deal.
Ricochet officially left WWE, while Lynch's future is still in the air. Other stars who have left the company for one reason or another are Jinder Mahal, Dijak, Xia Li, and Maximum Male Models.
Some performers also haven't been used regularly in the New Era. In 2024, WWE dismissed the next five stars in one way or another.
(Being 'dismissed' will encompass certain stars who were released, terminated, unused, or whose deals were not renewed).
#5. Cameron Grimes waited a long time for his main roster debut
Cameron Grimes was an essential part of NXT 2.0. He started as an annoying heel but pivoted to a Hillbilly Millionaire after the Game Stop stock scandal. His outlandish persona eventually led to a face turn and a short run with the Million Dollar Championship.
He won the North American Championship and dedicated it to his late father. Grimes battled Bron Breakker for the NXT Title before being called to the main roster. He wasn't used for six months until the 2023 WWE Draft.
After a few appearances, he disappeared because bookers didn't know how to use him. Due to his comedic chops, he could have joined Alpha Academy or been involved with Pretty Deadly or the New Day. Instead, he was released earlier this year.
#4. Pretty Deadly won the NXT Tag Team Titles
Pretty Deadly joined the main roster with a lot of momentum. The duo offered something different than the rest of the teams in the SmackDown tag division - comedic timing in promos and matches.
Kit Wilson and Elton Prince have appeared a few times on SmackDown recently after disappearing following the 2024 Draft.
The New Day primarily limits its hijinx to promos. Otis and Akira Tozawa mix both but are also members of RAW. Bookers have dropped the ball with the English pairing but will hopefully feature them more after SummerSlam.
#3. The Nigerian Giant Omos is a unique attraction for WWE
Even with the limitations due to his enormous size, Omos is still a unique WWE performer. He fills the "Giant" role previously held by The Great Khali and the Big Show.
The best way to use his skills is as a huge obstacle for rising faces to overcome. Omos was booked to face Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar at big events.
While he might never wrestle a five-star classic like Seth Rollins or AJ Styles, The Nigerian Giant offers an alternative way to present a match. Bron Breakker or Ilja Dragunov could climb the mountain known as Omos.
#2. Dijak was building momentum in NXT
While Omos might have been limited due to his size, Dijak was not. He's not as big as Omos, but at 6 foot 7 and close to 280 pounds, Dijak was able to perform moves bigger stars shouldn't be able to pull off.
One only needs to look at his bouts with Wes Lee, Oba Femi, Bron Breakker, and others to see that Dijak was one of the MVPs of NXT over the last two years. Before that, his hoss matches with Keith Lee were spectacles.
His selection in the 2024 WWE Draft was initially exciting since there was a lot he could accomplish on the main roster. Unfortunately, he was quietly let go from WWE when he wasn't offered a new deal. It's a shame because talented big men like Dijak don't come along often.
#1. Bobby Lashley is a known commodity in WWE
Bobby Lashley has had two major stints with WWE. His second run started over six years ago. His return led to multiple titles, including runs with the WWE Championship.
The All-Mighty also faced many of the company's top stars, including Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Drew McIntyre. The Street Profits joined his side to form a new faction, but mishandling left things in limbo.
A heel turn would have switched things up for everyone, but a quick turn back to being heroes muddled the water. Lashley has been absent from programming since WrestleMania but was always extremely popular with the crowd.